Bessie B. Nesbit
Mount Holyoke College
South Hadley, Mass.Feb. 15, 1940
Dear Papa & Mama,
Happy Birthday, papa. I just got my marks. They had been held bck by the comptroller's office. Mr. Grout freed them today. The check hasn't come from the Bd. of Education yet. I got.
Eng. Lit C-
French C
Chem. C.
Physics B-
Religion B
Gym CI am very discouraged. It is a lower average than I had at the end of last year. I guess a college education is n't [sic] doing me any good. I worked so hard this semester and I was so encouraged by Mr. Saintonge's comments on my papers. I expected a C+ in French. I think you should have a C+ or B- average to keep a scholarship. I have tried so hard. I guess I'm just not up to college work or something. If I hadn't worked so hard, I wouldn't care so much.
Last night Dr. & Mrs. Adams came to dinner and Dr. Adams introduced me to Mrs. Adams as the author of the lovely poem he had read her. Things like this are so encouraging and yet this report isn't good for a scholarship. Maybe it's not worth while sending me to college I guess I'm not up to college work or something.
I received a nice letter from Aunt Emma & a check for two dollars for a Valentine's present. Sally also gave me a cute Valentine & a bottle of Evening in Paris perfume.
It snowed very hard yesterday and the snow is up to our knees in many places where it has drifted. The side walks however are thoroughly shovelled. [sic] It is quite warm today in spite of the snow & the sun is shining brightly.
Why is it that I dont' get better marks? What can I do? How can I improve? Here's one thing any way. Starting today I am going to cram & cram & cram & I'll bring my marks up if I have to work every single minute. I'll show them what real study can do.
Love,
Bessie.P.S.
Did you send my valentines to Mrs Hudson & the other lady? If not, please do.
B.N.P.S. II
The College book shop can't seem to get any Schevill. Do you suppose you could get a new Schevill in New Haven at Whitlock's? It would help me a lot if you could.
B.N.