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

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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

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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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iiave. Althoug-li our year ' s work may appear small, yet we have certainly laid the foundation for future acquirements. As we look back over the past year, we may see many errors due to our inexperience. Let us profit by our observations, and strive to avoid such mistakes in the future. Our studies for the coming year promise to be even harder than usual. A few changes con- cerning them seem to meet with approval, as may be inferred from the fetu that avail themselves of the French optional ; also Chemistry, which has been transferred to the Sophomore year. It is probably supposed that we are better able to comprehend its secrets ; but even yet it is extremely hard for most of us to grasjD the ideas of our Professor. As so small a class has entered to fill the places of the late Seniors, greater action devolves upon us ; and never let it be said of us : You are dull, and those sparks of life That should be in an Aggie, you do want. Or else you use not. P. 19