Winter break-60 hours of Freedom

I was thrilled to spend a few days almost completely alone at the dorm before my family could meet me at grandpa's house about 85 miles from the college I was attending that year. This was Marist College set between Vassar College on the left and C.I.A. (Culinary Institute of America) on the right; a set-back from the road, Route 209, college originally established just over a century ago. It was then that a band of brothers, the Marist Brothers came to New York's Hudson River Valley to train young men. It was to further along the vocation as great educators that these men were famous for. What began as a seminary for the training of future Marist Brothers, is now harboring eclectic minds of both men and women alike, making it one of the leading colleges of the arts and sciences in the country.

I remember when I first arrived here I was reading in the gatehouse, the history of this school. I found that in 1947, the first graduating class of modern-day Marist College were only four Marist Brothers. At the time that I attended, August 1984 through May 1985, there were roughly 2,000 alumni and alumnae to speak of. Today more than 30,000 alumni and alumnae call Marist alma mater. It holds a reputation for being triumphant in helping individuals reach their goals to be a part of the 21st century world of high-tech and intellectualization. I was happy to be a part of this proud tradition that laid the foundation for a state-of-the-art campus.

As I said, it is the beginning of winter break and most people have boarded busses or taken rental cars with friends to be with family, I had nearly 60 hours to play with. I was already packed for the most part 'cept for the stereo system and some of my favorite cassettes, particularly anything by Pat Benatar. She rocked as many other female idol performers, but she was useful when you were hurt by something or someone and needed a vent !

M.J. did not really hurt just disappointed because more than half of the 60 hours were going to be without him for things that were beyond my control, so I dealt with that. But the song still fit for that moment and realizing lonliness has its perks . . . I cranked up the stereo and sang right along with Pat wailing out the words as if I practised this song all the time. Not a mistake, a flinch or quiver in voice--perfect harmony. I was in heaven and grateful this thanksgiving winter break I could welcome it in by singing. Although an ex-opera singer I am not, Pat of course bellowed this song out better than I but who was competing, I was just having fun with myself !