Roanoke College - Rawenoch Yearbook (Salem, VA)

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THENTEYERHEAET So N

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— As the seasons move swiftly through their cycle, merging one with the other, so do the students progress through the year. No longer is anyone new—each freshman is as much an integral part of the spirit of Roanoke as the oldest five-year man. Faces and attitudes mature; the give-and-take of relationships is learned and understood. There has been mutual discussion between student and professor; there has been acceptance of the once unaccepted. Plans are made for the near and distant future; memorie s are impressed, indelibly. Remembered are the sometimes attended assemblies, the long afternoon labs, the responsibilities, and the intermittent studying. More fondly recalled are the deep friendships, the discovery of a special person, the quiet moments stolen in late afternoon. Understanding of the campus has grown, and so has each individual. 19

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And so the year draws to its inevitable close, evoking varied sentiments. The prevailing atmosphere appears to be relief that the year is finally over. And yet, as the end becomes reality, there is a curious deep-seated reluctance to turn away without a backward glance. Many are returning after a summer’s relaxation or money-earning. They have pre-registered; they have planned their schedules; they know that they can pick up where they left off in a few short months. And so they leave with laughter and a couldn’t-care- less attitude, easily suppressing the sadness that is contrary to their surface emotions. But for some, this attitude is an impossibility. As graduation day approaches, the finality of departure is impressed upon each senior. There is unexpected and intangible sadness in the air. The prevailing aura of gaiety is carried to an extreme; for if it is relaxed, this curious denial of four years of expressed indifference or disapproval will overcome. Despite the precautions, however, this denial is sustained; graduation is happiness tinged with depression, pride surmounted by a sense of loss, and satisfaction burdened with emptiness. Some will return, others will not— and each group envies the other. |