I Will Always Write Back

Despite Caitlin’s earnestness, her early efforts to relate to Martin reveal her privilege and lack of knowledge of his economic circumstances. She sends photographs to Martin and constantly requests photographs from him in return, despite his financial inability to reciprocate. However, when Caitlin eventually learns the reality of Martin’s circumstances, she takes it upon herself to become more aware of those less fortunate in the world. She starts to notice the poverty that exists in her own town and reflects on the ways in which she has shamed those with less privilege than her. She also experiences shame when she recalls a former classmate, Amanda, whose poverty she used to make fun of with other popular girls in school. After reflecting on Martin’s struggles and the poverty that surrounds her, she makes the promise to “never to be mean to Amanda, or anyone else like her, ever again” (185).

Through Martin’s influence, she begins to form new priorities in her life. While she was initially concerned with social popularity and dating, her exposure to Martin’s hard work and passion inspires her to pursue her career in nursing and make the world a better place. When Caitlin’s high school boyfriend starts to criticize her for being too concerned with her education and says that she used to be more fun, she responds that “that Caitlin has grown up” (333).