Well, Joanne, in many ways the school years were memorable, because they did what they are designed for: I learned a lot and I have always loved learning. I learned about things, about languages, about people, especially girls, about myself and about the world. It was and is a good school, Protestant Light, mixed sexes, striving for high standards. But on the Fourth of July I celebrate the end of that period, the beginning of the university years. To pass that exam was a liberation, something to be proud of, followed by the most beautiful summer I can remember. I know the date because it is on my diploma, beneath the clumsy signature I used for the first time in my life.

One particular teacher (he had a rough smoker’s voice and a wrinkled face that seemed perpetually tired) shared his wisdom with us when he said: ‘too late at the exam, too late in life’. I was too late for the ceremony and yes, he was right.