San Diego State University - Del Sudoeste Yearbook (San Diego, CA)

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2 WHITE and GOLD our moments of doubt and went courageously 011. Four years ofwork have opened great Vistas in the realm ofknowl- edge. In literature, from its birth to the present time, we have studied national ideals, particularly emphasizing the evolution of the English language and literature. It is here that the harmony of mankind in thought and aspiration has been observed, and a juster estimate of character has been developed; here that the conception of life in its full meaningeman in harmony with the universe-has in part been realized. While in literature we are studying the ideals of nations as voiced through individuals, in history we gain a View of society as a whole, representing the relations of individuals in association, one with an- other. Thus we have been permitted to see the development of na- tional ideals from selfish conservatism to an approaching era of inter- national love. In this day of great advancement along all scientihc lines, one cannot be fitted to teach, even in the elementary schools, without an introduction into the best that the world has to offer in science. Such an introduction has been offered to us here in the courses in chemis- try, biology and physics, where we have touched upon the various as- pects of the physical life of the universe, indirectly leading up to the truth that there is law, order, and purpose in all the works of God. ' Then naturally, a glimpse into the wonderful though intricate domain of mathematical law, has offered another of our important op- portunities. . Literature, History,SCience, and Mathematics may seem to be largely of mere practical value, yet the Art side of life has not been neglected, since the excellent opportunities in In usic and drawing have furnished, perhaps, the most pleasing part of our training, lifting us .from our heavier tasks up into the freer atmosphere which can be reached only'through the development of the emotional nature. In a professional way, the most valuable ofour opportunities lies in applying, in actual teaching under experienced leaders, the princi- ples of education developed by our academic work. The training school Hfurnishes stuff to try the soults strength 0119 It is here that we feel for the first time what insignificant beings we are after all; it is here that we have the opportunity to learn the meaning of selfac'on- trol and responsibility; that we forget self in our anxiety for the child- ren; that we meet innocence and perfect trust; that we are allowed the blessed privilege of feeling that in our hands have been placed, for a brief season, human beings, the moulding of whose characters, in a- very large measure, rests with us. Aside from book learning, our opportunities have been particu- larly notable in our relations to the faculty and t0 the student body. While the knowledge we have gained will, it is quite likely, soon de-

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Chm: Qgpniztmdtim. ODAY there seems to be a feeling abroad in many places which is inclined to regard the normal school as a place where very little is to be gained in the way of culture. The advocates of this notion hold that the normal school is a peculiarly con- structed machine whose crank is turned to grind out ready- made school-teachers; that the students serve a term of drudgery, are deprived of social privileges, have all their originality stiiied, and are then sent forth to apply the same method to the children of the state. If this be true, we are soon to be graduated-lifeless, narrow-minded, unlovely old maids. 'Very fortunately. however, our entrance into this establishment four years ago was clouded by no such apprehensions. We came, many of us, fresh from the mountain regions, innocent of adverse criti- cism, light-hearted and light-spirited, our attitude marked by a single- ness of purpose, to the accomplishment of which our every energy was devoted. The glorious opportunities before us formed the topic of our dreams; to our minds, to be able to graduate from the normal school meant the consummation of our highest ambitions. With such strong preposessions we embraced the opportunity of entrance and set out to attain our ideal. At times the feeling came that the goal was too far away to be reached. Moving toward it was like moving through the trackless air. Bryant asks 0f the water-fowl. whither lies its way through the depths of the evening sky. The bird could not answer, if it heard. It can- not see the distant lake toward which it is moving steadily and swift- ly. Yet it is being guided by a higher powereand so, we trusted in

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WHITE and GOLD 3 part, the genuine interest which our instructors have taken in the per- sonal life and development of each one of us, has left an influence that will live on to broaden our lives and direct us to nheights beyond.H 'Yes! to the heights beyond; for, although we have toiled four long years to attain the present moment, it is not the present which stands out brightest in our minds. Greater vistas have been opened along special lines; we have been put into that frame of mind which bids us seek fartheretlA higher round of young ambitionls ladder.H The ideal, which in the beginning was ours, has in a measure been realized and is no more. The immediate opportunities which have arisen in connection with it have made it possible for us to look for- ward to greater things. The ideal that was has paved the way for a grander one which has taken its place. The minds of the senior class have not been idle--plans for Berke- ley, Stanford, and eastern universities and such colleges for women as Smith, Bryn Mawr,and Wellesley are laying 'fast hold 011 them. It has been said that the proof of the value of an institution de- pends upon whether or not at the completion of its work the student feels that the school has been only a step to a higher education. If this is true then the ambitions and aspirations of the members ofour class furnishes ample evidence of the value of the work done here. -Flora iWaters, l02. Frnm NnrnmI Szltuul tn Eiatrirt 531:1an WAS linished-the journey over the path leading 11p to the threshold of the worldeand she who had been striving to win this height, stood hand 1n hand with her guiding a11gel,vie11- ing the promised land. Fair indeed was the vision now spread before her eager eyes! This was the world that she was about to enter. Naught but a di- vine hand could have fashioned a thing so fair. Above the mass of purple mountains that fringed the horizon, lifted the boundless sky, serene and unfathomable. Below stretched verdant hills and valleys, Hooded with sun-light and dotted with fruitful farms and quiet villages. tlI send you,H said the angel, breaking the charmed silence, Hi11- to the world to deliver my divine message of Education, of peace and good will unto men. Beholdll-pointing to the western sky-ttthat white, ileecy cloud floating about amid the gold of yonder sun. White and gold are my sacred emblems. They symbolize the purity and wealth of lzfe which can be attained through Educationfl It