Page 5 of Dear Mr. Knightley

Dear Ms. Moore,

Please forgive me for violating our agreement already, but I felt your question warranted a personal reply.

I understand your anger. It is hard when others hold power over you. Rest assured, your situation is not unique. There is very little any of us chooses in isolation.

Through my foundation, Father John has helped five young adults from Grace House. One attended junior college; another, trade school; one graduated from cosmetology school; and two successfully completed residential treatment programs. Each individual has grown closer to whole.

Father John not only fulfilled all the grant requirements for your application, but wrote me an additional five pages outlining your writing abilities, your gifts, and your determination.

His decision to recommend journalism school was not made lightly, as you well know.

Remember that, and remember what he has meant in your life.

Don’t throw away friends and mentors carelessly. They are rare.

I trust Father John’s prayerful counsel and judgment, and stand with his original recommendation. My foundation will only award the grant for Medill’s master’s program.

The choice to accept it or not is yours, Ms. Moore.

Sincerely,

G. Knightley