File:Gladys A. Duncan to Alice Mary Longfellow, 10 May 1925 (9b53e77e-258f-4b6f-b1dc-dd5df0e4b8ac).jpg

Manuscript letter

Archives Number: 1007.001/002.003-001#106

Hampton, Institute,
Hampton, Va;
May 10, 1925.
Dear Miss Longfellow,
I can never begin to express my thanks to you for your generous contribution toward my education. To me, an education is more precious than rubies, and the only reason that I have ever desired to be rich was in order than I might help less fortunate young men and women just as you are helping me. I wonder if it would interest you to know something more about me.
[p. 2] To begin, I was born in a little town in Virginia, but moved at an early age to Connecticut where I attended school. I have no brothers, no sisters, and since my eighth year, I have had no father. It is my mother alone who works to send me to school, so that I may get the education that was denied her. She is more like my sister than a mother; we are just companions, and only once or twice have I been even to parties without her. It is wonderful, Miss Longfellow, to have a mother like mine. She cooks, and keeps me with her, because [p. 3] she finds it hard to have me away from her. I do any little odd jobs around the house that are required of me. Last summer I coached two little girls and earned enough money to buy most of my clothes, and to pay my first three months board.
I entered High School in 1920, and graduated valedictorian in 1924. I was the only colored person in my class, and had been all of my life – that is, my school life. My favorite subjects were French and English. The only outside activity in which I engaged much was debating [p. 4] which I enjoyed very much. In my last year I was successful enough to be on the main team.
One of my favorite pastimes is writing poems. I began when I was ten years old, and I still attempt to write whenever I feel like doing so. I think I can safely say that tennis is my favorite sport. I am a lover of books, and never cease to wonder at the numerous things that we will never know.
I entered Hampton Institute last September. I am taking the four years course in the Teachers’ College and am majoring in French and English. [p. 5] I hope to work in a supervisor’s course before I finish. I forgot to mention that I finished a two year’s commercial course in High School, but didn’t wish to make stenography my life’s work, so I finished my four years in High. I came to Hampton for several reasons. One is, that I had friends and relatives here, which makes it pleasant when one is away from home for the first time; then, I have heard of Hampton all of my life, and have always been impressed with the good work that it is doing. Last, and of most importance, is the fact that the Teachers’ [p. 6] College seemed to be just what I wanted. Along with a four year’s college course, I can get an opportunity for practice teaching. I can hardly wait until my third year, when I begin practice teaching. I just long to do my part toward giving what I value highly – an education. Perhaps I can’t do much, but at least I can help a little. That is why I wanted to be a teacher.
It doesn’t seem possible that my first year in Hampton is near its end, and I shall return on June the third to Salisbury [p. 6] Connecticut (my home address) I love Hampton, with its friendly spirit. Have you ever been here? If not, please accept a cordial invitation from a student to visit here, so that you may see our “home by the sea.” I can’t begin to tell about Hampton. One just has to see for one’s self.
I thank you a thousand times for the gift of a scholarship, and hope to show my deep appreciation by using the knowledge which it is enabling me to get to the very best advantage.
Yours gratefully,
Gladys A. Duncan

• Keywords: alice m. longfellow papers (long 16173); long archives; document; hampton institute; education; correspondence; Manuscripts (1007.001); (LONG-Subcollection); Correspondence (1007.001/002); (LONG-SeriesName); Scholarship Student Correspondence (1007.001/002.003); (LONG-SubseriesName); Letters to Alice Longfellow (1007.001/002.003-001); (LONG-FileUnitName)