During the early 1960s when I graduated from Greenfield High School, according to the powers that be I was not college material. But then something wonderful happened in Greenfield in 1962 called Greenfield Community College. It all began in Federal Street North School Building and then in a dilapidated factory called Threadwell Tap and Die on Arch Street where kids like us (not college material) could go to college. I remember taking a wonderful English literature class with a young female professor who brought home to me the fun of literature, the wonder of literature, the joy of literature. Thus began for me a path of learning what would not have been available had it not have been for Greenfield Community College.
In the late ’60s, I married, and in the ensuring six years had two children. However, I was still able to go to school during intervals of time when my children were in nursery school or kindergarten, an opportunity which enhanced my life.
Much later, during the early ’80s, I applied and was accepted as an Ada Comstock Scholar at Smith College. I credit Greenfield Community College for helping me plod along, encouraging me all the way to succeed, to find that hidden potential we all have.
I applaud Amy Clarke, not only for her excellent write up of Greenfield Community College, but for her untiring work for our community. Yes, we can all help to support GCC students by making a gift to the 2016 Annual Campaign now at www.gcc.mass.edu/give or by calling 775-1600.
Carol Pedigree
Greenfield