Full Text of the Excerpt

KAREN SINDELAR:

It was important that you go and that you get your homework done, it sounds like to me.

JOSEPHINE TURNER:

Oh yes.

KAREN SINDELAR:

How about your mother's schooling? Had she had much schooling?

JOSEPHINE TURNER:

No, my mother didn't have any. I think she didn't get past the third grade, because she was raised on a farm and she didn't pass that.

KAREN SINDELAR:

But she still thought it was important?

JOSEPHINE TURNER:

She was the oldest of seventeen, so she couldn't do too much. She had to help raise them, I think.

KAREN SINDELAR:

But it's interesting that she thought it was that important for you all, then.

JOSEPHINE TURNER:

Yes, it was a must.

KAREN SINDELAR:

How did she feel when you dropped out of school?

JOSEPHINE TURNER:

Well, she was very disappointed. But I knew that it was a strain on her, you know. And I was one of those little hard-headed young people like they are today. I wanted to marry a soldier, so I had to get married, you know. So I just quit school—and mostly to work, to help her because I knew she was having a hard time. There wasn't need of my staying there putting a strain on her. Right now I'd put my education with some of the college graduates I know; I would. I maybe don't have the diploma; but the wisdom and knowledge that God give me, I would be willing to stand with them, as I do do now.

KAREN SINDELAR:

From teaching highschoolers, I would say you're right [laughter] . Unfortunately a lot of the people in high school these days, they haven't learned as much as

JOSEPHINE TURNER:

They're not interested in it, you know. But, see, it was a must with us. Now I have a twelve year old, and I don't have to pressure her. I say, "Kit, why don't you get out of the house?" She says, "I've got to get my homework." I'm grateful for that.