It is my earnest hope that this testimony, in addition to expressing gratitude for all the good that has come to me through Christian Science, will lend encouragement to some of those who may prematurely have withdrawn from the educational system. As one of five children of a widowed mother left without income, I dropped out of high school in the first semester of my sophomore year and went to work. Five years passed, and during that time I came to realize I had made a foolish mistake, particularly since I was now quite possessed with the desire to become a chemist. Although, under the circumstances, this seemed an unrealizable dream, I prayed long and earnestly that in some way I might be enabled to continue my education.
My prayers were answered. A couple who had been friends of my parents in years long past, but whom I had never known, offered to loan me sufficient funds, which, together with employment on the side, would enable me to obtain a college education. These people were Christian Scientists, and this was my first contact with anyone of this faith. Because I lacked high school credits, it was necessary for me to enroll in the university as a student of limited status; and in order to earn a bachelor's degree, I was required to make up the deficiencies through attendance at summer sessions, besides spending an additional year beyond the usual four. Several scholarships were of great aid to me financially, and during the final two years of undergraduate work, income from an additional and completely unexpected source became available.
Through contact with the couple who were helping me and others I met on the campus, I became actively interested in Christian Science. I read Mary Baker Eddy's writings, often attended services in a branch Church of Christ, Scientist, and the meetings of the Christian Science college organization on campus. I also attended an occasional Christian Science lecture.
