The Gavelyte, September 1911

The Gavelyte. VOL. VI. SEPTEMBER 1911. Going To College. REV. J. ALVIN ORR M. A. '97. NO. 6 As one who was a student in Cedarville College during its very first year, and a member of the first graduati ng class in 1897, it is with a very sincere in– terest in the present and future of our alma mater that I write. This issue of the Gavelyte will be the first of the college year of 1911-1912. Let me set down here some of my present convictions about going to college. Right principles imbedded in one's attitude t o college and to college life go far to determine what the college will do for us. And on entering this year·s opportunities it is well to remember that we had better be hones t with the world, for the world will be honest with us whether we are honest with it or not. You can not trick the world. Remember that. If you try it the world will punish you when it discove rs your fraud. Be what you are. Do not pre– tend. Start straight. And if you have started wrong, go back and start over again. But don't make it necessary to start right too often. Some men never finish anything because they are always starting. So at the very first, start straight. The college can not add to you one ounce of brains. But if improved aright 1 1t will develop your brain powers up to the highest point of efficiency. But mere "going to college" will not do this. Keep it before you every day that the earnestness of your college li fe is a sure prophecy of your efficiency all through life. My fifteen or twenty years of observation leads me to say that. If you are going to college to idle around, to wear a cap or good clothes, and to be considered "a shrewd one" in college and town, you had bett er be at home working at sJme gainful occupation. Go to college in earnest- for business. The Japanese soldiers for years conducted every drill with the intensity of a real fight. That is the reason they were victors in the fight. College years are drill years. Be in earnest or quit. College associat es play a large part in the development of college days. The small college offers the opportunity to mingle in timately with persons who -a~e helpful. College mates may be very helpful. College mates may be very helpful to us if they have high ideals, strength of character and kind hearts. And l want. t<, Ray vl'ry earnestly that college mates can do much for one