That’s How It’s Done in America

The New York City tenement scene which I have painted in a previous story became more and more worrisome to me as my little sister, Nancy, was growing up.  In our working- poor community most of our adult neighbors and even some of their children had not finished high school and worked at low-paying jobs. …

Read More

College, Everyone, Anyone?

I had just arrived home from high school toting a schoolbag full of papers for my parents to fill out, signing me up to September admission to Hunter, New York City’s excellent, free college for women (now in 2018 co-ed). “Elizabeth, you’re out of your mind!” I heard Mrs. O’Dowd, one of our neighbors, scolding…

Read More

How Lucky I Am To Be Able to Hear

“Hi, I’m Elsie,” I said to my fellow student. “Are you taking notes in braille on that gizmo?” “Yup,” he answered. “Thanks for asking.” He extended his hand. “My name’s Frank.” It was the first day of a two-year graduate counseling program and the beginning of a long and close relationship between Frank and me.…

Read More