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About Hesperian student / (Lincoln [Neb.]) 1872-1885 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 1, 1882)
MMfQEpNM THE HESPERIAN STUDENT. W - suggest that, after definite arrangements for the contest have been made to the apparent satisfaction of ; both parties, a premature withdrawal on either side I has a decidedly unfavorable appearance. This is the second time, we believe, that the challenged party picked up the gage with ' nthusiasm and afterwards ; re)laced it on the field of combat with a marked dim- , inution of ardor. This feat of chivalry(?)was first performed by the Palladians some years ago, and is now repeated bv the Unions. It is the advice of The , Student as a friend to both societies, that they either show more pertinacity in such matters or go out of the contest business entirely. Now that the time of review and examination approaches the mooted question of marking agitates anew the student mind. Should a term's study be ' graded on final examination alone, on written review ' and monthly examinations, or on daily recitations as well? And in any case should not the entire Faculty adopt some uniform system? Heretofore each pro fessor in the University has followed his individual theory of marking and it presumed that by this means he arrives at a correct estimate of the work done in his class. Hut as an invariable result of such diversi ty in the method of marking' it is rarely if ever that the marks on the term report of any student indicate even with approximation the respective worth of his work in the studies for that term. It is admitted that no student should consider his marks the primary aim of his college course, but at the same time, while he receives them as evidence of his labors, it would be a matter of satisfaction to feel that they were reliable exponents of the value of those labors in the various branches he has pursued. there will be less ambition for office and more desire for self-improvement. No one should covet honor until he feels prepared to bear its burdens. New students generally find their time fully occupied on their entrance to the University and not unfre cpiently are heard to wonder how they can ever do any more in the same amount of time. The economy of time in study is a thing that can be learned by all students, and the earlier the better. Genuine, hard study can be given by few students to any subject for longer than an hour at a time. Then the mind should have rest a "breathing spell." It isnotstudy, to pore determinedly over a book when the brain has become tired. Many, of us, under the impression that we are doing our duty by our lessons, plod through the pages of our text-books hour after hour, only half conscious of the meaning they contain, and wondering in silent and secret despair, if we shall ever master and make it our own. A much easier and better way is to study only for a short period at a time,but during that period to give ourselves en tirely and vigorously to the matter before us. It is in this way and this only that one can economize both time and labor in the accomplishment or" creditable college work, and students who have not yet adopted this method will be surprised at the result it will give on a fair trial. How often we see persons aspiring to an office or position for which they have not the sleightest qualifi cation or fitness. They seem to be moved by the vague idea that the place will raise them to power and distinction. Though conscious of their own weakness they yet think that somehow if they can get a certain position they will "then command respect and atten tion. Was there ever a more false notion? There is no honor in filling any position unless you fill it well. It is not so much what one does, as it is how he does it, that tells. It is better to be a good soldier than a poor general. When a man is hoisted to a po sition for which he is wholly unqualified heat first feels? a thrill of satisfaction at his newly acquired dignities. But he soon finds himself confronted by multitudes of requirements and duties which he can neither un derstand nor perform. Perplexed and confused at his constant embarassments, his delight is soon changed to bitter chagrin. Nothing short of disgrace and failure can follow. Perhaps in the good time to come. The Student is gratified to note the organization of the debating clubs by the younger members of our literary societies. It is our opinion that for some time past the debaters on the regular society pro grams have been degenerating in power and general iuterest. Fewer members have been participating in the miscellaneous debate, and with occasional ex ceptions, the reading of the question for the evening's discussion has been the signal for a general exodus by the audience. The debate should be the most inter esting exercise on the program, and the most useful in training the student in ready speech and easy de ivery. A considerable part of the seeming lack of interest in this department of society work, is no doubt due to the natural hesitancy and diffidence among the younger members who must in time be come the older and experienced leaders. To do away with this early lack of self-confidence, and to produce masters of the art of extempore speaking, are the chief aims of these debating clubs. By holding secret sessions, it is presumed that the constraint due to a critical audience will no longer make the beginner fearful of presenting an awkward appearance or of committing as many blunders ax may be necessary before becoming proficient in debate. The idea is a good one, and means advancement in society work if carried out as Inaugurated. Minim urn ii