Dorrie

Waterville, ME

2 years

Wilson

I was in awe of everything when I first got to Northfield. Dorm life was fun, and I looked forward to going to chapel every morning - especially when we sang. The first time I heard the entire group of young women sing, it literally took my breath away. I enjoyed rural work, round top, the bookstore. I have cherished memories of Vespers, Sacred Concert, Tree Day, the Chat, bishops bread, early morning walks in the fog during "quiet time", Mountain Day with Dr. Meany suddenly appearing in the dining hall and holding an ax above his head, the special senior room for just us seniors, and graduation. I loved my cop and my "senior" in my junior year, and being a cop and "senior" in my senior year. Among the best years of my life.

No way!

I actually enjoyed my dummy - washing pots and pans. It was a quiet time with no pressure. But I sneezed every time I poured the soap powder into the water.

Miss Palmer was a fantastic English teacher, and was very sympathetic when I broke my glasses and had trouble in class. Dr. Meany seemed nearly divine to me then. I adored Dr. Raymond with his calm control of our voices and Miss Wight. Miss Scott and Dr. King were formidable figures and Dr. King had the longest white hair I had ever seen. I was also privileged to get to know Mrs. Newcomb of the Bible department. She was a friend of my aunt and went to Colby College in my home town. Every teacher and coach I had the opportunity to meet were incredible inspirations to me for the rest of my life.

In my freshman year at Drew I was involved in inner city work in Brookline where we worked closely with families who lived in great poverty. It was fascinating work. I loved my junior year in Scotland where I met some of the most wonderful people I've ever known (and I adored the accent). Senior year I roomed with Catherine (Toushy) Bliss Squires, and years later was part of her wedding ceremony in London. I have been very close to my sister's 3 children. We lost the oldest in 2005 to breast cancer, but I remain very close to HER 3 children, and my sister's 4 other grandchildren. I have worked at many jobs including pumping gas the year I Lived in Colorado as a "ski bum". That was a magical year living in the small mountain town of Frisco. I'll never forget the glow of the snow-capped mountains in the moonlight. I came back to MA to work as a tech writer for Data General, Digital, Cullinane, and Prime. They have all gone out of business since then (something I said?). I also worked for several years with the local Meals on Wheels program and loved the senior citizens I met. (Now I am one!) Since retirement I have lived in Rutland, MA with my partner and a cat. (We had other cats and a couple of dogs, but they are now gone and we miss them a lot). I love working in the yard, although I haven't been able to for a few months due to major back surgery in July of 2013 (but I'll get back to it). Life is good in the aging years even though I can't exactly call them "golden".

I met friends from all over the country and the world with lives I had never imagined. The education I received from Northfield went beyond anything I had ever had. Living and working closely with other people helped me establish a life-long foundation for compassion and understanding. My education inspired me to explore and travel, and encouraged my sense of curiosity. Dummy gave me respect for hard work and a feeling of self-respect. And Northfield's traditions and teachings provided me with a lasting spirituality.

Maine; New Jersey; Colorado; Glasgow, Scotland; Boston, MA; Worcester, MA; and Rutland, MA

BA in Psychology from Drew Universtity

YES

YES