Karen Nelson

In the summer of 1964, my family learned that my father's employer was transferring the divison he managed to Auburn; we would be moving the following summer.  Bitter tears ensued as the prospect of leaving everyone and everything I loved in Rochester became increasingly real.  We moved on July 9th, 1965, and the dread of starting at a new school loomed as summer passed. And then, it was the first day of school.  I had been assigned to Homeroom 219; I couldn't find 219.  It wasn't on the main drag.  I accosted Joanne Sawran, who very kindly showed me the way to 219, in which the desks were tables for 2, a complete novelty to me.  And there, I had the good fortune of being seated at a table next to one Suki Near.  Suki and I clicked immediately; she introduced me to others in our homeroom who introduced me to more people.  In a short time, I began to feel quite at home, as I got to know people in all four classes.  Everyone was friendly and welcoming, which says so much for those teenagers and how they were raised.  Joanne and I became chemistry lab partners, a development I feel sure she came to regret.  Suki and I have been in touch intermittently over the years, and now we plan to rendezvous in Texas this fall.  Reading the 1966 yearbook recently, I am moved by the many lovely entries written after only eight months of friendship; they are testaments to the authors' characters.  Thank you to all of you who showed me kindness when I really needed it, and made my last two years at East memorable in the best ways.