IMPRESSIONS OF UNDERGRADUATE LIFE AT DARTMOUTH
[NOTE: Mr. Ho is a native of Shanghai,China, where he was graduated in 1908 fromSt. John's University, a missionary college(Episcopal). From 1909-10 he was a student at the University of Wisconsin, and thefollowing year at Dartmouth where he tookthe degree of A.B. He is at present a graduate student in the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in Educational Administration. He returns to China next Marchand wishes alumni to know that if any wander into the Far East he hopes that he maysee them. His address may always be hadon application to the 1911 class secretary. - EDITOR. ]
Perhaps the most joyful period in a man's life is the brief period of four pleasant years spent in the college. Here, through a process of selection, a group of young men stand" on the same footing, without real worries and heavy responsibilities, but with a happy atmosphere about them and a brilliant future before them. Among" them there are apparent differences. Physical vigor, individual wealth, social standard, moral character, and mental capacity vary from youth to youth in tremendous proportions. But in spite of these diversities, all are equal in the sense of having the same educational opportunities and the same sympathies for the college, and of being a united body with similar viewpoints, and a common purpose of securing the leadership of the generation, which distinguishes them as the blessed few from the large mass of People.
In like manner, colleges throughout this land are similar in certain points and different in others. Institutions of learning no longer stick to the old theory, that the lecture room is the only center of education, and that books alone are the means of education. Modern education has become broadened in its scope; it has become socialized. In order to train for the service of the Church and the State, all the influences that have a direct or indirect lvalue must be brought to bear upon the individual. Consequently, practical studies, as distinguished from the humanitarian, have been introduced into the curriculum; rigid requirements on the classics loosened and scientific subjects substituted; physical efficiency more and more emphasized; and all the social aspects of education realized. In the next place, every college infuses a distinct college spirit of its own—a worthy attribute of the American college life, so distinctly American. This spirit is manifested not merely by the vociferous melody—or rather rag-time— of college songs and college yells on the football field or by the baseball diamond, not merely by large contributions and endowments turned into the college treasury, but by a genuine love for the almamater, to stand by her through thick and thin, even at personal losses and sacrifices, to be loyal to her at all times, and to take deep interest in her by directly participating in her activities. This' spirit, I think, has a moral value upon the nation at large.
So much has been said in the way of introductory remarks. The main question that has been put to the writer is, "What are your impressions of the undergraduate life at Dartmouth?" To make a reply, immediate and yet satisfactory, is difficult, for it needs, quick thinking' and sharp wit. Then one must spend the entire four years in the same college before he can form a fair, adequate conception. Having spent but a portion of the whole period in residence at Hanover, the writer may have had a very superficial knowledge of the actual existing conditions. He may have studied with particular attention those points to which the Dartmouth public pays little or no attention, and vice versa. Moreover, he is a foreigner, brought up in an entirely different environment, trained in different ideals, and taught differently in modes of thinking and judging. He has therefore to adapt himself to the new environment, a complete innovation, in which he is not always successful. Nor is he very pushing in a community not of his own. So he may hold very erroneous views, and such blunders may seem very curious to the readers. Lastly, the writer, being a foreigner, may have enjoyed certain pleasant experiences unknown to the other students. The numerous kindnesses and special courtesies that have been accorded him by the administrative officers and the several professors, to all of whom he is heavily indebted, are indeed pleasant experiences.
The impressions as indicated in the following lines are a few personal views of the writer concerning Dartmouth, within whgse sacred confines all of us have once received a common inspiration. If he errs from the right track, he craves the indulgence of the worthy readers.
In my judgment, the one distinguishing feature about Dartmouth is the intense spirit shown by the student body in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the college, and by the alumni who are always-ready to respond generously and willingly to the call of their mother. During my undergraduate days, the one question that has been repeatedly put to me is, "What has induced you to come here?" It may seem strange that I particularly selected Dartmouth out of a host of colleges to complete my undergraduate education, and to claim Dartmouth as my alma mater. Without the least hesitation, I made the reply thus: "I come here because this college has been strongly recommended to me by a friend who has been in this country for six years, and who has heard much of Dartmouth, especially her college spirit." And I must say here that his statement has been realized. With my own eyes, I have seen the Dartmouth spirit, manifested in its many forms by the students in their numerous activities, and by the alumni in their cooperative effort. The new gymnasium and the Parkhurst Hall are worthy monuments of true loyalty, and these very structures stand for the Dartmouth spirit, the recollections of which are still vivid in my mind. To deserve special mention is the munificent gift of Mr. Edward Tuck, which came in the same year to replenish the college treasury, a blessing to the college, a benefaction for the cause of advanced education. All these are the true expressions of that college spirit which Dartmouth is especially proud of, and which every Dartmouth man should fed inspired of.
Next to the Dartmouth spirit, it seems to me that Dartmouth democracy is worthy of special notice. That the college is thoroughly democratic, needs no further proof than a mere mention. Much has been accomplished towards making the college life at home, and the tendency seems to strive toward a further step. The rules governing the dormitories and the fraternity houses, the faculty adviser system, the faculty teas, the college commons are some of the means already introduced to effect a closer relationship either among the students themselves, or between the administration and faculty on the one hand, and the student body on the other. And this democratic aspect of the College, I think, has made itself known outside of the Dartmouth circle. It was but a few weeks ago, at Philadelphia, on being introduced to a Bryn Mawr graduate, I was informed of her strong impression of Dartmouth, especially the democratic aspect, impressed upon her by her two brothers, who are Harvard and Yale men respectively.
This is only one statement attributed to Dartmouth, giving one view as others see us.
In connection with Dartmouth democracy, I must touch upon one feature, that is, the absence of a large number of "snobs." College snobbery exists everywhere, and in fact it is a fashion in a few institutions of learning. But Dartmouth snobbery, I may safely say, is at a minimum. Here, the College ac tivities are run not largely by an organized machinery, though conflicts sometimes arise between the patrician fraternity men and the plebian non-fraternity men. A fair amount of opportunity is always open to the enterprising young man with the red-hot Yankee blood in his
The environment of Dartmouth must not be passed over without remark. The ideal location of the College, away from the temptations and vices of the city, in the midst of the New Hampshire hills, is an element which should not be passed off without consideration. This element, I believe, is highly responsible for making Dartmouth what she is now—a thoroughly democratic institution—and for developing that ever cherished Dartmouth spirit. When the College students are scattered throughout the limits and suburbs of a large city, when city attractions are preferred to college functions, it is a mighty difficult task to develop a true college spirit, even though it is in the minds of the college authorities to encourage such. On the other hand, where college students are roofed within comparatively short distances, where urban fascinations are wanting, a stronger affinity develops among them, and a more loyal attitude they assume toward their alma mater. College spirit, then, must pursue its natural course; it develops by itself, but cannot be instituted by artificial means. Nature, however, lends her hand in influencing our college life. The steadiness of the flowing stream, the whisperings of the silent woods, the rigidity of the chilly air, the fall of the sad leaf, the sturdiness of the granite hills capture the mind of every man, except the most reckless. Here we receive lessons from Nature, who reveals to us the sound philosophies and true interpretations of life. And Dartmouth is particularly fortunate in having an ideal environment, and Dartmouth men should feel gratified for the inspirations and blessings received.
Thus far I have written on the favorable side, touching merely on three distinctly Dartmouth characteristics, all of which are spiritual or rather philosophical qualities. The physical aspect of Dartmouth, especially with reference to her supremacy on the football gridiron and in athletics, I have not discussed and I am not going to discuss, not because I underestimate the physical side of life, but because in my mind the spirit far surpasses the form. All the visible forms are but the outward expressions of that inward spirit. Since I have dwelt upon the spiritual qualities, I may not treat the physical.
But if I be permitted, I would like to mention a few adverse points, not in the way of criticism but merely as the opinion of an individual highly interested in the study of education. And these points are in fact applicable to all American colleges. The over-emphasis on athletics in institutions which makes its duty first and foremost to educate the youth is yet an unsolved problem. I do not mean that physical training has no place in the program of a college, since great advantages and moral discipline accrue therefrom; but in view of the fact that so much handicap has been placed on academic efficiency, so much interest has been aroused in athletics, so much more winsome is the football hero in the eyes of the college boys, and so unpleasant, if not disgusting, is the studious "grind" in the public eye, and in view of all these facts it seems that too much sacrifice in education has been made, and for such a too great price has been paid.
In the next place, it seems that a large percentage of the college boys lack a serious purpose in mind. Apart from the mechanics of a college program, the average student does little or nothing in his preparation for life. To him the college may mean more a social center for good fellowship and jolly acquaintance. While the sporting section and perhaps some funny pictures constitute his major portion of newspaper reading, the world events command the attention of but a few. Instead of problems bearing national and international significance, a few wits and humors make up his magazine knowledge. So it is not surprising to find doctors of philosophy without the least idea on common topics outside his field of research or his community.
In the last place, it is still difficult to conceive of the present status of the Christian religion among college communities. Respect for one's own religion is a duty devolving upon every thinking man; its influence for good and for purity should be felt in any community. But when morning chapel is looked upon as a drudgery and when religious observance is openly neglected, the religious problem has not yet received sufficient weight. Several hours may be profitably spent in fanning a baseball game, but a sermon of a little over ten minutes appears to be regarded as culpable waste of time. Personally, I do not overlook the significance of religion, even in an enlightened college community. It is an inspiring force working for higher morality and greater perfection of manhood. But when the sense of individuality has become so emphasized, when the serious-mindedness- has largely disappeared, and when family prayers have been relieved by economic pressures, the Church falls on. the background, and spiritual teaching loses its once tight grip in favor of something more tangible and more material. And the college man follows more and more his own dictates of mind, whether right or wrong.
In bringing out these points, it is with the belief that greater efficiency might result if the various factors are perfected. How to perfect the imperfect is the question that naturally follows. Remedial measures have no place here for discussion. The solution of the unsolved still rests with the host of educators, in whose hands lies the destiny of the future college.
In concluding this article, I wish to express once more my gratitude for the very profitable year I have spent at Dartmouth, full of memories sweet and dear. The days that have gone by are indeed days of happiness, and the pleasant recollections will always be cherished. My one wish is that the foreign element at Dartmouth will increase as the college grows, making Dartmouth a more cosmopolitan institution, whose influence may be felt at every corner of the earth. Foreign students are after all not detrimental to the interests of the college. In fact the natives can learn something from them just as well. This is the reason why certain universities of recognized standing in this country have offered every means to increase the quota of foreign students in their respective institutions.
Another wish is to see the growth of a Dartmouth club in the Far East, if warranted by a sufficient number of graduates, so that Dartmouth songs and yells may resound on the other side of the globe,, that the Dartmouth color may fly far and wide, and that the Dartmouth ideals may be furthered. Just as Yale, Columbia, Pennsylvania, and Cornell have local organizations in the Orient, so let us look for a time when Dartmouth may show up, and when the Dartmouth Spirit may shine under the distant skies.
