Question

What were Helen’s memories of Radcliffe?

Answer 1

Helen’s first day at Radcliffe was interesting. She began her studies with eagerness and saw a new world of opportunities opening up in front of her. But her romantic notions about the college were soon to come to an end. She discovered that there were some disadvantages in going to college. She found no time to think and muse about various things. She had to keep pace with studies and had to get accustomed to the new way of learning owing to her disability. In the book, she confesses to hating examinations even though she tackled them effectively each time. Helen and Ms. Sullivan worked hard at Radcliffe College. Ms. Sullivan attended all of Helen's classes and helped her with reading. Radcliffe was not prepared for deaf or blind students at that time. Many of the other students had never met a deaf and blind person. Although Helen enjoyed college, she thought that students’ schedules were too hectic with no time to sit and think. She also wrote, "We should take our education as we would take a walk in the country, leisurely, our minds hospitably open to impressions of every sort." Helen recollected her memories of Radcliffe with a sense of pride and longing.