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Of Courage and Character

I write to commend The Sound for its recent profile of Jessica Castillo [“For Castillo, American Dream Comes True at McDonald’s,” April 7] who, just 10 years after immigrating to this country from Guatemala and speaking no English, has succeeded in becoming the general manager of the North Branford McDonald’s and recognized as one of the top one-percent McDonald’s restaurant managers in the world.

I do so because I am a volunteer assistant in an English as a Second Language program run for five shoreline communities by the East Shore Regional Adult Continuing Education program (ERACE). And every Monday I have the privilege of working with people like Ms. Castillo. Though they have family responsibilities and employment obligations—and often very demanding ones for modest compensation—they come to school eager to learn. This is because they want to acclimate to this country and, like Ms. Castillo, win for themselves some small part of the American dream.

Though we are a land of immigrants, recently we have seen them demonized. However, I know my students are lovely people of courage and character who, like Ms. Castillo, have the potential to make great contributions to our country.

My clear sense is that, out of self-interest, if nothing else, we should be true to our nation’s values and uphold our welcoming tradition.

Lloyd Buzzell

Branford