College Assistance Appreciated

Dear Editor,
    Re: Ed Lindlof's letter [“Postmarks,” Aug. 13]: You were able to conclude that because Barack Obama is trying to help poor, disadvantaged, and/or young people go to college to improve their lives, he was implying that no one else could live a "full, rich, and rewarding life" without doctorate or a degree. You deduced that these actions were a direct insult to you and your successful ilk. You mentioned that one would have to be dancing with pixies not to appreciate the skills of electricians, car mechanics, or plumbers. I dance with pixies and little people, Ed, and I am in awe of people in those trades, the ingenuity of others, and their efforts to improve our world and their lives.
    All of the professions you mentioned happen to be so dominated by men that my attempt to enter their ranks as a single mother involved the use of psychological crowbars, luck, dodging harassment, begging, etc., and would likely require time in a trade school to succeed without a decent mentor. While I agree that our educational systems need renovation, it is still not possible without a master's degree and a good magic wand, or possibly bombs and bulldozers, which are also typically in the realm of men and questionably effective.
    The president is making an effort for me to be able to return to college after years at the bottom of the social barrel despite my talents, tremendous desire, and the frustration of watching men drive big trucks to nice homes while I was homeless with a baby in my arms on public assistance. With no upward potential as a mother without excellent training or a college degree, I have experienced far worse than denigration for saying “yes to life” and not having the skills that you and others obviously have.