1978: Dear Diane Souvaine / Right message and the right time

Dear Ms. Souvaine,

I can only imagine what it was like to be a so called “House Master or Mistress” tasked with the oversight of a wily group of teenagers away from home for the first time.  As a resident of Johnson Hall for my sophomore year in 1978-79 I was under your watchful eye.  

Literally one week into my PA experience you had a timely and somewhat stern conversation with me.  I had enjoyed an above- board day off campus where you suspected there may have been some not so above-board activities.  I wasn’t in trouble per se, but you took the time to subtly remind me that the potential for trouble was everywhere.  I will never forget what it felt like to sit on your couch and imagine the phone call to my parents who had worked so hard to make this school experience possible.  This hip check served me well. Truly. I know this might sound like a bad memory, but it is actually a very treasured one as it seemed you cared enough to take the time or saw something in me worth keeping on track. 

I’m certain you have touched countless lives during your career as an educator- it was amazing to see all you have accomplished since your days in Andover.  

Congratulations and Thank you.  

Ann Simonds

Aka Annie Hoagland- PA ‘81

aka Annie Hoagland