Meeting My ‘American Mother’ at Smith

Paula Tuell Gordon ’38 was my “American mother” assigned to me, and I to her, by Smith. I arrived on campus after a long flight from Athens, Greece, and a bus ride from Boston to find flowers waiting for me in my Cutter House room. The bouquet turned my room into a home.

Paula lived on Franklin Street. Her home, with her two cats and her dog, became my home, too. Her son and daughter were still in high school, so I also got “American siblings.”

My first Thanksgiving was spent with Paula’s family and friends. There were other Thanksgivings, with the friends I made the following years, but that first one introduced me to the whole spread, the laughs, the family jokes, the gratitude for what we have, even the arguments. Thanksgiving dinner has been part of my life—and the life of my Smithie daughter, Despina Panagopoulou ’00—ever since. My grandchildren, now 11 and 9, look forward to Thanksgiving because of how it brings together family and friends, including my three children, my brother, my cousins, and other loved ones. It all started at Paula’s.

Paula’s backyard is where I hosted Greek Easter my senior year. Several classmates and I had stayed on campus during spring break, so I got to introduce them to spit-roasted lamb and other delicacies. In the meantime, Paula was in Greece visiting my parents. What a meaningful exchange! The cycle ended equally beautifully: Paula threw a party for me during Commencement week. I invited classmates and housemates, friends and professors for a cocktail party in her backyard, my home away from home.

Smith is so much more than a college!

This is just one of the many love stories we've received in conjunction with Smith's 150th. Submit your own using our love story submission form.