LETTERS: Tuesday, April 4, 2000

Remembering a friendRemembering a friendTo the Editor: So many people loved Justin, but no one could help him, even the people who loved him most. If this could happen to Justin, it could happen to anyone; it could happen to you, or someone you know, or even your children someday. It can happen to the most intelligent, athletic, sincere, kind, loving person that I have ever met, with more friends than I will ever have. But even all that was not enough for him, because he knew it could have been so much better. Things do not have to be this way, at least not at Penn, because this is certainly not the real world. If you need help, ask for it. No one is alone; if you do not need help, give it -- all we can do is help each other. All we have is each other, nothing else. Justin Finalle touched so many people that we could never forget him or what he believed in; he could never be just a newsbrief to us. The newspaper said that Justin was 22, but he was not going to turn 22 for another three months. And I would have given everything in the world to have him that much longer. Jack Schneider College '01 To the Editor: From what I've been hearing, there are a lot of seniors complaining about the University's Commencement speaker choice. I'll admit that I did not know who Seamus Heaney was until I read about him in the paper but, as a senior, I am pleased with and excited about the decision to have him speak at Commencement. I don't understand why someone would not want to listen to a man who has written "works of lyrical beauty and ethical depth." I, for one, would much rather see the world through the eyes of a poet than a politician whose speech he or she didn't even write and will probably repeat for the next university that asks him or her to speak. This man grew up in a war-torn country and became a Nobel Prize winner. That deserves respect, not some 21-year-olds turning their noses down on him. Is it so unthinkable to expand our scope beyond the world of business and politics? Heaney is one of the greatest poets writing in the English language, so I don't think we have to worry about hearing a boring speech. If the problem is that you never heard of him, then you most likely never read anything he has written nor heard him speak. Wait until May 22 to pass judgment on the man? My hope, for those of you who are so hung up on status, is that you'll realize money and status aren't everything. And if that is all you want out of life, you'll never be truly happy. Stephanie Bush College '00 · To the Editor: Two of my former students who are now students at Penn sent me e-mails last week about the choice of Seamus Heaney as speaker for your graduation exercises. They and I am delighted that students at Penn will have a chance to hear this man, who is undoubtedly the foremost writer in English today. I can remember in my own college days that Robert Frost was making appearances on college campuses. Although I was never lucky enough to hear him in person myself, I think there must be wonderful memories for those thousands who were in the audiences when he did his readings and talks. By the time current Penn students are mature adults, they will count themselves fortunate to have been able to hear Seamus Heaney. If there is anyone who does not appreciate this opportunity and wants to come teach my classes in Dallas so I can come hear Heaney again, please have them contact me! Margaret Hamlin The writer teaches Advanced Placement and senior English at the Episcopal School of Dallas in Dallas, Texas.