Dumpster Diver
(From Larry Hill)
I met Rick in 1968 at San Antonio Jr. College. We were both pursuing our formal education in lieu of visiting Viet Nam. We shared the same Geology Lab. I do not even know why either of us were taking Geology. I think we thought it would be easier than Chemistry. It turned out that there was more to be known about the earth's surface than we had imagined.
The first exam was coming up and I had been studying, but had become pretty discouraged when Rick came bursting into my apartment all excited.
"I've found the dumpster where Dr. Sandage throws his test drafts away. I have this weeks test" Rick shouted.
By the time the second exam rolled around, Rick had everyone in the entire class "tutored" with the questions and answers.
Over the next three months, Rick stood on his head in that dumpster every Monday (I was the lookout) before every test. Finding a copy of the next test became a much greater challenge than just studying could have ever been. He also knew that the whole class had grown to depend on him finding each test.
Dr. Sandage did comment towards the end of the semester that he believed our class to be one of the best groups he had taught in his 35 years. I looked over and Rick was smiling ear to ear just as I know he's smiling now as I write just another memory that made him so dear to all of us. At the time we were involved in these charades, we had no idea that our friendship would span some 40 years with many more episodes like "The Dumpster" to follow.
