"Rebecca has dramatically captured the emotional significance of the briefcase my parents gave me upon receiving my first degree in 1962. My "assistant" has remained at my side ever since -- through three more degrees and 40 years of teaching -- accompanying me to class, sitting by my desk, and always revered for its contents so important to me and my students' emotional and academic well-being. Rebecca's depiction shows more than a bag weary and worn but polished by age -- it's a warm reminder of the thousands of wonderful students who touched my life -- some of whom now have 'assistants' of their own." -- by Mr. David R. Vale