Betty Wales, Freshman

Betty Wales steps onto the bustling campus as a nervous yet determined freshman, her luggage in tow and a telegram from her father promising a smooth start. On the train platform she meets Dorothy King, a friendly junior who offers a quick tour and a glimpse into campus life, from the Glee Club rehearsals to the quirky hierarchy of seniors and sophomores. Their banter about the registrar’s “grand reception” hints at the playful rivalries that await new students.

As Betty settles into Mrs. Chapin’s yellow house, she wrestles with homesickness and the pressure to live up to her family’s reputation. The early days bring a mix of awkward introductions, hurried letters home, and the excitement of upcoming dances and class meetings. Through these first impressions, listeners glimpse the challenges and charms of college life in the early 1920s, as a bright young woman learns to navigate independence, friendship, and the unexpected twists of freshman year.