A Teacher’s Lost Soul Is Found

I take pride in letting you know that Delbert Smith is alive and well (“That’s My Soul. Why Don’t You Draw Yours?” by Gregory Orfalea, July 9). After struggling through the deaths of his mother and an alcoholic father and life in the foster-care system, Delbert has gone on to do very positive things with his life. In high school he was a standout athlete in track and football. He attended college, graduating from Cal State Long Beach with two degrees. After college he became a teacher. He loves helping and being around people. And he has the most positive personality I’ve ever come across. I think Orfalea can be sure he touched him because Delbert continues to be a poet and rapper (he even made an album) in his spare time.

Eric Cleveland

Via the Internet