Hearts and Minds

March 10th, 2009

Many thanks for Charlotte Bruce Harvey's article on Rob DeBlois '82 AM ("The Lucky Man," January/February). DeBlois is truly making a difference in the world—a true peace hero! May he continue to be framed by the upturned crescents of his students' smiles.

David Hahn '78
Seattle
david.hahn@stanfordalumni.org

 

I am a Brown graduate from a middle-class background. I am very deeply moved by the story of how Rob DeBlois came from a wealthy background and used his privileged position to help the poorest and most invisible members of our society. His life-altering accident changed his perspective. His UCAP program is literally changing lives by giving disadvantaged and poorly performing middle school students the tools they need to succeed in school and life.

I also applaud Tim Hotchner '95 for making a film about this worthy cause. When middle-class people (and, even more so, working-class and poor people) speak, our voices are simply ignored and marginalized. But when people from privileged backgrounds like DeBlois and Hotchner speak, the world listens. I hope that the work of these two men will open the eyes and hearts of the wealthy to the plight of poor children so that their problems can be genuinely tackled and solved.

Rebecca Witonsky '97
Boca Raton, Fla.

cin_di@msn.com

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Related Issue
March/April 2009