The Road Less Traveled ~date was June 28, 1995. My plane had landed in Entebbe, Uganda, at 6:30 that morning. I was in Jinja, resting in the home of John and Sara Barton after having taken a shower, when I heard the familiar voice of Mark Moore say, "Jimmy, you've got a fax down at the post office. I left it there so you can have the experience of picking it up yourself." "Did he say a fax?" I thought. "Surely Mom hasn't already started her letterwriting campaign to keep me informed of everything in Searcy and the rest of the world!" As it turned out, the fax was from Mrs. Kay Gowen, asking me to edit the 1996 Petit Jean. I had worked as a section editor the year before, and I knew the joys and the frustrations of the job. "I'm in Africa," I thought. "I've been looking forward to these seven weeks of freedom from the American rat race. I'm 10,000 miles and a few worlds away from home, yet I have not escaped my culture's pressure of success. I know this is a fantastic opportunity, but I don't want to make a decision here. I had hoped to leave this kind of stress at home." As I debated, I realized that this offer was possibly an answered prayer. In reflection on that day many months ago, I must concede that it was. God gave me the chance to leave more than a written record of the 1995-96 school year. He allowed me to meet and to work with an exceptional staff of people, and together to create a collage of memories. I commend Aaron, Holly, Amy, Kathryn, Maria, Heather A., Heather H., Christie, Candice and Lee for an exceptional production. This publication has been a learning experience for everyone - one that will certainly enrich both your personal and your professional lives. Thank you for your endurance and patience. The wait was worth it! However, if a book of memories is all that this book is, then my staff and I have failed, for those who revel in the past never reach their goals. It is my prayer that, for my staff and for every reader, this book will serve to keep your feet set on the narrow road that leads to life. - Jimmy Brooks Sports editor Heather Allison studies a photograph before writing the caption. Allison followed the men's andwomen's teams in all intercollegiate sports in order to effectively summarize each one. Photo byAaron Gillihan. Closing 314~,!*-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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