Professor Little's Defense
April 13, 2015
After having squeezed through my preliminary examinations, I was feeling a little cocky. My dad had come to visit Aggieland for the first time and I was showing him around the Department of Entomology. I introduced him to Prof. Van Little — a sort of legend in the Department. I do not remember the exact conversation but it was something like -- according to Dr. Little: “You must be proud of your son’s accomplishments here.”
Dad replied, “Well, at least Winfield doesn’t have to do any real work here.”
I think his meaning was that I was not required to do hard physical labor — like what is required back on the Sterling farm. Yes, it was a bit of a “put down,” but he saw it as his job to keep me from getting some exaggerated sense of my own importance.
Dr. Little would have none of it and seemed a little combative with my Dad. He forcefully explained that the Texas A&M Department of Entomology was one of the best in the country and that our students are also the best — and that my Dad should be very proud of my accomplishments.
Dad replied, “Well, at least Winfield doesn’t have to do any real work here.”
I think his meaning was that I was not required to do hard physical labor — like what is required back on the Sterling farm. Yes, it was a bit of a “put down,” but he saw it as his job to keep me from getting some exaggerated sense of my own importance.
Dr. Little would have none of it and seemed a little combative with my Dad. He forcefully explained that the Texas A&M Department of Entomology was one of the best in the country and that our students are also the best — and that my Dad should be very proud of my accomplishments.
I was glad that Dr. Little came to my defense, but I also knew that Dad was making an important point. I had great respect for my father and I knew he was really proud of my accomplishments — even though he was not particularly adept at showing it. He was a skilled farmer and loving father but I did not have the nerve to defend him against Prof. Little’s comments. Dad said nothing more. He had given me good advice when I returned home from the Marine Corps and suggested that maybe I could start farming. He said that farming is too much of a gamble. “Go to school and get a degree,” he advised. I think it was good advice, but I will never know for certain because I never tried the farming option. But I did major in Agriculture at Pan American College, just in case I changed my mind.
Prof. Little’s “General and Applied Entomology” textbook was being used in many schools. It had been used to introduce the subject when I was taking my first entomology course from Dr. Corns at Pan American College in Edinburg. It was one of the few courses that I actually aced at Pan American and helped me determine my major later at Texas A&M. When I think back on the subject, Prof. Little and his book had a profound influence on my career choice.
By the time I attended A&M University, Prof. Little was near the end of his career and likely in his 70’s. Now that I am 78 years old, I can more easily sympathize with the food stains that showed on his tie and the stubble of beard on his tired face. I took what was likely the last course that he taught at A&M — which was something like “Readings in Entomological History.” He was a good man and I am indebted to him.
My Dad likely had only a cursory idea of the blood that I sweat doing the coursework and research needed to maintain my assistantship — to finally graduate while also supporting my young, growing family. The coursework was extra hard for me because I had not exactly excelled in my studies in high school, so I had to learn how to study effectively. But, after spending 3 years in the Marine Corps, I knew that I was not cut out to be a military man and thought that maybe I was much better suited for academia. Little did I know!
But when I think of my Dad’s reaction, it makes me wonder if I did much better with my own children. Both Brian and Jimmy left College Station for advanced studies in Californian schools and Ellen earned a scholarship to run track at the University of Houston. I was confident that they would excel in their studies, but I also knew they would be lonely and would struggle to live on their scholarships. I particularly remember a phone conversation with my son Brian immediately before his defense of dissertation. He was very worried and I tried to reassure him that he was a really smart fellow and that he would likely pass the test. “You don’t know that” he protested. He was right! I did not know. But my guess was not bad. He passed the exam — just as his family expected. Of course, I am very proud of my kids and their achievements — just like Dad was proud of his children’s accomplishments. My kids set high standards for themselves and lived up to those standards. How could we not be proud of them? They are good people.
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