6 August 2004
Digna E. Ortiz
Interamerican University of Puerto Rico
San German, PR
To the Smithsonian Women’s Committee:
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to your organization for allowing me to share in this years Research Training Program. You have allowed me the time and training that will now dictate the future course of my continuing education. It has been a summer full of surprises, excitement, new collegues, new friends, but most importantly, new aspirations and goals. I came into the program with concerns regarding my abilities, but the Smithsonian staff with whom I have had the pleasure of working, have made me feel welcome and well prepared for the research work I undertook.
I have been very fortunate in that your committee took interest in my past accomplishments and has seen my inner potential. This program is a once-in-a-life opportunity, and being part of it is a dream come true for me.
I am now confident that I will be able to enter graduate school and earn a MA in Archaeology. All my future accomplishments will be the result of your confidence and generosity. You have helped me confirm the fact that one is never to old to follow their dreams and accomplish what many may think to be impossible.
You have become a significant part of my future, and I will never forget your kindness and generosity. You have shown me that there are those who still believe in the underdog and for many women of my cultural background, having someone believe in them and their capabilities makes the difference between accomplishment and failure. You have helped me reach goals I have set for myself and have helped in me in establishing future goals.
As the program comes to an end, I feel that I have accomplished all that I set out to do. I was able to do it because I knew the Smithsonian Women’s Committee was backing me up 100%. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Digna E. Ortiz
Research Training Program, 2004