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I was just reading through the Times archives (a great experience, I highly
encourage it), when I came to an article in the August 22, 2002 issue called,
"Spending it on themselves?" In it, a girl named Elsha explained that her
parents didn't want her to buy a Why-Pass because they thought it was a scam,
that the city workers were going to be spending money on themselves. I
urge you to read the editor's stirring reply.
I think it is really important that everyone read this letter, so they can
understand how truly lucky we are to have all these incredibly hard-working,
smart, generous, and selfless people working round-the-clock for us. Also, this
letter affected me so deeply that I felt I needed to write a response. A little
late, perhaps, but nevertheless essential. Here goes:
Dear City Workers,
First and foremost, I would like to say thank you. Thank you for everything: for
not giving up, for always trying to improve, for working constantly for us. Thank you for not being just another company that is focused on profit. Thank
you for putting up with ignorant children, arrogant teenagers, and
over-protective parents. Thank you for truly caring.
I wish I could show you how much Whyville means to me, how much it has changed
my life. I wish I could express the pride and joy I feel when I see an article
published, my excitement at succeeding in a game, my laughter as I chat with new
friends. I wish I could explain how the thought of Whyville fills an otherwise
dreary school day with promise.
I wish you knew how much Whyville has truly changed my life. At a time when
I am
experiencing tough changes, moving into the difficult and high-pressure
atmosphere of high school, Whyville has been like heaven. Here I feel confident,
happy, and successful. My real-world worries and self-consciousness can melt
away as I get sucked into the happy bubble of my second identity.
Whyville is like the missing piece of my world, the home I never had, the
special place I've always been searching for. It seems like a dream come true,
too good to be real. Just when I think I've discovered all the secrets of
this wonderful town, something new pops up: the Critique Club, a Halloween
Party, a senate election, the solstice safari, a mall. Whyville truly is a magical place.
In Whyville I have learned about science. But I have gained so much more than
that. Here I have made friends, gleaned insight on world issues, improved my
writing skills, expressed my opinions. Here I have found self-confidence, an
outlet for my problems, and an opportunity to be creative. Here I have
discovered a way to truly affect others, something to become obsessed about this
is truly a positive experiences. So I would just like to say thank you, because
you have improved my life in more ways than I can say.
Full of Gratitude,
JasmineK,
P.S. To Whyville's artist: all of the chat scenes are BEAUTIFUL! I especially love the Club
Why chat room, the beach, the Illusions chat, and the WASA. Keep up the great
work!
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