Eleven years ago tomorrow I accepted an offer of employment at the library, and have served as its local history librarian and computer lab manager since, growing in both technical and personal skills along the way, and taking no small measure of joy in the fact that my work makes a difference in the lives of others — finding employment, pursuing their education, growing as people. As the scope of my responsibilities has grown, I’ve realized the need for more formal training in my field — especially seeing as we are planning a major digitization project. I was delighted to receive this letter today on the eve of my work anniversary.
If I suddenly become obsessed with SEC football this fall, I can only apologize. The cult of UA football is strong and I’m predisposed to join it given being raised as a Bama fan. As a kid from a working class family, it’s overwhelming to be accepted to the State’s most prestigious university. Go Bama! Roll Tide!
Drown `em, Tide!
Every Bama man’s behind you,
Hit your stride!
Go teach the Bulldogs to behave
Send the Yellowjackets to a watery grave
And if a man starts to weaken
That’s a shame!
For Bama’s pluck and grit have writ her name in Crimson flame!
Fight on, fight on, men!
Remember the Rose Bowl, we’ll win then!
So! Roll, roll to victory
Hit your stride!
You’re Dixie’s football pride, Crimson Tide!
Roll tide! Roll tide!
“Yes, sir!”
“It bears a proud name, doesn’t it, Mr. COB?”
“Outstanding, sir!”
“What is that name, Mr. Cob?”
“ALABAMA, sir!”
“And what do we say?”
“GO BAMA! ROLL TIDE!”
Reading Freely 
Oh MY, Stephen!!! This truly brings tears of joy to my eyes!! I’m SO proud of you and all you continue to do with your vocati
Thank you!! You’ve always been so supportive. Love to you and D. 🙂
Congratulations! I’m sure you’ll both enjoy your time there and get a great deal out of it, both academically and otherwise. Exciting News indeed!!
Thank you! Fortunately the last year of online tech classes have gotten me in the daily-study time groove.
Congratulations! I hope you love this wonderful new adventure!
Thank you!
Very exciting, Stephen! I hope you enjoy your experience and I am sure you’ll do great in your master’s program. 🙂
Thank you!