Ms. Linda Massey (’70) serves as a Docent for the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas. Following are Linda’s reflections on her time on Hill.
After graduating from a large Dallas high school, I knew I wanted a Christian college and a small one. I was supposed to go to Hardin-Simmons in Abilene but realized I had too many relatives living in the area looking over my shoulders, so I went East and loved it from the first minute on campus. I only knew one person, a young man from my church back home.
Dr. Polly Davis, from the History Department, was so intelligent in history and tough as nails in teaching and grading. I was so fortunate that several years into my career as a high school U.S. History teacher, I was able to have a long conversation with her on campus. We discussed content and teaching styles … it was a priceless experience. If you had told me that I would do that while I was cramming for one of her tests while a student, I would have said, “Not going to happen!!” This was definitely a milestone in my teaching career. In addition, I worked for four years under E.M. Adams, a Librarian, who was the most organized, meticulous, perfectionist person I have ever known and probably the reason for my desire to be organized down to the last detail. Others, such as President Howard Bennett, our dorm mothers, and Dr. Rutledge McClaran, played a role in making my experience on campus the very best.
My studies prepared me for a career of 37 years of public teaching, giving me the foundation and tools to build on to be dedicated and successful. Teaching was not just about the content; it was about mentoring students to be the best they can be. Dr. Clarence Williams, Secondary Education, allowed us to discover methods in student teaching to implement and utilize in the future. Campus life, not only in the classroom but the fellowship of participating in various campus activities with classmates, contributed to me being very much a people person. I believe that has been the case throughout my entire adulthood.
Social media and Homecomings allow connections with other alumni and friends to be present each day. However, my closest bonds are with my lifetime friends from the class of ’69. There was a core group of us that the years, distance, or life experiences have not severed the relationships we made on campus. We visit each other’s homes and send messages regularly. Several years ago, we pledged to meet back on campus at Homecoming every five years. In recent years, as we have aged and life is happening very fast, we have gathered in various locales in a rented home for a weekend of reminiscing and cherishing our time together. We just pick up conversations where we left off and laugh at our escapades from campus and life. These weekends are memorable and precious.
I found my second home on the Hill. Being allowed to begin forming my adulthood in a Christian atmosphere with Christian administration and faculty allowed me to enjoy campus life and serve our Lord. I have fond memories of riding the campus-provided buses to a church of our choice. This allowed me to attend services and church activities where I could connect with fellow Christians off campus. I was able to bond friendships I treasure today that cannot be broken. The Hill is the place I can return to, and it always feels like home.