Sentimental Memories Linger Long for Graduate
Letter to the editor of the East Carolinian from Nan Harrison Jones. This and other articles can be found in the University Archives.Citation for this article is: "Sentimental Memories Linger Long for Graduate," East Carolinian, November 16, 1961, page 2.
AN OPEN LETTER
I would like to use this media to convey my gratitude to all who helped make my college career such a wonderful and memorable experience. Graduation at the close of this fall quarter stands high among other personal high-lights of my life; such as my birth and rebirth, my marriage of 35 years to the same husband, the birth and maturation of my four children and the coming of my grandchildren. All this for which I am eternally grateful. With the sentiment of the Psalmist let me say, "My cup runneth over."The conception of East Carolina College paralleled my own conception. And the fall that ECC was celebrating her fifth decade I celebrated my own by enrolling in her ranks as a freshman: No greener freshman will she ever be able to note. Recalling now those first frustrating days it was this thought that gave me courage to continue, "the greener the plant the better the chance of growth, even in the days of late Indian Summer." So with this thought to prop upon I have come to the bedning of the college trail.
By the kindness and capabilities of my professors I have been exposed to the fields of Art, Education, English, Drama, Geography, Health, Physical Ed., Humanities, Mathematics, Music, Folk-lore and dances, Psychology, Science, Social Studies and Speech Therapy. By their zeal and persistence they were able to break through the crust of the rust of my learning machinery and implant some seed of knowledge in the brambles of my brain. To these profesors I extend my sincere gratitude. Among these are other doctors and professors whose warm friendship has been an inspiration. To these I offer my grateful praise.
I would willingly wager my wagging tongue that the student body of young people here cannot be excelled anywhere in the nation, in physical and mental capabilities and in courtesy and friendliness. To all those who shared their tables in the soda shop, and those who shared study conversation and solization, to these I am grateful. Their contributions have made my college experiences very real and alive and also very challenging.
When the classes are over for the day and the western sun is flinging long-legged shadows across the campus this is the time for mutable sounds and activities. As on strolls along sounds from the athletic field come clamoring for an ear to fill. The football teams are bruising new skirmishes for scheduled games with the band rehearsing adequate accompaniments while the cheerleaders are pumping it up with their antics and lusty yells. From the recesses of the music hall a lyric soprano voice is doing gymnastics sliding up and down the scales. The cool rippling strains of a string orchestra comes flowing from the windows and doors of an auditorium. Ping-pong and bridge are in progress at the student union as students relax and share experiences of the day.
While the library is rendering active services to those doing research for term papers, book reviews and assigned reports. And to the more ambitious who are seeking a quiet recess for concentrated study.
As the evening takes the torch from the afternoon sun, one can detect a tantalizing aroma in the air. Streams of anticipating students follow their noses to the cafeterias. A few loitering couples can be seen mildly "smooching" along the way. I can remember when this activity was called "spooning." The rules may have altered some, but the techniques are basically the same.
Many of the skills required of a college student require the dexterity of an antelope. But in my case, both the students and the professors graciously recognized the efforts of an old tortoise competing with the hare. This is another reason for my gratitude.
These, and many other warm and friendly epidsodes fill my mind as I go from this college. With God's constant help I shall endeavor to be a credit to these halls. The knowledge that I have gained here I will share with my fellowman as I strive to render a better service.
Now, to each of you, staff, student or steward, who by word or deed or friendly gesture, made my college endeavors enjoyable and successful to you I am truly grateful.
I wish to remind the people of our state that among the many blessings that we have and should be giving our thanks at this season East Carolina College stands high on this list.
A Sincere Graduating Grandmother
Nan Harrison Jones
