As a young woman, my great-grandmother, Felicetta arrived in
America with little education — and a passion for
knowledge. Her passion never faltered, instead it fueled her
determination to drive her family towards higher education. She
moved to Jessup, Pennsylvania and worked hard in garment
factories that produced military uniforms during World War II.
Unfortunately she did not make much money and it broke her heart
that she could not afford to send her daughter to nursing school.
But she continued to stress the importance of education and the
message stuck: All four of her grandsons went to college. Another
generation later, I am living out her dream. I am both a
professor and writer, knowing full well to always credit my great
grandmother with the wisdom that transcends any university
degree. My wife and I are expecting our first baby and I will be
sure to teach her about this special woman who lifted her family
out of poverty and gave us all the chance to be whatever we could
dream.