Mabel Dean Bacon Vocational High School - Torch Yearbook (New York, NY)

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'Vi.'Vf f 7 'Y:Qw '-I I CCNTEST WINNER Now that the essay is finished, I'm sure first prize I shall win, And with the money that I receive My career I shall begin. I'll go to Arizona, From state to state I'll roam, And when I become tired, For a rest I shall come home. That stunning green dress I will purchase, The one I've always wished for, And a lovely fur coat, mink or sable, Shall hang on my closet door. I'll have friends from near and far, Who'll invite me to parties and teas, I'll possess a shining black car, And live a life of perfect ease. Now let's see, where is that address, To which my masterpiece goes? What is the day when the contest ends? Why, look! Yesterday was its close! I ANNA GUASTELLA CDN THE ROOF Where is it that girls go after lunch on mild days? What is it that they take the down staircase up to? The school roof, of course! Our school roof is not a very big one, yet it is a very popular place. It is guaranteed to take your mind away from your troubles. The roof is the only place in our school where girls may talk above a whisper without having a summons handed to them. It is there you will find girls jitterbugging to their hearts' content. It is there you will find amateur photographers in all their glory. Some of the best times I have had have been on our school roof, and when I am an old lady I will still remember the fun we had taking Ye Olde Family Portrait. NANCY SIGNORINI

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FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DESK just what, in your opinion, is a teacher? Now, I am sure that quite a number of people will define this term simply as an instructor. Well, I disagree with them because I believe a teacher is more of a builder than an instructor. It is certainly not very difficult to make a student remember a few lines of poetry, but it is quite another job to build the fundamentals in that student, to make her interested in her work. To be such a builder, you have to possess partic- ular qualities which few teachers acquire. A permanent place in my memory belongs to those teachers who have these assets. One of the most important qualities is naturalness. A student does not want a horn-rimmed teacher who, through her looks and voice, tries to frighten the spirit out of the classy neither does she want to see one of those ultra-modern glamour girls sitting in front of the room attempting to captivate the student's attention through her rather superficial and perishable charms. A pupil likes a teacher who gives herself as she is without any pretenses, being broad- minded within certain limits, determined without being stubborn, and patient to the very point where even patience is not effective any more. Those are but a few virtues necessary for a successful teacher. Another essential one is an extensive knowledge of a particular subject and all the subjects related to it. This is necessary because in discussions the speakers do not always stick to the same subject and the teacher should never be at a loss for information. But the most important feature of teaching is the use of psychology, which is the study of the mind, its activities and reactions. This is of primary import- ance, as the teacher must know what causes a student to give a Wrong answer. Adjustments will have to be made, as not every child is ready and willing to learn. The teacher should try to make lessons to such a child, not a penalty, but a privilege, bringing out the good points to attract the student's interest. Praise should not be Withheld if a child shows effort. Human nature always wishes to be complimented, and encouragement from the teacher will inspire the student to render her best work. Thus the practice of the principles of psychology influences chi1dren's willingness to learn. Looking back upon what I have written, it is quite difficult to imagine the existence of many such teachers. Those I have met have left an indelible impression upon my mind. May they long continue to inspire those hungry for knowledge! MARION FLEISCHER

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STUDENT COUNCIL I I STUDENT COUNCIL II STUDENT GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION