[Some paragraph breaks added for ease of reading.]
Bessie B. Nesbit
Mount Holyoke College
South Hadley, Mass.Mon. Jan 22, 1940
Dear Mama & Papa,
Greetings! Today was the last day of classes for this semester. I just can't believe it is over. It just doesn't seem possible. I sent a card to Mrs. Mowrey this afternoon.
How is your cold, Mama? The weather here is a lot warmer today. This afternoon when I was coming back from the drug store I met Miss Laird. She thanked me for the Christmas present & card. I told her that I had finally decided not to continue with the Physics. She said she thought that was what I would decide. She said that several years ago they had a girl like me who was interested in the non-mathematical side of Physics and she ended up by majoring in history. She said that, although I wasn't continuing with Physics, she would like to have me come and see her occasionally. She said that the world today needed good historians and she thought that a lot of good could be done by really applying a knowledge of history.
I think one of the most valuable experiences of my college education is my friendship with Miss Laird. I like to think sometimes that she is interested in me as a person instead of an ex-member of Physics 101. There is so much more to Miss Laird than just her little mannerisms which annoy some people so much.
Please tell me what you really think of my religion poem.
One would think that with all my exams, I would have been studying hard all afternoon, but instead Sally and I played cards.
I would love some triskets if you are sending me some grub. Oh, by the way, I used up all my shampoo last Sat. but I like Lux toilet soap better anyway so I won't need any more. The black dye works swell on my coat.
I was very interested in the enclosed clipping from today's Tribune. [no longer with the letter.] I am so glad that the Christian Church is waking up. I think it would be nice for Papa to write in.
Lotions of love,
BessieP.S
Thanks for the stamps. Can always use them.
B. N.