The Free lance. (State College, Pa.) 1887-1904, October 01, 1897, Image 23

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    1897-]
ble of doing so. But we forewarn you that it will take work—and
conscientious work, too. Yet do not allow yourselves to be
daunted by the prospect. “ What man has done, man can do,”
and you are men. Remember that the success of the future years
of your course depends greatly upon the foothold which you gain
during the first session. However, above all things, do not make
the mistake others have made. Do not be a grind! True enough,
it is commendable to be a close student. But do not allow your
zeal to carry you too far. You have come here to be educated—
not alone in book-lore, but in all the branches of training which
the college affords, and it is your privilege and duty to take the
best advantage of them.
Not only do you lower yourself in the estimation of your fel
low students by the pursuit of such a selfish course, but you ex
pose yourself to the humiliation of public ridicule. College life
under such circumstances is most miserable. Half the pleasure
in existence here is to be found in association with your fellow
liien, and, to quote the words of our President, "this coming into
contact with so many widely different characters is worth as much
to a student as the training he receives in the classroom.”
Take an interest at least, if not an active part, in all matters
pertaining to your class or to the college. Nourish and cultivate
true class and college spirit and enthusiasm, for by such demon
strations you will rise in the opinions of your fellow collegians.
You will invariably find that the most popular men in any college
are those who are ever on the alert to do something in the inter
est and for the welfare of the institution and its adherents.
For the first time in our history we learned last year wliat it
meant to have a College Preacher, in deed and in truth our own
—a man whose whole soul went out in sympathy and helpfulness
to young men. Right royally he gave us of himself and bound
all hearts as one man to him. Suddenly the cry went up that
we were in danger of losing this presence that had become so
much- to us, and the student body was simply appalled. This
fear was, after a little while, allayed, and all breathed freely once
more.
The present year is no sooner opened than the same dread is
again thrust upon us with even greater force than before. Men
only ask each other helplessly, “ What can we do to prevent this
Editorial.