I did not have the opportunity to attend school while I was a child, and as my folks were not wealthy people, I came to the twin cities (St. Paul and Minneapolis) to make my own living, where I have been working for the last eight years as a waitress, long hours and for small wages. An average of $10 to $12 per week, and even less, is what they pay to the girls in Minneapolis nowadays.

I often heard of the Work People’s College and I also met some girls who had been there before. They told me of its principles, and as I am somewhat lacking in English grammar I made up my mind at once to go there.

I went to work more eagerly than ever before to get enough money for that purpose, for it has been my greatest desire to go to school and learn something, for one can never know too much. Finally, I succeeded in my plans so I started as once for the Work People’s College and here I am.

I am taking up English grammar, Finnish grammar, arithmetic and economics, which I have found to be a very interesting study. I am more than satisfied that I selected this college to obtain more education. We still have students coming in from the lumber camps right along.

We also have dances here once a week, on Friday nights, from 8 to 11 o’clock, at which one of the student plays, that is, who ever happens to be a musician.

My advice to all fellow workers, men and women, is: If you are thinking of going to college, this is the best place to come to get more education. It does not matter what you want to study, the teaching methods are such that everyone has a chance to learn.

Our school term closes on the 15th of April for this season and reopens again next fall.

Fellow workers, if you go to the Work People’s College you will never regret it, I am sure.

Marie Huotari,
Student at The Work People’s College

Transcribed by Juan Conatz