Letter to Voices : Educational Dilemma

I understand completely what John Gonzales is writing about (“College Brings Alienation From Family, Friends,” Community Essay, Jan. 20).

I, too, experience alienation from family and friends [because of my graduate-school education]. No one of my family of origin has chosen the educational route. Members of my family appear to have much in common: They share time together and communicate often, appearing happy and complete without me.

My father, who died in 1979, could neither read nor write. My mother didn’t complete high school. All along, my greatest challenge continues to be how to use this new knowledge, this new identity to bridge the gap between [me and] those I care so much about, and yet continue to be who I am. I yearn to be a part of both worlds--family, friends and professional colleagues.

ERCELL H. HOFFMAN

Compton

There is no question that education leads people to higher cultural standards than that of their uneducated parents and peers. Every immigrant group to America has experienced this problem, last but not least Latinos. Dostoevsky addressed this issue over 100 years ago. Bravo to Mr. Gonzales for exposing so candidly his personal dilemmas.

However, differences in education should not stop minorities and immigrants from attaining an education, a ladder to social and economic mobility. Jobs for ditch diggers have disappeared.

THOMAS KARDOS

La Puente