Mr. Liebeler. As a draftsman?
Mrs. Meller. Yes.
Mr. Liebeler. Did you have training in draftsmanship work?
Mrs. Meller. Yes; I love drafting all my life and I wanted to be architect but I finish school in dentistry and war came. I passed all examinations besides the main diploma when war started so I get my diploma—without the main diploma—without examination of—from my dentistry examination but I get my diploma.
Mr. Liebeler. So, you were a qualified dentist in the Soviet Union before you left?
Mrs. Meller. Yes; I got my document but without final examination of dentistry because war started. By the way, I was always good in drafting back in school and I wanted to be always a draftsman or architect but it was too many people and everybody was interested in architecture so you have to be the very best one to make it and I wasn't the best one in physics, I remember, and I couldn't possibly—and it was time when girl supposed to have higher education, it started just then in Russia. Parents said you have to take something and finish so you have some kind of job, but when I was starting dentistry there was certain difficulties in the family. I was working at night as nurse in hospital and helping my sister with drafting so I get always money on the side little bit so I could proceed my studying. When I came to United States I have pretty bad veins. I could not stay very much on my feet; I had phlebitis when I arrived short after and doctor said better I will have sitting job better than standing because modern dentist have to stay very much on his legs so I took drafting. I went for my own interest to Crozier architecture school and took course in Dallas so I could see what drafting look like in United States. Since that time I love it and my job.
Mr. Liebeler. Does your husband work also?
Mrs. Meller. My husband works, too, at Sangers Harris as packer for 11 years or 12. I will say 12 years.
Mr. Liebeler. Is your husband also from Russia originally?
Mrs. Meller. No; my husband from Poland, born in Poland, finish two universities. He's professor of philosophy and teacher of physical education.