Saved for Ben: The College Years
by
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Ben finally stopped crying by the time he was five miles
outside of the city limits of Fairville. The drive to Middle
Georgia State University in Macon was very pleasurable, his
1970 Ford F-150 was equipped with air condition. Ben was
glad his mother packed him lunch, he was getting hungry. He
was excited about everything. He wondered if ahis roommate
would be from Georgia or up north. It was possible that his
roommate could be an international student.
As he was about to turn into the entrance of the university,
he saw a pay phone. He decided to go ahead and call Mr.
Cason, so his family would not be worried about him.
He had only been gone a few hours, but he relished in
hearing Mr. Cason’s voice. As he drove up to Martin Hall’s
parking lot, it was filled with students and their families. He
parked the truck and went inside to check in. The housing
representative gave him his key and told him that his roommate
had not checked in yet.
Ben took his time and transported all of his possessions to
his room. He tried not to pack too much. He had clothing,
toiletries, bedding, school supplies, and some family pictures.
He also brought a desk lamp, so he would not have to use the
overhead light all of the time. He was assigned to room 343.
As he was going back and forth to the truck, several students introduced themselves.
His resident assistant was Dale Henderson. Dale was tall with
blond hair, a junior engineering major from Raleigh, North
Carolina.
Finally, after about two hours, Ben had unpacked all of his
belongings and set up his side of the room. He tried to wait for
his roommate, he wanted to give him first option of the side
of the room. He could not wait any longer; so, he took the right side. Then he heard a faint knock at the door. As he was turning around, a student was entering the room.
Ben said, “Hi, my name is Ben Davis.”
The student said, “I am Charles Hemingway, III from
Charleston, South Carolina. Are you in the right room?”
Shocked Ben said, “Yes, I am. I’m assigned to room 343
Martin Hall.”
Charles said vehemently, “Well, then I cannot stay here. I
will not share my room with a colored boy!”
Ben was speechless. He couldn’t move. He just looked at
Charles.
Charles continued, “I have to go find the resident assistant.”
Charles stood in the hallway, yelling at the top of his voice,
“Has anyone seen the resident assistant? Resident assistant!
Resident assistant!”
In a few moments, Dale appeared at the door.
Dale said, “I’m Dale Henderson, I am your resident assistant.
Is there a problem?”
Charles berated, “Yes, there is a problem. I will not share
my room with a colored person!”
Dale asked politely, “What is your name?”
Charles said proudly, “I am Charles Hemingway, III from
the Charleston Hemingways.”
Dale asked, “May I call you Charles?”
Smiling Charles said, “Of course!”
Dale continued, “Charles, according to my manifest you
have been assigned to room 343 with Benjamin Davis. If you
have a problem with your assignment, you need to check with
the dorm coordinator downstairs, Mr. Clark. However, I can
tell you now, the dorm is full. There is no other room available.”
Pushing Dale aside and visibly displeased Charles said,
“Excuse me, I will go talk to this Mr. Clark. My father is in
the car, we will see about this.”
Charles stormed down the hall dragging his heavy luggage.
Dale looked at Ben and said, “Ben, consider yourself lucky
that he doesn’t want to be your roommate.”
Ben smiled and said, “I am still in shock. I hoped me and
my roommate would be good friends.”
Dale said seriously, “Charles Hemingway the third does
not seem like he will be anyone’s good friend. He’s extremely
censorious and hubris, but he is definitely not a hypocrite.”
Ben smiled. Someone else was calling for the resident
assistant.
Dale said laughingly, “I really do love my job,” as he walked
down the hall to solve another problem.
Ben closed the door and sat on the bed.
He prayed, “God, I don’t know what just happened. I trust
that what you have for me is for me.”
After a little while, there was another knock at the door.
Ben opened the door.
The man said, “I am Mr. Clark, the dorm director. Your
assigned roommate, Charles Hemingway III, does not want to
share a room with you. I informed him and his father that this
room was his only choice. All of the dorms are full. His father
was very disparaging and livid. He has decided to take Charles
back to Charleston, South Carolina. Charles was also accepted
into Clemson University. So, they plan to stop by Clemson on
their way home.”
Ben was still speechless.
Mr. Clark said, “Ben, we do not condone that type of
behavior here at Middle Georgia State University. It is 1975
and we try to embrace equality.”
Ben said, “I appreciate that.”
Mr. Clark said, “Since your roommate plans to withdraw
from the university. You will have this room to yourself for
the school year.”
Ben inquired, “Will that cost more? I am on a scholarship.”
Mr. Clark smiled and said, “No, there will be no additional
charge to you. Enjoy your private room. Most of the students
are going to be envious. You can move the furniture around
as you like, since you do not have a roommate.”
Ben smiled and asked, “Is the cafeteria open today?”
Mr. Clark said, “No! However, it will be open all day
tomorrow. I have class schedules downstairs for
all freshmen students. Stop by when you can to pick up yours.
You also need to get a university identification card before you
go to the cafeteria. You can get one in Building 22 until six
o’clock today.”
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Book Details
About the Book
This is the second book in the series. Ben Davis has graduated from high school and is on his way to Middle Georgia State University in Macon, Georgia. While in college, he finds wonderful support to help polish his skills. During the college years, Ben experiences college life, relationships, and good decision making. The story begins in August 1975, a time of progress for communities of color. Ben discovers awesome and unexpected opportunities through Dean Smith, head of the College of Business there at the university. In this coming of age story, Ben continues to blossom and make a name for himself as a studious and academically sound man of faith. He continues to maintain his relationships in Fairville. This book series is not only heartwarming, family focused, and biblically sound. It is full of life lessons and guidance. It is a great educational resource for teenagers to adults. It can easily be utilized in a classroom setting or for those that enjoy personal inspiration. It is a growth opportunity in wisdom and faith. Check it out!
About the Author
Jacquelyn B. Smith is a God-fearing, anointed, gifted, woman of God. She has enjoyed a wonderful life, starting in a small town in Georgia, being raised in the church and Sunday School. She received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Data Processing from Florida A&M University, then was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy. While on active duty she earned her Masters of Science Degree in Management from Troy University. After 20 years of military service, she retired as a highly decorated Lieutenant Commander and currently resides in Pensacola, Florida where she is an active member of her church and Christian Education Ministry. Her books are fictional but have a non-fiction appeal. She is a wife, sister, aunt, niece, and a loving and gifted mother to her son, Jeremy.