Written from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Jack Vigliatura’s letter home to his close friend Mary Shortt offers a glimpse into the financial struggles of college life in November, 1991. Between exams, papers, and thoughts of visiting friends, Jack reflects struggles and uncertainty, and the faith that sustains him, encouraging his friend to hold true as well.
November 4, 1991
Mary,
Well I FINALLY received your letter (no comment on the tardiness of it) Friday. It’s Saturday and I’ve got a full weekend ahead of me. I’ve got an Economics exam Monday and a Statistics exam Tuesday and an English paper due Tuesday so I’ll be partying it up at my desk once again this weekend!
You know how they say you can’t put a price on friendship? Well, me, Trav, and Bill did. To go see Jim and Andy, it would’ve cost us each about $140! Needless to say we decided to just call Jim and Andy and talk for a while but then no one wanted to donate to the use of their phone for fear that the other two wouldn’t help pay for the call. So we canned the whole idea.
Anyway, I got a letter from Charlie Small and he’s pretty close so I might go visit with him one weekend. I called him this morning but he was working so he’s going to call me when he’s back.
I take it by your last letter you’re sick of school? Well, that makes two of us. But if I’m still working hard, so should you. Don’t make me sit here and be miserable by myself. If I have to keep my grades up – so do you! So don’t even try to slack off. I’m very serious (sort of, I guess). But do keep up with your grades and stuff, you started off so well you don’t want to bring it down by doing lousy.
Anyway, if all my grades stay the way they are and I can bring my Statistics grade up to a B on the next test I could (if Earth flies into the sun) get a 3.5! If I get a 3.5 here at the University of Florida I would be in the honors society, because I’m taking so many classes! I would also be king of my house! Try to understand what achievement that would be. I got a 2.7 in high school if I got a 3.5 in college I’d go rub it in Miss Rowe’s face! (She’s the one who said, “I hope you get into SPJC [St. Petersburg Junior College]). Anyway, please pray your bestest prayers that God give me the discipline to stay on track and do well.
My dad, as of this letter, hasn’t found a job yet, but we’re still just trusting in God. I know He will see us through – He always has. Keep my family in your prayers.
Well, jeese I’ve written a novel and you probably fell asleep way back on page 1 so I’m going to start studying. Statistics (ugh!). You’re always in my prayers, Mary.
Love,
Jack
