Glenelg High School

14025 Burntwoods Road

Glenelg, MD 21737
October 25, 2015
Dr. Senait Fisseha
475 Market Pl
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Dear Dr. Senait Fisseha,
Hello! My name is Helena Getachew, niece of Dr. Mesfin Araya. I am 10th grade student
partaking in the gifted and talented program at Glenelg High School in Howard County,
Maryland. This program acts as a platform for each student to research a topic that sparks his/her
interest, narrowing down the broad, compulsory subjects to a more specific field. I will be
undertaking an academic-year-long, research-based study on maternal and newborn health in
Ethiopia. Specifically, I aim to address the inaccessibility of maternal health services as well as
factors that halt Ethiopias maternal health progress, such as traditional practices or poverty. My
goals this year are to form a list of sources that will assist me in arguing a relevant thesis. I will
also undertake a research project in which I will generate primary data. I have utilized my
schools electronic databases, in addition to other print and online tools, to research my topic.
As a high school student, collaborating and communicating with a professional in my field of
interest is a vital aspect of my research; I am hoping you might be willing to provide me with
your personal input that would assist me in my research. Currently, I intend on analyzing the
regional impact on ones access to maternal health services, particularly due to the
underdevelopment and the lack of political attention received in these areas; however, I have had
difficulty finding such information. If possible, could you offer me assistance as I conduct my
research? There are a variety of tools that would enhance my research, such as articles from a
research or trade journal, an opportunity to talk by phone for a brief interview (over a video chat
outlet), suggestions of other professionals who specialize in my field of interest, current and
relevant data, and many more other resources.
In addition, a professional with expertise in my topic who might be able to guide me throughout
my research, or an advisor, would be of great use to me. As an advisor, he/she should provide
periodic counsel as the school year advances. This might include:
Offering/suggesting readings and/or introducing students to other professionals in the field.
Reading occasional assignments for content accuracy.
Providing guidance, via email or telephone as needed.
With that being said, I would most surely appreciate your assistance and guidance as proceed
further in my research.

Thank you for considering my request; all information can be sent to the return address seen
above, to the attention of Leila Chawkat/Helena Getachew. For practicality reasons, I can be
reached at helenaget02@gmail.com. I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Helena Getachew