Caring People
In May, Jennica Peterson, ’99, wrote about how full-time parenting isn’t always seen as worthy of a Stanford degree.
The generation of women before me worked very hard to be taken seriously in STEM, and my generation was actively recruited by companies that needed engineers. So we were told we could have it all. And when my generation figured out that meant that we would run ourselves into the ground, we were called traitors to the cause. But those tough gals that paved the way have given the generations that followed the right to choose to work, stay home, or some combination that works for each of them.
I thoroughly enjoyed raising my kids. Being home allowed me to be the room mother, volunteer in their classrooms, lead a group at our church, manage the Little League teams, and be a Girl Scout co-leader. So many lives I’ve been able to touch, beyond those of my family. I regret none of it.
Cindy Jensen, MS ’85
San Jose, California
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Jane and Leland placed an extremely high value on parenthood and educating youth. They would say that Jennica Peterson is making great use of her Stanford degree. |
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I recently had a baby and returned to work. And I have felt pressure to continue to prove myself professionally—both because it took too much hard work to get to this point and because I do enjoy it. But I recognize, especially after maternity leave, what a luxury it is that I can do this. That I’m so lucky to be able to afford childcare (and to have a husband carrying the weight when I travel for work). The fact that two college-educated professionals can barely afford to do this is humbling. |
The opening line, “You’re really using your Stanford degree,” made me shiver. How many times has this insult been lobbed at me? Now I chalk it up to jealousy, but back then I didn’t know how to react other than with seething anger and embarrassment.
After my first son was born, I did go back to work full time as a primary care physician, but the demands were overwhelming. I spent the next dozen or so years at home with my boys—raising them to become intellectual thought leaders, wonderful men who respect intelligent women, and men who know their way around a kitchen. It took all of my Stanford education to pull that off.
Cheryl Fong, ’88
Tustin, California
Screen Play
At Stanfordmag.org, Annie Reller, ’24, wrote about bringing back FLiCKS, which died out with the rise of streaming media.
I must thank you and your cohorts for bringing back our favorite early ’60s weekend activity. FLiCKS was probably instrumental in maintaining a reasonable sanity level among students in that era of political assassinations, rising levels of conflict in Vietnam, and ever-increasing concerns about the military draft. Nothing was better than those incomparable Sunday Night FLiCKS with their weekly dose of Road Runner cartoons and paper airplane building and flying.
Rob Burrington, ’64, MS ’65
Palm Springs, California
I am so excited for the student body to experience such a laughter-filled and memorable experience. FLiCKS was something I always looked forward to so that I could unwind with fellow students by mimicking movie quotes in unison, tossing TP, blowing bubbles, and generally witnessing creative student chaos at its finest. Bravo to you for reviving this treasured Stanford tradition!
Omar Chyou, ’95
Broomfield, Colorado
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In the early ’50s, women’s everyday wear was a skirt, a pullover sweater, saddle Oxford shoes and socks, and sometimes a bead or pearl necklace. Stanford freshmen women in 1964 showed up in dyed-to-match skirts and sweaters, and penny loafers. We were forbidden to wear pants on the Quad. By the time we were seniors in 1968, we were wearing bell-bottom jeans, peasant blouses, Birkenstocks, and love beads. Whiplash changes! Rolled-up jeans, polo shirts, white Vans, and hoodies around your waist. Boxer shorts for women. Everything hugely oversized—T-shirts, sweatshirts, flannel shirts. Fashion during the Grunge era in the early ’90s was simply not flattering, IMHO! Tube tops, high-waisted jeans with flared hems, platform flip-flops, winged eye liner. |
Dressed Down
A May story covered the FashionX runway, a student event that sold out MemChu.
With puzzlement I read about a popular on-campus fashion show that took place at Memorial Church, complete with “pulsating music and models showing varying amounts of skin.” Am I the only one to express discomfort at this use of the facility? Many alumni regard this as a sacred space. I’m sure it was an enjoyable occasion, and I am all for celebrating students’ artistic creativity. In the future, though, I suggest the Cantor Arts Center or Bing Concert Hall would be a beautiful and far more respectful choice.
Theresa Johnston, ’83
Truckee, California
Images from top: Anna Resmini; Stanford News Service/Courtesy Department of Special Collections & University Archives/Stanford University Libraries (2)
