Barbara Ellis '64

I worked my way through Cal State Long Beach by working in the placement office for $1.25 an hour. It was a great place to work because they were understanding and supportive of me when I needed to take an afternoon off for my studies. Later, my husband and I had a building named after us, which was the same building I worked in as a student assistant. It was a special feeling to see our name on the building from my friend's balcony across the street. I had to earn my way through college and my parents were supportive. I was able to go to school for $60.50 a semester, and I got a job of my dreams. I chose to be a teacher, and I spent 36 very happy years in the Long Beach Unified School District. I had to grow up and become mature while I was in college, as I had to work 20 hours a week and take a full load of classes. I was driven and had a goal, and I was proud of myself for doing it all on my own. I had a support network at the placement office, and I was able to get an education without leaving my hometown. It was a beautiful campus, and I'm proud of myself for making it all happen.