Brockton High School - Brocktonia Yearbook (Brockton, MA)

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I 3 l l . 14 BROCKTONIA LAXVRENCE M. NELSON Class Oraror Class Oration PROBLEMS OF YOUTH In these days of mechanical ad- vancement, of social betterment, and of greater educational advantages, we who are on the threshold of life. must realize that we have problems to solve. Whether our way will lead through the portals of some higher academic institution, or directly into the tournament of life, we shall en- counter at least two basic problems. These problems, the solution of which is extremely essential to the success and happiness of each indi- vidual, but particularly to youth. concern the choice of a life work and the selection of friends. By a life work I do not mean a mere job. but rather a profession or trade where a goal manetizes, and a gleam of greater achievement beckons. In the problem of selecting friends, we must discriminate between the permanent and the evanescent, be- tween the true and the periidious, be- tween the constructive and destruc- tive. Like the wise mathematician, who lirst studies his hypothesis before tackling a difhcult proposition, we must Hrst study our capabilities, our likes and dislikes before reaching a solution of our problem. Since un- doubtedly no one knows us better than we ourselves, this solution is based on accurate self-analysis. Our Htness should be compared to mental and physical standards, Some voca- tions demand a high degree of men- tality. while others call for greater physical endurance. In addition to these fundamental standards, we should carefully weigh our likes and dislikes, as well as our limitations. Thus the analysis of our faculties and our inclinations should eliminate most chances of securing a position for which we are not suited. Let us keep in mind, moreover, that no matter what a man's work, he can do it better if he is well-informed. In m-y opinion, the question of what service we might render is a

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BROCKTONIA 1929M Class Day OHicers ooo1929 LOUISE A. DAVIDSON DOROTHY M. BARNES LORRAINE F. SIMPSON Prqphgt Prophet Prophet E ' 1 gms 5' STANLEY A. ABERCROMBIE CARLETON P- BURRILL Prophet PTOPMY MARTHA Ej SMITH MADELON L. BRITTON Hmtoflan Historian ANTONIO P. PROCUPIO JAMES O, STONE Historian Historian

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BROCKTONIA 15 factor not to be neglected in deter- mining a future vocation. If our self-analysis should prove our suit- ability for a life of service in one way or another, our supreme gift would be to devote ourselves to that ser- vice. In whatever line of life work we may lind ourselves, let us weave into our program some degree of un- selfishness. In my enthusiasm for public ser- vice. I would not disparage the ne- revsity of ample pecuniary returns. May an insatiable desire for wealth, however, not blind us to greater achievements, and to nner, nobler affairs than the mere material sus- tenance of life. But let us rather strive for the best, which is not wealth. and to love it as such is idolatry, and, as St. Paul declares, the root of all evil. Moreover. let us crystallize the recompenses of suc- cess. such as benefits which others de- rive from our inventions or accomp- lishments and our satisfaction in having done something well: these recompenses are of higher value than the dollar. Nevertheless, in these days when capital reigns, we must acknowledge the power of this king: but let us not bow obsequiously be- fore his scepter. As the Prophet saith. Ye cannot serve God and Mammonf' XVhile determining one course or another, I wonder if we shall be satisfied to assume a position indiffer- ent to further advancement, Let us consider. moreover, that we must move either forward or backward: we cannot remain long in a position of stagnancy. ln these days of prog- ress, in both the industrial and social spheres. perfection is a strong incen- tive. May we also realize that, al- though places for the indolent are scarce, there is always plenty of room for persistent. patient, and assiduous labor. Whether we reach our goal or not, A noble aim. Faithfully kept, is as a noble deed. Furthermore. as We face the tre- mendous issue, What shall we be? or What shall we do? our happiness de- mands thorough consideration. Who can give his best when retarded by the sting of dissatisfaction, or im- peded by the weight of depression, or hampered by a lack of earnest en- thusiasm? Without a doubt, happi- ness is an issue to be carefully bal- anced by us all before making the final decision concerning our future career. Thus, in consideration of these guides, let us venture forth from these halls at least partially equipped, I hope, with an understanding that vocations are not merely gifts for the asking, but rather attainments for careful deliberation and real sincerity. It is most essential that we have some fundamental idea of our capacity, and, to some extent, of our desires concerning a vocation: and we should, moreover, have formulated an opinion of our expectations about our chosen life work. Now, in addi- tion to selecting a career wisely, dur- ing this formative period of youth. the question of friends should be very prominent in our thoughts. Unknowingly we place require- ments on our friendship, and it lies within us to determine the price that shall be paid for our companionship. Popularity arises as a possible field for planting the seed of future friend- ship. But let us remember that most associations based on popularity alone are usually mistaken friend- ships and have only an evanescent existence. Furthermore, in these extravagant times. wealth entices many an irreso- lute person to a subservient and sometimes. degrading. acquaintance. The vision of good times, even at the risk of one's health and self-re- Spect, urges the acceptance of money as a standard. I sincerely hope. how- ever, that our friendship will be be- yond the reach of wealth and luxury. Still another possible basis for our friendship is education. I feel sure that we all shall enjoy the pleasure of having friends who possess an ed- ucation equal or superior to ours. Also, we shall, in al-l probability, appreciate many friends who have