Dear Editor:
As a GLBT student, I have gotten to know Paulette Curkin very well in the past few years. With her retirement so close, my first instinct is to beg her not to leave, but I know that will not work. Unlike Hollywood, a new, fresher-faced actor cannot replace real superheroes. Paulette has opened my eyes to so many new things, and I know that I am one of many who she has inspired to play a part in the quest for GLBT equality.
Paulette, you are the reason for my first letter to the editor. Before it, I lacked the confidence and the support to voice my opinion. But, with your guidance, writing a letter was no longer a choice; it was a necessity to play a role in getting the GLBT Resource Center. Because of your faith in me, I feel like my own handprints are etched into its legacy. You have no idea how proud this makes me.
You also took me to my first national GLBT conference. You showed me that there are places where acceptance is abundant and the stifling intolerance of southern Illinois is not the big picture. I have never felt so connected to strangers and less alone in my life. You made me realize that the world is so big and there is so much going on, there is no excuse for contributing to stagnancy. You have given me motivation, confidence and experience. There is no way I can repay you.
Paulette's replacement has large shoes to fill. But, as long as he has half the chutzpah Paulette has shown, SIUC's GLBT students will only see her retirement as a blip on the radar. Change is hard, but change is what you got up for every morning.
So here is my going-away gift. No, it is not this letter to the editor. It is a promise. I promise to help out humanity by following your example by keeping the GLBT progression going. I promise to listen to every small voice, speak to every big voice, and speak even louder to the biggest voices.
Most of all, I promise to keep learning. Thank you, Paulette, for being everything we needed for the past 20 years.
Chelcee Loghry
senior studying English
