The week before graduation was wonderful because all seniors had to do was show up for rehearsals. Then we went home to relax. No final exams. We were done. The rehearsals were annoying with endless singing of the school song to make sure everyone knew it. We had to learn how to line up like we did in elementary school to walk down the aisle through the chairs in the gym. We had to walk to Pomp and Circumstance, slowly, and fill the bleachers one by one. Girls were in white gowns, boys were in red. We sat precisely to make perfect columns of red and white in the bleachers.
Class Gift and Prophecy night was the night before graduation. Committee members gave out funny gifts to each classmate based on their personalities or idiosyncrasies. I was given a baseball hat, symbolizing my enjoyment of the sport. I cannot remember what my prophecy was. I really should try to find out....if I ever find my yearbook. Local scholarships were awarded. I received several small ones. They added up to be able to buy books for college.
Graduation was ceremonious and nerve-wracking because of the speech I had to give. I surprised myself though and was calmer than I ever expected. Mr. Walsh had thoroughly prepared us for the speech, lots of practice. Suddenly it was all over and we were graduates...lots of crying and laughter!
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
College-Searching
Compared to the great lengths I endured to make sure that my kids went to the college of their choice, my own college search was uneducated and haphazard. My parents hadn't gone to college, hadn't a clue where to start, and gave me no real guidance. Even my guidance counselor was no help, so I turned to friends and teachers.
My friend wanted to go to RPI and I tagged along on a college visit with her to RPI. We, or, rather, she, had an interview, and as I was with her, they gave me one too. She was determined to become a doctor. I guess the college was impressed with her enthusiasm and the fact that she was valedictorian of our class. I remember being very nervous and at the time, was undecided on a major. I am sure that I came across as unsure of myself even though I was in the top 3 in my class. I did not apply to RPI but my friend successfully was accepted.
Where did I apply? I applied to Union College in Schenectady, NY. The college was accepting women that year after previously being an all-male school. I though it would be very cool to be in that first class. I was accepted there with no scholarship money. So there was no choice, I could not attend. I also applied to Elms College, where my biology teacher went. My mom took me for a visit there, but it was a bit too strict Catholic for me. I was accepted and declined. I applied to UMass Amherst and was offered a nice scholarship to attend...a no-brainer. It was perfect for me...not too far from home, a big campus with lots to do, lots of science majors to choose from. I couldn't wait to start school!
My friend wanted to go to RPI and I tagged along on a college visit with her to RPI. We, or, rather, she, had an interview, and as I was with her, they gave me one too. She was determined to become a doctor. I guess the college was impressed with her enthusiasm and the fact that she was valedictorian of our class. I remember being very nervous and at the time, was undecided on a major. I am sure that I came across as unsure of myself even though I was in the top 3 in my class. I did not apply to RPI but my friend successfully was accepted.
Where did I apply? I applied to Union College in Schenectady, NY. The college was accepting women that year after previously being an all-male school. I though it would be very cool to be in that first class. I was accepted there with no scholarship money. So there was no choice, I could not attend. I also applied to Elms College, where my biology teacher went. My mom took me for a visit there, but it was a bit too strict Catholic for me. I was accepted and declined. I applied to UMass Amherst and was offered a nice scholarship to attend...a no-brainer. It was perfect for me...not too far from home, a big campus with lots to do, lots of science majors to choose from. I couldn't wait to start school!
High School Girls' Basketball
At the end of my junior year, everyone who wanted to be a cheerleader senior year had to try out all over again. There was a new cheerleading advisor and she wanted to shake things up. No longer would we automatically "fly up" to varsity cheerleader. So I tried out and wasn't chosen...it was rigged to churn out a couple of people and bring in some new. I was devastated.
However, for me, it turned out to be a good thing in the end. I tried out for the girls' basketball team and it wasn't hard to get picked for the team. The girls' basketball coach already knew I was a good player and I was a starter on the team. I got to play with one of my best friends and got to know some girls who were genuine and fun to be with.
We had so much fun on the bus traveling to away games and stopping at MacDonald's for burgers after the games. We weren't glamorous at all. It's kind of hard to be glamorous when you are running for an hour getting so sweaty that you have to peel off the uniform after the game.
We traveled all over Berkshire County and southern VT and played in the only girls' league in any sport at that time.
However, for me, it turned out to be a good thing in the end. I tried out for the girls' basketball team and it wasn't hard to get picked for the team. The girls' basketball coach already knew I was a good player and I was a starter on the team. I got to play with one of my best friends and got to know some girls who were genuine and fun to be with.
We had so much fun on the bus traveling to away games and stopping at MacDonald's for burgers after the games. We weren't glamorous at all. It's kind of hard to be glamorous when you are running for an hour getting so sweaty that you have to peel off the uniform after the game.
We traveled all over Berkshire County and southern VT and played in the only girls' league in any sport at that time.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)