Tag Archives: university life

Oh, Glorious Day

1943 Thompson, Marjorie  University grad

 

May is cooperating beautifully. The weather is warm and sunny. Family groups have been wandering around the campus everywhere. You can feel the excitement in the air. My parents are here and delighted to be sharing this great event. Sheldon is working for the seismic crew this summer, but his boss gave him time off so he could join us. My sister and I graduate tomorrow. Considering the rocky start I made of my first year, it’s amazing to be here. I’m on cloud nine!

Three years ago the two of us boarded a bus and headed for Edmonton. Doris was nineteen and I was eighteen, leaving home for the first time. We were entering a new environment with anticipation and no worries about handling it. After all we were “grown up”, and just going on with our education. What was there to worry about?   Continue reading

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How Did You Spend Your Summer?

ASG 1942 newspaper photo_copy

The summer break is flying by.  My final exams at the University of Alberta ended on May 20th.  Registration for the fall term is September 7th.  That doesn’t leave much time to earn money for the next school year.

I’m lucky: Dad needs help on the farm.  With this war going on, available labour is scarce.  Part of my job is keeping the house livable, and making meals.  The other part is driving the tractor and pulling whatever farm implements Dad wants to use.  I’m a novice at both, but do my best.  Dad is patient and good natured.  We enjoy our days together.

The men who are students have a lot to handle.  As well as their university courses, there is the C.O.T.C., the Canadian Officer Training Corps.  Those who are physically fit are automatically enrolled in the C.O.T.C.  This adds obligatory military duties, such as training to use guns, marching, and classes.  Then when summer comes they must attend the Sarcee Military Camp for two weeks of further training.  In the time left they can work at civilian jobs to earn money for the next university semester.    Continue reading

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