In this letter from Gainesville, freshman Jack Vigliatura offers a candid glimpse into his first semester away at the University of Florida.
Writing to Mary Shortt on September 13th, 1991, he reflects on college culture, his demanding coursework and the importance of balancing hard work with fun, while encouraging her in her own studies. He also talks about making a trip home and coming to see Mary and his younger sister Anna at East Lake High School.
September 13, 1991
Mary,
Your letter was the best letter I have ever received! I love getting your letters, it really makes my day. It’s hard going to school here but it’s even harder living here sometimes because everyone loves doing all the wrong things, and if Bill or Travis aren’t around then it gets pretty lonely.
So, when I get a letter from you it really makes my day. Please write as often as you can and tell me how everything is going. I’m happy to hear about your job and your car! That’s fully cool. Oh, and your schoolwork! AWESOME!!! KEEP IT UP!!!!
You won’t do perfect work all the time but if you keep up a consistently hard work ethic you will do extremely well. Believe me because I’ve been through it and I made it here so I know what it takes. Just remember to separate work and play.
When it’s time to do your homework, go at it hard and really concentrate so you can understand and learn everything you need to know for the test. (The key to studying is not to memorize, but to continue to go over the material constantly so you grasp an intense understanding of the subject). Then – when it’s time to play – forget about school and just have as much fun as Christianly possible (ha! Ha!). It’s much easier that way.
If you keep doing well and maybe next year take an honors course (don’t forget about the SAT) you’ll be up here with me. That would be cool, huh?
Anyway, The Fully Gnarlies (our “band”) ran into this black kid named Wesley and he has all this recording equipment that can go over our mistakes and probably make it sound somewhat decent! It should sound cool. I really want you to hear it.
My German class hates me because I ruined the curve for everybody. I accidently studied and got a perfect 100% on our first test. They were seriously accusing me of being German. V-i-g-l-i-a-t-u-r-a … yep, sounds German to me.
Anyway, I got a B+ on the first paper we wrote in English but this one I can turn in again for an A. I’ve got my first Economics test on Monday. Ask God to help me because I will definitely need it! Economics and Statistics are my two most difficult classes. Some of this stuff is so hard to grasp.
I finally bought The Sundays C.D. It’s so awesome! Have you tried any of the new music suggestions I’ve sent? I don’t know about Drivin’ and Cryin’ stuff but I trust your judgement. I won’t buy it, but, if they gave me their C.D. I wouldn’t refuse it either (J/K).
Have fun doing the Lip Synch. I wish I could come see you. There’s a good chance of me coming home soon and if I get home by the evening of October 17th – that is homecoming weekend – I could see you at school that Friday and see Anna, too (that’s really weird). Do you see each other during the day at all? Make sure she doesn’t act dumb or anything (she did turn out to be pretty cool though).
I’m glad to hear everything is going so well for you. Keep up the good work. I know you can.
Love,
Jack
