Mildred Simoneaux Cortez – Upper Elementary Education, 1955

Mildred Simoneaux Cortez

Name on diploma:  Mary Mildred Simoneaux

Major:  Upper Elementary Education

            It was September, 1955 when I was dropped at Buchanan Hall by a young man who was barely an acquaintance.  Because we did not own a vehicle, we had to depend on others for transportation.  So it was with a heavy heart that I walked into the dorm alone with my one suitcase.  My first piece of luck was being offered a job at Buchanan Hall making 50 cents an hour.  I remained at Buchanan Hall for the rest of my years on campus.  How clearly I remember our housemother, Mrs. Lilah B. Edwards, a lovely lady who helped me to adjust and become a dear friend.

            I was so naive and had led such a sheltered life that living on campus was as much of an education for me as going to class.  I treasure all the friendships I enjoyed during my S.L.I. years.

            At that time I believed, as I still do now, that classes were to be attended.  I don’t remember ever cutting a class, even when there was a possibility of my missing the Saturday noon bus, my one way to get home.  I remember my ten minutes “runs” across campus to get to class.  I have fond memories of Mr. Carson, principal, and Ms. Sabra Watkins, my supervising teacher at Hamilton Laboratory School, who encouraged and inspired me.  Their work was well done, as I have now been teaching for 43 years.  For many of those years I worked as a supervising teacher for U.S.L.

            Teaching has brought me much happiness and satisfaction.  My thanks to a great university.

Mildred Simoneaux Cortez