Blackburn College - Beaver Tales Yearbook (Carlinville, IL)

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classes, work, dormitories or in other struc- tured activities. From this point may develop many enriching group or personal associations in a more unstructured pattern. Our size may be one reason for the fluidity and change in our informal relationships. Students are not molded to fit the group; the group grows through the evolving association of students. We often have personal friends and ac- quaintances who belong to different circles. Through these friends, we may enter into dis- cussions with other members of this group,

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Sessions sgt ee ee

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thus giving us an opportunity to make a per- sonal evaluation of the group in relation to our own interests. As we grow older , our in- terests may change which in turn may lead to a re-shuffling of the associations in which we participate. At Blackburn, this is a com- paratively easy process because most of the informal groups are willing to include anyone with like attitudes or interests. Even if a person remains with a particular circle of friends, participation in this group is no guarantee of insulation from the influ- ence of other such associations. We continue to meet individuals involved in other groups in much the same manner we met those with whom we presently associate. Because of this influence and interaction, we are constantly challenged to mature in our understanding of ourselves and others, especially when the be- liefs of others are not the same as our own. This influence is beneficial as it contributes to the growth of the individual’s character and the vitality of the Blackburn character. Karen Anderson ost $= -