As an English instructor at Penn State, I ask students to find someone in the "real world" who is doing what they want to do or what they enjoy and interview them. I have read many papers with Paul Rupeka as the topic both from art students as well as students who simply love the tattoo art. In all cases, students portray him as a true artist who loves his work and an all around great guy.

I do, however, have to take offense to his generic comment in the July 31 article, "Artists use skin as their canvas," that (to paraphrase the overused phrase) "those who can do, those who can't teach." There are some of us here at Penn State who truly enjoy the interaction with students, who continue to refine their skills (and art) but also want to teach to share ideas and experiences with students as well as see the students' visions and fresh ideas. I know it's hard to believe, but there are actually teachers who like to teach here at Penn State. I would never ask a student to not "go across the street" because that person never had an education and I think Rupeka should show the same respect those of us on this side of the street. In addition, if you're making $30,000 here at Penn State you are definitely here because you like to teach, and your parking spot is most likely out by the Jordan Center!

Jan Babcock

English department