Concerns About Proposed Changes - Thursday, November 9, 1961

Here I am once again, a college frosh who will probably mess up my biology record tomorrow. I'm shunning genetics problems. We have a French test tomorrow, too. Thank heavens I know most of that. I guess if Park switches to the trimester program next year you'll get out the first of May if you only go two trimesters. I really don't know what all is going to come of this proposed change. The tuition has been raised $200.00 for next year. These fast weeks! And only five more till Christmas vacation. Here it is almost the weekend and this weekend I must catch up on my studying.

Typing Vivien's Philosophy Paper - Wednesday, November 8, 1961

I wrote a fast letter home and I didn't get it proofread before the mailman came. I sent Mom a birthday card. I would have had more time to write but Vivien wanted me to type her philosophy paper for her. Tonight Bob Smith returned my copy of 1984 that he borrowed from me at open house and he asked me to the Parchie hobo party Saturday night. This afternoon Nancy and I went over to see Margie at the infirmary. She's coming home tomorrow. I went with Janet to see her the last two nights. I've about decided not to go to Varner's house at Thanksgiving after all. Dean White doesn't seem to think it's the world's best idea to miss class.

Working on Genetics Problems with Janet - Tuesday, November 7, 1961

I just took long enough out to write to Grandma and Grandpa. It's about time I wrote someone a letter. Golly darn, I flunked my art test. I'm determined not to get a D in any course if it's the last thing I do. Janet spent quite a while tonight showing me how to work genetics problems. She really knows her stuff and she never had biology in high school. I've just got $6.00 again. I don't know where my money goes. The chairman of the National Council on Marriage Relationships spoke in assembly today. I went down to get what was left of my birthday cake in the refrigerator tonight and someone had taken it! They said that happens.

A Roommate's Metamorphosis - Monday, November 6, 1961

Tonight I witnessed a metamorphosis in the form of my roommate. Some of the fourth floor girls have her made up "sexy" looking with a wardrobe planned for her for the week. I slept this afternoon from 2:00 to 5:00. It sure helped me stay awake tonight and I feel better, too. I've really had to spend a long time on French. Now I plan to read the Iliad. I guess I'm not going to have time to write to Grandma and Grandpa or anyone. I got three more birthday cards and a box of cookies from Jane and George. One boy here is from Iowa City (I hadn't known that but knew he was from Iowa). He's familiar with Mid-Prairie, Kalona, Washington. Margie's in the infirmary.

Birthday Cake, Open House, Dorm Party - Sunday, November 5, 1961

I'm now 19 years old. I've had a quite varied and happy birthday. This afternoon Teresa and I went up to the woods again to bring back things for her to make bouquets for the hall windows for open house. I spent the rest of the afternoon getting the room ready for open house. I was about ready to take a shower when the phone rang and they said I had a call on the pay phone. I thought it was the folks calling me for my birthday (on the way down I tried to think of what to say), and on a chair in the phone booth was a birthday cake with lit candles that Vivien had bought and Janet had made. Then a whole bunch of the girls came out of the lounge singing "Happy Birthday." The open house and party afterwards provided me a big birthday party.

Shopping in Kansas City - Saturday, November 4, 1961

This afternoon Janet, Margie and I went shopping in Kansas City. I got an orange belt to replace the one I broke on my orange plaid skirt and a birthday card for Mom. Janet and Margie got some clothes but I decided I should save some money. Vivien and I traded desks and are going to trade closets so I'll have all this side of the room. [An upperclass guy] asked me to the show but I'm sort of glad I was able to say I'd already seen it - "Parrish." It seems as if nobody likes him although some think it's sort of a sad case. I don't know what's wrong with him. A lady in the bus depot was reading today's Des Moines Register. Princess Margaret had a boy yesterday.

On Bio Mid-Term Vivien Gets Highest Grade - Friday, November 3, 1961

I did my laundry tonight rather than Friday afternoon as usual. There was so much racket with them putting up the fire door in the hall right outside our room that I decided my best bet was to go to the library. Vivien and I both washed our bedspreads so they should look nice for open house. Janet and I are sleeping (and early) in here tonight and Vivien (who's baby sitting) can have Janet's bed. I got 78 on my bio mid-term test. Vivien had the highest score - 88. I have a C average so far - B if they don't count the lowest test score the way they might do for the semester. I had Regina take a colored picture of me to finish the roll.