A Letter from Jessica’s Grandpa

     At my age (pushing 70), I have come to realize that government moves slowly. That's not a complaint, just an observation. Hence, since it's unlikely that many new laws, rules or opportunities will change the rest of my life, I have decided to give you my vote in the name of my granddaughter, Jessica, age 14.

 

     Jessica is an excellent student, having just graduated from Aspire Middle School with an A- average and is looking forward to her years at North Thurston High School, the University of Washington and the UW Medical School. This past year she was a Legislative Page and was quite impressed with the experience....enough so, that she is considering a minor in political science while still pursuing her major in medicine. She wants to become a Pediatrician. And thus the reason you are getting my vote.

 

     Family medical problems, with their ensuing costs and ongoing physical limitations, have pretty much wiped out the financial support that we all had intended would assist Jessica with college and med school expenses. It appears that she will have to mostly rely on her own ability to secure scholarship support in order to attain her dream. According to several sources, even though she may receive multiple scholarships, it's not likely that they will total enough to see her through all those years of study. If that projection is true, my only comment is "What a shame, what a waste of talent."

 

     Think of your own family's situation for a moment. When your cherished grandchildren need to see a doctor, will you want them to visit the doctor who became a doctor purely for the prestige of the title, and who happened to have parents with the funds to pay for their schooling?...or will you sleep better knowing that your family's future is in the caring hands of someone who pursued their career with a compassionate heart and a strong desire to help children?

 

     If, in the capacity of State Representative, you can do anything to brighten the dim-looking future of Jessica and her ambitions, then you will continue to have my support. And in four short years from now, I'm sure you will have won the vote of Jessica herself.

 

Thank you for your attention to education.

 

Sincerely,

 

Peter G.

Lacey, WA