Girls -- United States -- Biography -- Juvenile literature
Two years later there was even more need of Alice’s help. Mr. Freeman
had decided to become a doctor, and his young wife had bravely
undertaken to carry on the farm alone while he was studying. The two
little sisters and the brother depended on Alice to fasten their buttons
and to amuse them. Thus from a very early age Alice Freeman had to think
for others as well as for herself. Such training was of great value to
her when she had to care for a large family of Wellesley College girls.
When Alice’s father began to practice medicine in the village of
Windsor, New York, Alice loved to drive with him and hold the horse
during his visits to patients. She was interested in hearing about his
cases and she enjoyed the shady roads and wayside flowers. Throughout
her whole life, she rejoiced that she had been a country child.
At ten years of age Alice Freeman became an eager pupil at the Windsor
Academy. One of her teachers, who had taken a great interest in her
throughout her course, inspired Alice to go to college.
When Alice talked the matter over with her father, he said that he could
not afford to send her to college. He felt that, as there was only money
enough for one college education in the family, the boy must have it.
Alice begged very hard to go. She promised to send her brother through
college, and to give to her sisters whatever education they desired. Dr.
Freeman at length consented to her entering the University of Michigan.
As for her promise, she kept it to the letter.
At the University Alice was confronted with her next big problem. She
failed to pass her entrance examinations! The President had already
talked with the earnest, intelligent seventeen-year-old girl. He
realized that her school, though a good one, had not prepared her for
college. Therefore he asked the examiners to allow her to enter on a six
weeks’ trial. At the end of that time, there was no doubt of Alice
Freeman’s ability to lead her classmates.
This frail girl made up all the studies required for entrance, did
excellent work in her classes, and took an active part in the college
clubs. She went to church twice on Sunday and attended a midweek
service. She taught a Sunday-school class and put new life into the
Christian Association. She was never too busy to be friendly, cheerful,
and joyous.
Alice Freeman received her Bachelor’s degree after four years of college
work. Three years later, after having taught successfully in the middle
west, she was asked to become the head of the history department at
Wellesley College. In 1881, when she was only twenty-six years old, Miss
Freeman was made its president.
As college president Miss Freeman led a very busy life. The college was
young and needed to be guided carefully. She worked so lovingly and
enthusiastically for it that more students applied than could be
admitted. Wealthy people gave money for scholarships, and many new
schools were started to prepare students for college.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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