Summer 2007 Volume 103 Issue 3 : letters
Re: "Techs + Scholars," Spring 2007
Old enough to be her mother, and like her mom a solo parent at the time, I had the pleasure of sharing an education class with Melissa Silberman ’94.
One day Melissa came to me in tears. She had just been informed by one of her professors (in front of the class) that she had to start over on her senior project. Melissa was told that her idea of having inner-city students develop a script of a Shakespearean play into their own vernacular was unacceptable.
My heart broke for Melissa — she so believed in the project she was trying to accomplish and the young people she wanted to enlighten. After quickly regaining her composure, Melissa’s attitude let me know that she was undaunted by this obstacle and would faithfully continue on her path, regardless.
I lost track of Melissa; in fact, that may have been the last time we spoke. But when very successful films with themes similar to her idea started to appear, I thought of her and incredulously shared this story with others. Now having read the VQ’s article about Principal Silberman’s recent triumphs at Brooklyn’s Automotive High School, I have reason to share my sentiment aloud: “Melissa had it right after all!” I also prefer to believe that that rejection 13 years ago unwittingly served to strengthen Melissa’s resolve further.
Thank you, Melissa. Thank you for staying true to your selfless journey. Yours is a wonderful story of hope and redemption. May your dreams, on behalf of so many others, continue to come true.
Laurel Herdman ’95
West Hurley, New York