The Green caldron - University Library

IN
To the Class of 1958
Francis Bovven
Rhetoric loi. Theme 5
SEVERAL MONTHS A FEW OF YOU IN THE HIGH SCHOOL
class of 1958 will be entering the University of Illinois. Along with many
other people I believe that you have made an excellent choice. Presently you
will agree. But during the first few weeks, or even months, you may ask your-
self, "What am I doing here? Why didn't I choose a small college closer to
home ?" To these questions I can offer no valid answers. You alone will gradu-
ally come to realize the merits of the University.
A merit that you may wonder about at first is the size of the University of
Illinois. Because of its great size, and in order to be efficient, the University
must function as a machine. You will be disheartened by the cold indifference
that meets you during your first week. Receive that welcome with indifference.
Keep in mind that even though you feel unwelcome, you are to become an
important part of the machine. Yoii are the University, not the professors and
administrators, not the buildings and physical aspects. You are the moving
parts, the vital parts of the machine which is called the University. The instructors
and professors are merely mechanics who go running around oiling and
polishing the machinery. They constantly keep polishing and grinding in order
that you may fit in with the rest of the machinery for efficient operation.
This polishing and grinding is not a subtle feat ; at times it is quite painful.
The instructors will tear you apart. "Conform !" they shout, "Conform ! You
must conform to fit the machinery of society !" But in the next breath you will
hear them screaming, "Originality ! To
be a true person you must have origi-
nality !"
And your instructors will sit complacently in their own little world and
throw these criticisms faster than you thought possible. Occasionally a word of
encouragement and praise emerges with the criticisms, but you will have to hunt
for it. You will wonder if you are missing the meaning of college. Basically
you have come to college to learn, not to be criticized. But you must realize that
only through criticism can you learn and improve your ability to learn.
Nevertheless, the frequent criticisms will discourage you so much that you
will forget your studies and go to a movie. Fine. I believe that this is the best
thing to do at certain times. But do not misinterpret my meaning. You should
not make a habit of getting discouraged and throwing your books in a corner.
Hard work is the only solution most of the time, and it is the only practical
way out.
But remember that the machinery comes to a halt during the weekend, and
thus you may find yourself with a few free hours. Do something with those
free hours. Do something different, something unrelated to your subjects. And
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