A Woman's Path to Liberation

December 29, 1961

I have decided to go back to school. I want to get a degree in Journalism. James and I have been at odds for two weeks about this and I think he is finally coming around. I told him that I won't be happy until I can feel like I am doing something with my life. I argued that since I can't have children, that I should be able to do things for me besides shopping and cleaning. He made me promise that if I were to go back to school I would still keep up with the house and meals. I think he is going to let me do it. I hate to say that. Let me. But it's true nonetheless. I willingly made love to James for the first time in about a year.

I got a letter from Janine talking about the Commission on the Status for Women. She says they are picking up issues like fair hiring practices, maternity leave, and childcare. I hope these plans to achieve equality pan out. Janine also mentioned that my education on the women leaders of today is woefully lacking. She has included a few names of people that I am to research and learn about. She says that I have to get to know them because I may be working with them in the future. I can't imagine! Me! Outlandish.

Laney has officially stopped talking to me. She has retreated within the walls of housewifery and refuses to associate with anyone in the group. I even tried to go over to her house but her husband opened the door and refused to let me enter.

Donna had her baby this month. I am not bitter anymore. I have come to terms with the fact that I will never bear a child. It doesn't hurt like it used to, but I am still sad.

January 6, 1962

School started today. I am all registered for my classes. It's going to be hard to balance the column, school, and still be a good housewife. Though the last one is definitely on the bottom the list, I still need to keep up in order to keep James from thinking I am putting my tiny brain through too much.

June 1962

Two items: One – the semester just ended. I was so utterly busy but I did received top marks in all my classes. One of my male professors felt that the subject matter on my final paper was questionable, but he still passed me. Two - The paper has taken off. We have less questions coming in now because we have answered pretty much all of the surface level things people could think of. The upside is that the questions that are coming in are on a deeper level. We have 17,000 average readers now. That means the group brings in a whopping $140 a month! I been saving all the money from my cut in a pot I never use in the cupboard. I don't know what I will do with it yet, but it's there just in case something happens.

I guess I have three items - People in other cities are starting to request our paper as well. I have approached John to ask him if we can open another office in Ashland or Wooster. He said he will think about it.

December 1962

My second semester back is coming to a close. I have three left following this one. I should have never dropped out when James and I got married. I feel as if I already know most of the things I am learning. Real experience trumps classroom learning every time.

I am starting to get a reputation at the school as "that woman's writer." I think they mean it to be an insult, but I accept the title gladly.

John has made the necessary preparations to open up not only one new office, but two. One in Ashland and one in Akron. His argument is that Akron is a larger city and will potentially give us a larger readership. It was really my idea, but I will let him keep the glory. For now.