Appendix A: Letter of Support from My Mother

To whom it may concern
Hello, I'm Futoshi's mother.
I visited Ottawa last summer when he graduated from Carleton University.
Although I haven't seen him physically, I have been in touch regularly, and I'm up to date with his life and I'm concerned about his well-being.
He often calls me, writer letters, and e-mails with pictures.
He sends me presents for my birthdays Mother's Days Christmas every year.
He wants to study more and more, and I want to let him study as much as possible.
Sincerely,

Mariko Tachino (signed)
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Appendix B: Letter of Support from My Grandmother
To whom it may concern
I'm Futoshi's grandmother.
I feel anxious about him more than other grandchildren, because he lives far from Japan.
He is very kind since he was in Japan.
He calls very often and talks about many things.
I believe he will come back to us some day.
Sincerely
Kazu Sato (signed)
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Appendix C: Letter of Support from My Sister
To whom it may concern
Hello, my name is Chiaki, Futoshi's sister.
I am a student of the university in Japan.
I visited Ottawa last winter and stayed for two weeks
He took care of me and gave me advice to read books and study hard.
We sometimes talk about many things.
He sends me presents for my birthdays every year, often books.
I admire him for his attitude to study.
Sincerely

Chiaki Tachino (signed)
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Appendix D: Proof of Tenancy from My Landlady
27 May 2003

To whom it may concern:

Futoshi Tachino has been a tenant in my house for the past four years. He is an ideal tenant, quiet and studious and always prompt with the rent. He has helped me many times with household tasks, and looked after my house when I have been absent.
He is a very pleasant student and I will be very sorry to see him go. But he has achieved incredible academic honours and wishes to pursue his career elsewhere.
I wish him luck in all his future endeavours.

Mitzi Hauser (signed)

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Appendix E: Letter of Support from Lisa
Embassy of the United States of America
Sussex Drive,
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

June 3, 2003
Re: Tosh Tachino's visa application to the United States of America
To whom it concerns:

I have known Tosh as a neighbor and friend since 1999. In the four years that I've known him, Tosh has studied at Carleton University while establishing ties with our neighbourhood through his involvement with a number of families. He is known as a kind and generous community member, one who has put down roots here and intends to make Ottawa his permanent home.

Tosh often shares his passion for linguistics with me, and I know him to be a devoted student, eager to pursue an advanced degree that would enable him to become a professor of linguistics here in Ottawa.

As a highly attractive candidate who has already published and presented his work at professional conferences, it was not a surprise that Tosh received offers from both Canadian and American universities. Iowa State University is Tosh's first choice because it offers him the optimum mixture of academic and financial opportunities. This level of opportunity simply is not available at most Canadian institutions.

There is no doubt in my mind that Tosh's sole intention in applying for an student visa is the pursuit of academic objective and that it is not his ambition to remain in the United States beyond the terms of his visa, if granted.

I am prepared to vouch for his return of this outstanding young man to Ottawa upon completion of his studies. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance in this matter.

Sincerely,

Lisa Woodward (signed)
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Appendix F: Letter of Support from Shirley
05 June 2003

Hey Tosh,
When I learned that you would be off to Iowa State University this summer, I was so happy for you! As you told me the news, I could see the excitement in your eyes. Of course, ever since I've known you, I've known that you would achieve whatever it would be that you decided to achieve. I certainly congratulate you.

Now, as the time draws nearer, I'm beginning to realize how much I'll miss you here on campus. It's been nearly four years since we met in the famous Big J's class, and having had a seat right beside you was great luck. You always managed to both entertain and enlighten me; little did I know how much you would come to affect my life.

Your stories of letters to the kids you'd met as a camp director enlightened me most to your sensitivities. Those kids meant a lot to you, and I thought it wonderful how much time you often spent befriending them through your wonderful writings.l As time progressed, I came to realize that you are a master at welcoming those you care about into your own "big family". You, Tosh, have come to have a huge family of admirers right here on campus, not to mention all of those kids from camp.

It has always been rewarding experience to share time with you. You've continually inspired me - in many directions. Your genius is not only in academia.

A couple of years ago, when you had your wisdom teeth out, I was more than happy to be able to accompany you and get you safely home. Lord knows you needed someone there after major dental surgery! (It also gave me a chance to review your major project, you may recall. I was thinking about Ellen having to read and mark such a huge portfolio!) And by the way, sorry if the jello wasn't your favourite flavour, but it was all I could think of at that time that you'd be able to eat for the next few days! Little did I know, then, that you were planning a European holiday in two days later! How I worried about you! But, sure enough, you once again proved yourself to be a real trooper. Off you went on your hiking expedition with absolutely no indication of having had your gums ripped out only days before! And I was worried about the flight!

Not seeing your smile on campus will certainly be unusual. I now wish I had shared at least one more class with you. Not marking CAEL tests for hours with you will be missed, too. How will I eve keep focusing on the writing discrepancies without your perfect articulations of the problems? And when those hundreds upon hundreds of tests begin coming in this summer, you can be sure that you'll definitely be missed by all CAEL staff! Most of all, however, I'll miss your continuous linguistic wit. Thank goodness for email, because I'll be expecting regular reminders!

Your PhD endeavours are to be congratulated. Let it be known that you'll not be replaced in any way, shape or form here at Carleton. Whenever you should decide to return, we'll all welcome you with open arms.

In the meanwhile, you'll be Iowa State's good fortune.

I wish you only the best of life, my friend!

Shirley (signed)
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Appendix G: Letter of Support from Peggy
June 1, 2003

Re: Letter of Personal Reference on behalf of Tosh Tachino

To Whom It May Concern,

This letter will serve as a personal reference for Tosh Tachino. I have known Tosh in the capacity of classmate, co-worker, and personal friend since September 1000. It is my pleasure to act as a personal reference on behalf.
Tosh and I first met while studying at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, in September of 2000. We were each completing a BA in Linguistics. Since that time, I have marked the Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Assessment with him. This consists of three hour marking sessions, which on average occur from 1-2 times per month. Additionally, Tosh has been a guest, on several occasions, in my home and my husband and two children have also become acquainted with him.
I have no hesitations in recommending Tosh. He is an ambitious and very bright individual. His drive and enthusiasm will contribute to a continued success in academia an in other personal and professional endeavours.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can answer any questions or provide any additional information.

Sincerely,

Peggy Hartwick (signed)

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Appendix H: Graduation Picture
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Appendix I: Letter of Support from Selina
Tuesday, June 03, 2003

To Whom It May Concern: