I am Catherine B Bostic. Born to Mr. & Mrs. Ed Bostic. January 31, 1900. As a child I attended the west side Elementary School, which was a one room building in Goldsboro, very large, located on what is now called, Lake Ave. & 13th Street. The school didn't have a name, just Goldsboro school. Every grade was in the same room. As years past, the attendence increased, and more rooms were needed, so two more rooms were added to take care of the on coming students. Our first teacher was professor Martin, 2nd Rev. Williams & Rev. Hector. We also had some women teachers, Mrs. Austin, Mrs. Lampkins & many more. Soon the students that was in advance grades was transferred to the East side school, which was called Georgetown, and the school was Hopper Academy. Prof. J. N. Crooms was principal, and his wife was assistant principle. With other teachers on the staff I was in the six grade. Nearing the closing of school for the term, I did not get promoted because of and accident at home. Our back porch was being repaired and on coming out to go to school I fell through the porch & was cripple for 3 or 4 months and when school open the next term I had to go to school by Cab. because of the walking distance, and my leg/foot was still sore. Through the obstacles, I finally finished high school. With the help of the good teachers, my graduation year was June 1920. a very happy year for me. After gradation from public school, my intention was to be a nurse but my parents were not able to send me off to a nursing school, so I took a correspondence course, and worked along with the Doctors, the first doctor to start me off with my practical work was Dr. Denton. I was very good helping him so he told the other doctors how helpful I was so I was kept busy. As the news got around about my work, I worked as a practical for 3 1/2 years or more. Although, I had to take state examinations to be a license practical nurse. I was given my certificate as a license practical nurse. Finally I decided, if I could do this good as a practical nurse, I could better my nursing as a graduate nurse. So I wrote the superintendent of Brewster Hospital, Jacksonville Fla. and was sent a blank to fill out and was accepted. So I entered training that September, 1924. There were about twenty student nurses, some 1st year, 2nd & 3rd year. After my probationary period, I passed the exam and was given my whole uniform. I worked faithfully and advance very much, was well liked by most of the patients and doctors. I had a few hardships in training but I think they were responsible for my success in nursing. I finally finished nursing after three years. After commencement exercises and after renewing our diploma, I was awarded a five dollar gold piece for keeping the cleanest room and was awarded a certificate for neatest uniform during the three year inspection period, After graduation I took the State Board examination and was given my registered nurses certificate as a R N. This was a great day for me. My 1st job was in Palatka Fla. at Lawton's Sanatorium for 2 yrs. 2nd job was at home in Sanford Fla. Fernald Langhtion Hospital for 22 years. I finally quit and worked in Orlando Fla. at Orange Memorial for 2 yrs. I finally came back home after getting service call to come by the superintendent. When the Seminole Memorial Hospital was built I moved with the staff and worked for seven years on the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift, in charge of 2nd floor. I worked here for 7 yrs. until my retirement 1962. I worked for 33 yrs. as R.N. Retired now fourteen years. Catherine B. Bostic 1008 w. 12th street, Sanford, Fla. 32771. Education has always been important in the Goldsboro community. It has been the foundation for success with the Blacks in this area. Come out an visit us for more stories. Goldsboro Historic Museum Written by William Taylor