A Favorite of My Mistess

Last semester I wrote a 20+ page paper on the relationship between female Virginia slave owners and their domestic female slaves. My professor was equal parts supporting cheerleader and demanding coach. I worked hard to make that paper the best I could and I got my A. (and yes, I had a party)

I came back after Christmas break to pick up my paper from my professor and she requested that I submit my paper to the History Department student paper competition. I thought that was a bit of extreme wishful thinking. But she said it couldn't hurt. So I thought what the heck?

I submitted my final draft in January and never heard anything. I got very focused on student teaching and went on my merry way, essentially forgetting about my paper.

Then.

How surprised was I to get this in the mail?

I read that, and I literally ran around our apartment, screaming and jumping up and down. You would think someone who just won a collegiate award for writing would act more mature...but no.

A few weeks later Will and I got to attend the History Department Awards Banquet. Food? eh.... I know too much about how BYU Catering works to expect much... But I saw good friends and faculty from the History Department and a room full of people applauded me for the paper I wrote.

I'm on the far right because I was the first one called up so I got to stand there awkwardly the longest. Oh boy.

I have so many people to express gratitude for: Mom and Dad for encouraging me to work hard and achieve in school; Will for enduring hours of research stories, listening to random thoughts about antebellum Virginia, and serving as Editor in Chief; and finally Dr. Richards for being just the mentor I needed to write an excellent paper and have the courage to submit it.

Theme Song: To Sir With Love, Lulu