In this handwritten letter home, mailed on September 5th, 1991, Jack Vigliatura writes from his new life as a freshman at the University of Florida to close friend Mary Shortt, then still a student at East Lake High School.
His candid reflections on college, faith, homesickness, friendship, and humor offer an intimate early glimpse of Jack before For Squirrels’ rise — the first of a series letters that chronicle his journey.
September 5, 1991
Mary,
Hi there! Greetings from the University of Florida! I have a million stories to tell but I can’t write them all down right now so I’ll tell them to you when I come home (I’m sure you can’t wait … NOT!). Anyway, how are you?
Please do your homework and stuff, it helps if you learn how to study BEFORE you go to college. Believe me!
I’ve been here for almost 3 weeks now so I’ve had time to adjust and everything. It’s funny, I wake up on Sundays, go to church and there is always about 3 guys having their guts out in the stalls. I invite them to church but no one is ever in the mood to go. Hmm … I wonder why?
I started off great. During what they call an “ice-breaker” where you stand up in front of your whole floor and introduce yourself, I stood up and said, “My name is Jack Vigliatura and I’m a Christian – I’m here to get an education.” So everyone knows exactly where I stand and no one bothers me. I study a lot, which is great. Everybody thinks I’m some sort of bookworm or something because I’m always in the study lounge (little do they know this is the first time I have ever opened up a book outside the classroom).
I’ve had plenty of time to get over being homesick, and I don’t feel like a stranger here. But I still miss everyone back home. That includes you Mawee! I realize you probably don’t miss me, but still try and write.
I pray everything is going good for you. I know God will take care of you as long as you trust him. No matter what. Please write as soon as you can.
Love,
Jack
P.S. Tell Chris to keep practicing his B-Ball one-on-one skills because we’ll be playing for money when I come back home. I miss his obnoxious comments and smart remarks, too!
Send Check or Money Order to:
Jack Vigliatura IV
University of Florida
18-132 Rawlings Hall
Gainesville, FL 32612
J/K