Joan never let anyone into her private little world. She was very studious, making the honor roll throughout grade school, high school and the dean's list in college.
She was active in clubs, played the clarinet for the high school band, did two monthly articles and was the editor of the high school newspaper, won numerous awards and contest and had a wall of certificates, shelves full of trophies, but always stayed away from dating. She liked guys, but she was so afraid of getting hurt like some of her friends that did date and also didn't want to get raped like her best friend did when they were only 16 years old. She is still best friends with Julie, but she has been in a home since that horrible rape and has never been able to shake that night. Joan visits her as often as she can and watches as Julie gazed into space and then cries out for help. So sad.
Joan loves her job. She has been a nurse in almost every capacity and loves it. She always puts in extra time to be with the babies, the elderly and the mentally retarded. A few of the doctor's have asked her out and she has had dinner with them but wanted no part of a relationship. Most of the men thought she was foolish for being the way she is because they know she would be a good wife and mother. The men she has had dinner with have all been white. She is nice and always has been nice to everyone. She was talked about when she was nice to the black boys in school and helped them out with their schoolwork and she didn't care as she just kept on helping them and who ever needed her help, got it.