As a college senior I spied a bulletin board notice: Kennedy Center Internships. The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC, send out the notices to over 300 colleges in 1979, including Montana State University. I put my entire effort into my application, now realizing that my childhood and background was lacking. They sent a nice letter back, saying that I was not selected but I had been a runner up and should someone drop out I would be contacted. It was like saying "thank you" but don't call. I have always possessed tenacity, a sense of persistence that was beyond my control. I proceeded to write to both of my US Senators and Congressmen (at that time Montana had two Congressmen). I told them about the internship program and figured out how to visit the Kennedy Center offices that summer in Washington. My letters and visit caused a stir and even the Dean for the College of Arts and Architecture was wondering what I was up too. In the end, I think...