University of Wisconsin Stevens Point - Horizon / Iris Yearbook (Stevens Point, WI)

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Ufa 1920 3ris Itiltllltltl PRES. J. F. SIMS Page 8

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MISS BERTHA HUSSEY Pa c 7

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——m—i—i n 'Cfyc 1920 3ri0 To tKe Seniors of 1920 Most of us live in the present, ami this Is especially true of the rising generation. The ehild's. the youth’s future is his own projieriy, the promised land in which his aspirations are to U realized. We all have visions of this promised land, and they are more vivid and real now for you who stand ui ou the threshold of a life beyond the school than they will be at any future time. The promised land, the land which Hows with the milk and honey of obligation, of responsibility, of character and of service, api eals to our imaginations, arouses our determinations, and awakens our energies to achievement. It is within our grasp, yet Just beyond our reach and its margin fades forever and forever as we move.” It is the land of our Ideals. What is an ideal, a working conception of an ideal? Imagination, intellect, emotion, and reason.—the separate activities of a coin| oslte mind are active forces in forming it. Kvery ideal, when analyzed, reveals thr« e elements: an end or goal, a desire, and an effort. It must 1k» a conception of that which we now are not as a spiritual force, an unquenchable desire to reach a higher level of efficiency, and an intense loyalty to that desire so we can and will achieve it through strenuous endeavor. The chief factor in the realization of an ideal is to be found In the element DESIliK. How much do I want it? How ardently do I desire It? Am I willing to pay the price? Am I willing to sweat blood, endure all privation, sacrifice pleasure, ami labor night and day. even to the end. in order that I may achieve my reasonable ambition? If 1 devote heart and mind to its realization. I am assured of triumph. For I will then “Carry On” and go successfully Over the Top.” Too often our ideals are sicklfed over with the pale east of indifference. They lack color and stamina. We drift with the tide or current and do not strike boldly Into the stream and swim against the current. We forgot that where our heart is there all our treasure lies. We trust that some good fortune may come to us ami we relax in our efforts. To such will always come defeat, and we beimatn our lack of luck. We charge failure to our stars while the real cause that we are underlings lies in ourselves, for we do not make the strenuous and long continued effort. Re-memher that the ideals, which we love, desire. lay to heart and live by, are the truest expression of our nature and the most dynamic agency In the development of our ilowers. Sings the i»oet. Browning: Ah. but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp. Else what’s a Heaven for?” The school has tried to impress upon you the working of the great law of self-activity, and has urged you daily to the pursuit of excellence in all of your undertakings. Live these laws in your lives wherever it may Ik your lot to serve. Your ideals will Ik realized from day to day. and from year to year. You will then truly live from this day of your graduation in the promised land of your dreams. The School sends you out with her blessing and prays that all of your ideals will be realized. JOHN F. SIMS. Page 9