May 7, 2001
Dear Professor Bonnell,
Another semester is at a close and I am still quite disturbed to think
that you may not be teaching in the Fall semester due to the college's
witch hunt. I have been so inspired by your teachings that I have changed
my major to English Literature and hope to teach one day. I would love
to teach in the same manner you do, but how effective will this be coming
from a woman? Or will teaching such as yours be silenced? Being a middle-
aged student I am quite impressed by the life lessons you are attempting
to give students, both young and old alike. If students hear and comprehend
what you have to say as far as life experiences in love, life experiences
in death, life experiences in childhood, and especially life experiences
in human rights as it relates to women and even men perhaps maybe a student
will be spared some hardship in learning one of these life lessons. If
I only would have heard you earlier in my life, some of my own youthful
decisions would have spared me much sadness. I hope you are never silenced.
I have and will recommend your classes to any and all that may be attending
Macomb Community College, even my own daughter. I would hope the lessons
you teach continue until you are no longer willing or able to teach. If
I can ever be of assistance to you in your cause, please do not hesitate
to let me know. I could listen to you speak for days. You possess such
wisdom on so many subjects, but that is what life experiences are for ...
to learn and to teach from them. Always keep your head held high and I
wish you continued good health to wage the war for your innocence. I hope
to be fortunate enough to be able to listen to more of your wisdom in the
Fall. I feel I have gained so much more than merely English lessons. I
have met an inspiring man who truly puts himself on the line and up for
scrutiny as to better the educational environment.
Wendy Drinkard-Wojtas
Warren, Michigan