University of Rhode Island - Renaissance / Grist Yearbook (Kingston, RI)

Page 11 text:

While in college, we have ample opportunity to avail ourselves of many theories of life and of living. We find it difficult to accept any one theory, and sometimes we place ourselves on a pedestal supposing that everyone else is foolish in striving for ideals, ambi- tions, and hopes. We suppose that we are different and that we live independently, free from personal entanglements and obliga- tions. Such, however, is not the case. Although college enables us to attain a certain amount of independence, it also teaches us the fundamental concept of inter- dependence which is so important in contemporary society. In all fairness to ourselves and to our fellow men, we must admit the importance of personal cooperation, and we should learn to derive the full benefits therefrom. The past four years have brought many new friends and new acquaintances. It would be well to give a little serious thought to the significance of such relationships. Because of the prevalence of an unfriendly attitude in modern society and because of the need of any college graduate to have a stabilizing influence in planning his or her future life, the 1939 Grist is hereby dedicated to one of the intangible, but real, benefits of a college education — the foundation of college life ■ — ■ - 7 -

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DEDimnon A S we view current events from day to day in the newspapers, in the theatres, and in everyday life, we very often become confused. We can pick out instances of heroism, of cowardliness, of sorrow, of happiness, of tragedy, of good fortune, and of any- thing and everything. There seems to be no consistency to life, no unity of purpose, and no set standards from which we can shape our own lives. It is natural, therefore, that we should at times, just sit and wonder what, if anything, is the purpose of it all. At the present time the news of the day seems to be dominated by examples of unfriendly relations between countries, between political parties, and between individuals. It has become very easy to develop an unfriendly attitude and to lose cognizance of the fact that all is not bitter. We become cynical and doubt such statements as “Every creature of God is good.’’ Fortunately, such periods of perplexity do not remain constant, but they do cause us to doubt our own convictions. When we do become doubtful of the good in life, it is well to look about us and to realize that it is a natural tendency to over- emphasize the unfortunate events in life. We accept the good in a matter of fact way and fail to realize its true worth. Due apprecia- tion of the good that does exist is not granted, and as a consequence, we fail to give a true analysis of what we have. - 6 -

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CRIST