Tommie Green Rafidi – Elementary Education, 1962

Mrs. Tommie Green Rafidi

Class of 1962

Dear Dr. Dugas,

What a wonderful thing to be asked to write about fond memories of U.S.L.  When I began in the fall of 1958, the institution’s name was Southwestern Louisiana Institute.  We had to listen to all of the “SLI High” jokes.  I remember the freshmen boys all had to wear beanies and we girls were happy to miss that fashion statement.  I think this was the last semester for that particular tradition.

U.S.L. was an opportunity to meet many interesting and wonderful people.  Some of our friendships have lasted over these thirty-six years.  Several of my professors have made lifelong impressions on me.  I remember especially Miss Jane Carstens who introduced me to the wonderful world of libraries.  Because of her good influence, I have made libraries my career.

                Being from north Louisiana, I truly felt that I had come to a different world.  The food, customs, even the climate were different.  One difference that was totally unexpected was the wildlife on campus.  I still remember one morning when I began to walk the path across Cypress Lake, I met an alligator who was sunning himself.  He was stretched across the entire path.  You can believe I beat a hasty retreat!

                Years later, I am still impressed by how beautiful the campus was.  Spring was a delight with flowers blooming everywhere.  There cannot be a more beautiful sight than all of the sidewalks lined with blooming azaleas in a riot of color.  The bushes were taller than many of the people, and it was like being in a world of flowers.

                My husband, I.A. (Abe) Rafidi, and I met at U.S.L.  We graduated together and married the following year.  We have such happy memories of our time together in Lafayette.  Years later, our son, Ray, would also graduate from U.S.L.; that is another very happy memory.

                I could go on and on with four years worth of recollections.  I have had a wonderful time just trying to pick the fondest memories of the best years of my life.  Thank you so much for asking.

Sincerely,

                Tommie G. Rafidi