As Jordyn Flows

[In order to further my history classe's understanding of the creative individuals that thrived throughout the Jazz Age, Mr. Yaffe created a simulation for these members (now deceased) to be accepted to Prestigous University (PU). Ranging from Langston Hughes to Charlie Chaplin, each student advocated for their legendary icon to go to Prestigous University by writing a letter of reccomendation. From the perspective of Ernst Hemmingway, I wrote about Gertrude Stein, who was my best friend and writer. The competition was heavy; yet, Gertrude was one of the five students to attend PU next fall].  

To Whom It May Concern: Gertrude Stein became my mentor and best friend through my frequent visits to her apartment. Located at 27 Rue de Fleurus in Paris, Gertrude’s apartment walls were covered with paintings by Paul Cézanne, Picasso and Matisee. On a daily basis, I would spend hours with Gertrude and often found it difficult to leave her bohemian apartment. From discussing politics to our mutual talent for writing, Gertrude and I talked, “just like brothers.” My fellow expatriates and I were attracted to this ambiance in that it represented the modernist movement, which essentially we were all contributors to. Here people were stimulated by the great minds of memorable visitors which included: Pablo Picasso, Ezra Pound, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Sherwood Anderson, and of course myself. Above all, Gertrude’s appreciation for the arts was the essence behind the aura in her apartment that we retreated to everyday. A true patron of the arts, Gertrude was an inspiration to these creative individuals for she was, “the catalyst for modern art and literature.”  

A true independent thinker, Gertrude wanted to transfer her infatuation with modern painter’s fundamentals through another medium-her prose. Crowned with the reputation as the literary voice of the modern movement, Gertrude Stein had achieved her goal to paint a verbal landscape inspired by these modern painters. Gertrude is a true innovator in that she has manifested Cézanne’s techniques in her own writing.  An advocate for both artists and writers, Gertrude has played the role of a mother to many expatriates while in Paris. At Prestigious University, Gertrude could continue to lead and unite talented individuals. From her renowned prose in poetry to her admiration for other artists, Gertrude always exudes creative energy. “She became the goddess of her age,” simply because she was the leader of an inner circle exclusively for creative individuals that embodied this age. These independent individuals were attracted to her non-conformist ways and were encouraged to unleash their creative genius alike. Both an art and book critic, Gertrude’s advice was highly valued by her fellow expatriates. Clearly, Gertrude’s undying appreciation for the arts would make her a wonderful asset at Prestigious University. She could express her own creative genius while supporting her talented peers. It is rare to find a literary figure who invests in those who she inspires as well as the people that inspire her.   

Gertrude became a celebrity with the publication of, "The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas" in 1933. This novel became a best seller in America and established Gertrude as a talented writer. In addition, she is also recognized for her play on words such as, “A rose is a rose is a rose is a rose.” Common principles in Gertrude’s language include the continuous use of the present tense, repetition, and essence. This avant-garde and philosophical approach to writing and thus rebelling against traditional syntax separates her from her predecessors. Her technique has served as an inspiration for other writers including myself. Prestigious University should accept the only female that I believe is qualified to attend such, “a well-respected liberal arts college.” Throughout my life, I have never once encountered a woman like Gertrude. As one of the greatest American writers, I attribute my success to Gertrude merely because she has had the largest influence on my writing.  

Gertrude has never shied away from making her dreams or ideals become a reality, which makes her a true risk taker. My dear friend has never been afraid to fail, and I know that she would continue to challenge herself at Prestigious University. This is simply the reason why she continues to exceed. Confidence enabled Gertrude to become who she is. Her personal belief that, “I have been the creative literary mind of the century” was the force that pushed her to achieve excellence in transferring cubism through words. I believe that Gertrude’s confidence in her aptitude is the secret ingredient which will allow her to obtain even more success if given the opportunity to attend PU. Having already attended the John Hopkins University, Gertrude could continue to major in philosophy or direct her studies elsewhere in the hopes of adding even more dimension to her writing style. From the day I met her, she embarked on an exploration in understanding the depths of language. Having written both fiction and non-fiction novels, poetry, and plays-Gertrude is a natural writer. There is no doubt that Prestigious University has an ideal environment that will enable Gertrude to pursue her talent in writing.  

I highly recommend that you accept such a multifaceted and cultured woman such as Gertrude at Prestigious University.  She is the epitome of a non-traditional individual for she has created a non-traditional world which has served as a source of inspiration fv or a total generation. My mentor would be a perfect fit at Prestigious University since she exudes an enormous amount of confidence as a non-conformist. Gertrude Stein has been true to herself, career, and most importantly to an entire generation. Success is not what defines Gertrude, but rather it is her loyalty to the arts which makes her so special.   

Sincerely, Ernest Hemingway