University of Massachusetts Amherst - Index Yearbook (Amherst, MA)

Page 31 text:

Although the present year has changed our name, yet Inwardly we are filled with the same old Sophomoric spirit which occa- sionally bursts out, notwithstanding our attempts to don a Ju- nior ' s dignity. We congratulate ourselves that as a class we have always worked togetlier harmoniously. We have overplayed an import- ant part in athletics, while in the class-room we have proved equal to the work laid before us. Next term we are to write originals. Then will Freshmen wonder at our wisdom, and Seniors listen with envy to our words of eloquence. . As we enter upon the last half of our College life, we realize as never before how rapidly our student life is being run off from the reel of time. Let us, therefore, with a present appre- ciation of our privileges, weave into our characters such a love of truth and usefulness as will enable the Class of ' 84 to send into the world men who will be a benefit to humanity and an honor to the M. A. C. Hurrah ! hurrah for Eighty-Four ! Hurrah ! hurrah for Aggie ! We ' ll do our best in the interest Of Eighty-Four and Aggie. 17

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T last we find our names enrolled as Juniors, and in accord- ' o ance with the time-honored custom we again take up the traditional pen. and here inscribe oar deeds of the past and make known our hopes for the future. Many changes have been made in our surroundings since we first came here as students. Men have come and men have gone, but the same old drama of College life is daily played. When in the Autumn of ' 80 our Class assembled at the foot of the Hill of Science, we saw no reason why the greater part of our number should not in four years stand upon the graduating platform of the Agricultural College. But we were disap- pointed ; for already fifteen of our original number have left us, and, alas ! two of our beloved classmates we have with reluctant hands and saddened hearts laid beneath the sod. Yet we are not discouraged by the loss of numbers, for each departing class- mate has tended to strengtiien rather than weaken the silver cord of friendship. As we cross the threshold of Junior year, let us take one ling- gering look into the past. From the lowly estate of Freshmen we have fought our way upward to the privileges and responsi- bilities of Upper Classmen. We have been fully convinced, dur- ing our two years of College life, that a great many factors should enter into a student ' s training besides text books. Wher- ever any fun was to be had there we were always found. 16

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tUR vacation has ended, and we now commence another year of mingled study and pleasure. We have Just passed the first milestone of our college life. For one year we have seen the letter F glaring forth from that stone. We have pa- tiently waited for the time when, reaching the other side, we should see the letter S shining brightly in our faces. It is true we are but one step higher ; but it shows us that we are gaining ground, and we must remember that true success is gained a step at a time. Several of our classmates had reached this point, but for vari- ous reasons were unable further to pursue the course. They have our best wishes for their success, and we trust we shall ever be worthy a remembrance by them. However, we have been reinforced so that our number remains undiminished. The care usually bestowed upon the Freshmen has this year been dispensed with, as it was thought inconsistent with the new management. The grand rush, although awarded to ' 86, was far from being won by them. It was jDrobably owing to the fact that, in the con].motion of the moment, ' the judge was unable to see, but, sympathizing with the Freshmen, decided in their favor. It might be supposed that we were growing quite infirm, judging from the number of walking-sticks in use ; but such is evidently not the belief of the Freshies, though they have never dared to prove our condition. As we have completed a year at this institution, we naturally ask ourselves, Have we accomplished anything ? I think we 18