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After graduating with a three-year degree in Math and Physics, I could not find a job anywhere.ÌýI was 21 years old, female, and looked 14.ÌýWell, I could have been a key punch operator for Bell, but I turned that down.

Months went by and I had to get a student loan to tieÌýme over.ÌýI was still eating at the cafeteria and Wesley (then Professor Graham to me) would stop to talk every day:Ìý"Have you found a job yet?"ÌýAnd then, finally:Ìý"If you haven't found a job in another month, come to me and I'll make one for you."

And, that's how I got my first job after graduation.Ìý What a gift!ÌýÌý

I believe there were only six employees inÌýthe Computer Science Department, situated in a few classrooms in the Physics building.ÌýI never did see the Red Room, but I did help plan it.ÌýI helped nameÌýWatfor.ÌýI helped debug Watfor.

I worked closely with Wesley.ÌýHe eventually moved me to an office adjacent to his.ÌýWe spent much time together,Ìýin confidence,Ìýas working friends.

I think it may be possible that I was the first computer librarian and possiblyÌýthe first user-friendly on-campus consultant in Fortran.ÌýIn the world?ÌýÌý

Maybe I exaggerate.Ìý I don't know.

Of particular interest is my experience as an early female employee and how my input often changed or influenced some decisions.ÌýHow Wesley and I would disagree. I was a headstrong young woman and he a man, softly human, with a wide vision and surety that it was reachable.