Encouragement for Teen Who Met Intolerance

Re “Plenty of Lines, but No Limits,” Oct. 13:

We cannot change human nature, but we can improve our behavior. At age 17, Shadee Malaklou is to be celebrated. We meet bigots and uninformed people -- most of them salvageable, some of them savage, but you, young lady, are the illumination we need -- not just your friends. We are who we are, but we are more than that; capable of becoming wiser, becoming kinder, bringing new breadth to human nature itself. You, dear lady, keep shedding your light and enlightenment and do not let anything or anyone discourage you as we all need your love and innocence to supply us to energize our hope.

Sanford Goodkin

San Diego