Gina School

“It’s virtually imperative for me to dispense wisdom,” writes Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor of English Gina Barreca in the introduction to her latest book, “Gina School,” in which she dispenses said wisdom — 103 bits of it to be exact. The beautiful little book, illustrated by John Guillemette ’22 (BGS), was published this October by Woodhall Press. Here’s a sneak peek.

A pen-and-ink illustration of a mosquito in an irregularly shaped amber piece

I’m Not a Fan

of products promoted as “anti-aging.” The opposite of aging isn’t staying young. The opposite of aging is death.

First Loves

are adorable. Last loves are magnificent.

A pen-and-ink illustration of an oak tree branch with white and black leaves

a pen-and-ink illustration of a broken flip phone

Don’t Ask

questions if you’re unwilling to deal with the answers. Truth takes courage to hear as well as to speak.

You Earn Your Courage,

you build on your courage, and, when necessary, you can draw on your courage. You probably have more than you realize. Use it; don’t hide it, hide behind it, or allow it to be buried with you. You’re braver than you think.

A pen-and-ink illustration of a spade or shovel

The Intensity

of an emotion does not imply the durability of that emotion.

A pen-and-ink illustration of a traditional burro or donkey pinata

A pen-and-ink illustration of 5 paper coffee cups with one knocked over with the coffee spilling out in the foreground

Life Itself Is a Group Project:

We’ve all got a deadline. We have to forgive those who let us down the way we hope to be forgiven by those we’ve disappointed.

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