The first day of my junior year in high school, a new girl, who had just moved to town, was in class. The teacher passed around a list and asked each student to sign in, using his or her real name--"No nicknames, please!"

I forget her last name, but let's say it was "Smith". She signed as "Jack Smith". J-A-C-K, Jack! Not "Jackie", "Jacqueline" or anything like that. Jack.

When the teacher reviewed the list, she called the girl up to her desk. "I asked for real names, no nicknames. Please correct your entry."

"But that's my name, 'Jack'!"

"That's not possible, Miss Smith! Put down your real name!"

"Jack!"

To shorten the story, the girl was summarily sent to the Principal's office, where the same scene was enacted: "Real name!" "Jack!"

"Go home, and bring your father or your mother in here. We'll find out the truth!"

When both mom and dad came in, they verified that the girl's name was in fact Jack-- J-A-C-K, Jack.

I wonder whatever happened to Jack, whether she was drafted into the Army, or what.

Dave Oesterreich