Lessons of the Harvest

Re “Lessons of the Harvest,” March 28.

The parallel stories of Times staff writers Daryl Kelley and Fred Alvarez really struck a chord in our household. My husband, Rich, grew up in Santa Clarita working the fields to earn money for clothing and school, and although I did not, my mother took in ironing and did odd jobs to keep our family afloat.

The value of hard work and the ability to improve oneself through the state college system is what I found so compelling in these essays. Kelley went to Fresno State, Alvarez to Cal State Fullerton, my husband to San Jose State and I to Cal State Northridge. Self-motivation cannot be undervalued, but neither can the accessibility of affordable education.

DELPHINE G. FROST

Los Angeles

*

“Lessons of the Harvest” was an absorbing and moving piece.

Without being emotional, each reporter characterized the difficulties of life working in the fields. Without shame, each described how fieldwork taught him values, pride of workmanship and the knowledge that he could accomplish a great deal if he worked hard toward a goal. And without being sentimental, each paid tribute to the parent who nurtured and encouraged him to higher education and a better way of life.

I’m sure it took a great deal of soul-searching to write such personal stories. Yet I’m equally sure they brought a tear to they eye of many of us who, like them, grew up poor but proud in rural America.

Thanks to them for their thoughtful accounts, and thanks to you for putting them together and publishing them.

CHARLOTTE CRAVEN

Camarillo