I am a UofH graduate, 1953-1957. Thought some might find this story interesting. I grew up in rural West Texas on a farm and ranch. My parents had been killed in a car wreck in 1950. I was living with an older sister and her husband. We had a complete crop failure in 1953 due to the devastating drought. I didn’t think I would go to college since I had no money. A cousin lived in Houston and said I could live with them, work and go to UH. I drove my beat up pickup truck to Houston and enrolled. Needing money I went to the Student Union and found a job breaking a horse in the pens across the street.(think it was Cullen). At that time there was a beef packing plant across the street with cattle pens and that was where the horse was. I got the job and saddled up the horse. Whenever I put my weight in the stirrup he began bucking. Bucked me off three times before I finally got control. I looked around and a lot of the people from the plant had watched me being thrown and applauded. Went through several jobs, married my high school sweetheart in February of 1954. We lived in the barracks for married students with no air conditioning. Spent most nights in the library until closing time because it was air conditioned. After many struggles we graduated in 1957, went on to have a successful life and marriage. Celebrated our 70 anniversary this year. The UH was a lifeline for us and we are thankful for the opportunity it provided. Maxie C. Davie
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