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Actually, the pay wasn’t great, but it beat no money at all, and I jumped at the opportunity. It was hard labor because travelers are
nasty! “BUT GOD” sent my sister-in-law (the same one that helped me get my first teaching job), Ethel Merritt, to the Turnpike two

weeks after I started working there. She told me that an Integration Workshop was being held at the University of Miami, and a

stipend was being offered. She said that I should send my application in immediately, and I did. This workshop paid much more
money than I was earning by cleaning restrooms, so I quit. My application was accepted, and I had a few days to prepare for the trip

to Miami. It was a six-week workshop that prepared teachers for the integration of public schools. They also paid for our food and

board! Glory to God! (This was the third time God had used Ethel to rescue me from adverse circumstances.)

On to Nashville!

I left Fort Pierce, headed for Nashville, Tennessee, as a newlywed. I was excited and anticipating a new life in a new city with a

wonderful partner, but my idealism soon deteriorated.

Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and He shall sustain thee;

He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Psalm 55:22 (KJV)

My husband, who had served in the United States Army, was afforded an opportunity to attend college on the GI Bill. He enrolled
in Tennessee State University in Nashville. I was blessed again to be hired as a faculty member at Wharton School of Elementary and

Middle School Education. I learned about this job from our landlords, Mr. and Mrs. Merriweather. They recommended me for the

job, and I was thrilled to get it. The opening was in Special Education, a field that was unfamiliar to me. I needed a job, so I took what
was available. The principal of Wharton, Mr. Ross, lived across the street from us, and he was willing to hire me even though I had no

experience. My selection was solely based on what the Merriweather’s believed about me. This was a miracle!