I hope you and your family are doing well. Patrick keeps me informed of what is going on with you from time to time. I'm writing because I want to say thank you for everything you taught me. It was not just speech that I took from your classes, but your stories of hope and faith were, and continue to be a great influence in my life. You also helped me to more understand that if we have God in our hearts and our lives, anything is possible.

I also deeply admire everything you do for foster children. It takes a strong-hearted and loving individual to do what you do over and over again. I hope to one day be able to be as giving and as influential on people's lives as you have been to so many. As for myself, I graduated in December with a degree in Mass Communications and minors in Speech and Marketing. Like Patrick, I am having a very difficult time finding employment. In my case though, discrimination is playing a huge factor. Once it becomes apparent that I am blind, stereotypes begin to take over and it is just assumed that I am not capable of performing the tasks associated with the position.

On a good note, I just got engaged this past Monday, to Rachel, a girl that I have been dating for the past two years. We have set the date for march 22 of next year. I couldn't be happier.

Well Dr. Hillman, I just wanted to drop you a line to see how you are doing and say thank you for everything. I just want to reiterate how much I admire everything you stand for. Please keep in touch.

God bless.

Ryan Smith