An emotional appeal by seven-year-old Sharan Kaur Sethi, a Sikh-American, to U.S. President Barack Obama and the Governor of California for more money for her public school has the latter, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, describing her as a "big part of our future."
Sharan Kaur, granddaughter of Sardar Jasbir Singh Sethi, Trustee, The Sikh Foundation, Palo Alto, California, is a Grade I student in a public school in nearby Fremont.
Early this month, she sent a handwritten letter to the U.S. President saying her state "has run out of money."
"So next year, we will not have a lot of classes that I love, like computer lab, science lab and library. I feel bad because these classes are important for my future. Mr. President, I request you to help our public school by giving them more money. I want to make America proud of me," read the letter.
And a couple of days ago, Sharan's parents were pleasantly surprised when they received a letter from the Governor of California that was addressed to their daughter.
"Thank you for your fantastic letter about funding for education in this year's budget. One of the best part of being Governor is hearing from the next generation of California's leaders, and from your passion, I can already say you will be a big part of our future," wrote Schwarzenegger.
The Governor admitted that the country was facing an economic crisis and even during these challenging times, education remains "one of my top priorities. I have four kids and I understand the important role education plays. Whether you aspire to become a doctor, teacher or even Governor of California, education will help you to be successful in whatever you do," Schwarzenegger's letter to Sharan said.
The Governor also informed her that to help "all of our school districts deal with this budget situation, I am giving them flexibility to choose how to use their money, so that they can support classroom instruction and services for students."
He further wrote that, rather than having elected officials make the decisions, "we will empower our education officials to make funding decisions which will give you, our young people, the best possible education."
Sharan Kaur, granddaughter of Sardar Jasbir Singh Sethi, Trustee, The Sikh Foundation, Palo Alto, California, is a Grade I student in a public school in nearby Fremont.
Early this month, she sent a handwritten letter to the U.S. President saying her state "has run out of money."
"So next year, we will not have a lot of classes that I love, like computer lab, science lab and library. I feel bad because these classes are important for my future. Mr. President, I request you to help our public school by giving them more money. I want to make America proud of me," read the letter.
And a couple of days ago, Sharan's parents were pleasantly surprised when they received a letter from the Governor of California that was addressed to their daughter.
"Thank you for your fantastic letter about funding for education in this year's budget. One of the best part of being Governor is hearing from the next generation of California's leaders, and from your passion, I can already say you will be a big part of our future," wrote Schwarzenegger.
The Governor admitted that the country was facing an economic crisis and even during these challenging times, education remains "one of my top priorities. I have four kids and I understand the important role education plays. Whether you aspire to become a doctor, teacher or even Governor of California, education will help you to be successful in whatever you do," Schwarzenegger's letter to Sharan said.
The Governor also informed her that to help "all of our school districts deal with this budget situation, I am giving them flexibility to choose how to use their money, so that they can support classroom instruction and services for students."
He further wrote that, rather than having elected officials make the decisions, "we will empower our education officials to make funding decisions which will give you, our young people, the best possible education."
