Hard-working student is an inspiration

I read with interest your front page article on “Lower Income, Lower Outcomes.”

I found a stark difference in those adults who were quoted and the young man who was featured in your article. As examples, the woman from The Education Trust and the gentleman from Voices for Illinois Children were both clear to identify the problem but not quoted a single time on an idea of solution.

Ms. Robin Steans whom you identify as from Advance Illinois, “a group working to drive more dollars to low-income students and schools” was also very astute in identifying the problems but offers no solution idea in your article.

Simply driving more dollars to the low income students will not solve the problem.

I applaud Asa Arreola who was featured in your article as growing up in a poor household but has overcome that obstacle to graduate high school and go on to DePaul University. He is an inspiration to all those, poor or not, that hard work and goal setting can lead anyone to a successful and productive life.

Asa is quoted at the end of your article when talking of visiting his old High School saying, ”I tell them that they need the courage to keep on fighting, even when things get really hard. They need to just keep on moving.” Some very wise solution-oriented commentary by this fine young man.

Your article also points out that Asa's mother always told him “the two most important things in his life were a good education and a loving family.” Asa's mother IS THE SOLUTION to the education problem. She obviously deeply cares about her son's future by encouraging his education and leads a loving family.

David Georgeson

St. Charles