A Life Lifted Twice

When student Sara Gustafson Green ’24 called her parents to share the good news that she had just received a scholarship, she didn’t realize that those same generous donors had a profound impact on her life many years earlier. After all, it was longtime Eastern supporters Ellen Lang ’81 and James Watson who also happened to write the recommendation letter in 1994 that resulted in Sara’s adoption. After receiving the Ellen L. Lang ’81 and James E. Watson, M.D. Endowed Scholarship, Sara wrote them a heartfelt thank-you letter.

Dear Ms. Ellen Lang and Dr. James Watson,

I am a non-traditional student, being 28 and commuting from Coventry. As a full-time student who also works part-time in Mansfield Public Schools, funding and prioritizing school is a challenge. I am so grateful for your endowment! It is already helping me to see myself as a student and enjoy the courses I enroll in.

However, there is gratitude that I don’t think this letter can express. When I called my parents to tell them the good news, not only were they excited for me, but they told me they knew who you were. My parents are Gwen Gustafson and James Green. In 1994, they asked you to write a letter of recommendation in their favor to adopt me. I see this scholarship as a second beautiful gift that you have provided for me.

I am a stranger to you, but I’m not sure it is describable how grateful I am that you also made my adoption possible so many years ago. My parents rescued me and raised me to have a strong sense of what is right, to practice kindness, and to seek higher knowledge. Here I am at Eastern, studying English and education, and you helped me to get here in more ways than one.

This isn’t a typical scholarship thank-you note, but I suppose none of this is typical! I am late to getting my degree, but not to academic experiences. Since graduating high school, I’ve been a special education paraeducator and behavior technician. I’ve also been trying my best to excel as a spoken word poet. I will graduate with my teaching certificate in spring 2024 and I will be going to teach high schoolers English and, with luck, poetry!

It is so heartwarming to know that there are people in the community who have been giving the way you have for so many years. I’m honored to have you as my nearby neighbors and sponsors of, well, my life! My parents send their absolute best!

Sincerely,

Sara Gustafson Green