High School Graduate and University Neuroscience Student, I believe that it is better to understand an equation than simply memorize the solution

I was Carrie's physics teacher in the 2021-2022 school year, and this 2022-2023 school year she is a science mentor to students in my physics class. If asked to name one trait that stands out for Carrie, it would be leadership. This quality presents itself in many ways:
• She is a first generation college student. She knows she can expect no financial help from her family, so she saves as she can as a soccer referee, as a preschool teacher in a day care and as a food server.
• She has played soccer for ten years, and was elected team captain for three of the most recent years.
• She is a founding member, co-president and social media manager of the Animal and Wildlife club, and organization that collaborates with local shelters to raise funds, and sponsors clean-ups of local parks and beaches.
• Her leadership skills truly shine in the classroom. Last year as a physics student she was a quick learner and a serious student. In her work in lab groups, she was always ready to help others who were struggling. This year she applied for and became a science mentor in Physics. She is regularly called upon by groups asking her for help. She is learning the skill of “teaching without telling”. She gives away no answers, but asks thoughtful questions to guide their thinking toward the right solution. She is a natural here.
• Her leadership is evident in her strong sense of racial equity and social justice. Last year in her physics class two male students spoke of women and people of color in truly derogatory terms. She stood up to them every time she heard it. One instance was so outrageous that I was stunned to silence as I sought a useful reasonable response. It was Carrie who took the class microphone and stood and spoke her truth directly to the student. Her response was measured, from the heart, and completely appropriate. That day she was the teacher and I was the student.
• Her leadership does not end there. Last year our school received two credible threats of an impending school shooting. She has demonstrated leadership in her involvement with the local chapter of March For Our Lives, a group that supports increased mental health resources and an end gun violence in schools. At a school rally against gun violence after the Uvalde school shooting it was Carrie who stood on a table in the school courtyard with a megaphone and addressed the students in the rally.
At university she plans to study neuroscience and then continue on to law school where she plans to be a legal advocate for underserved foster children and other children who are unrepresented and are caught up in the legal system. Hearing this did not surprise me in the least. She is capable of this and more.
I rarely say this in recommendation letters but put simply, Carrie is a remarkable candidate. Her academic acumen, athleticism, leadership and organizational skills and passion for service sets her apart. She has my highest recommendation, and any institute of higher learning will be fortunate to have her.