Abstract
Six former students of Dr. Diana Scully share their memories of her and reflections on how she influenced them personally and professionally.
I met Diana as an undergraduate student at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). I took her Sociology of the Family class in the Spring of 1999. I worked hard and I learned a lot, but that is not the end of the story; technically, I failed her class. Because I was such a shy and anxious young woman at the time, I could not successfully complete my part of the required group presentation, which was to be graded by my classmates. On the day of the presentation, when it was my turn to speak, I melted down at the podium, cursing, and I threw my notes into the classroom trash can as I ran out of the room. Embarrassed and feeling terrible about the effects of my behavior on my fellow group members, and on my grade, I contacted Diana, hoping for another chance. However, she, in her tough, but caring way, gave me the choice of either attending therapy for three months during the summer or receiving an F. I chose therapy. It may seem to be an unethical thing for a professor to do, but I credit Diana with saving my life. She not only granted me a final grade of an A for the class, but she taught me to believe in myself as an intelligent and worthwhile person. I am certain that before I met Diana, I was headed for a life of little possibility, all because I could not find my voice. She helped change that. She changed so many young women's lives in that way. What I learned both academically and personally from her will always be with me. I remember the compassion she had for other humans, and I miss her dearly.