Encouragement for Freshmen

To the Editors of the CRIMSON:

I, as a member of the graduating class of '51, urged by an uncertain motive, should like to express an uncertain feeling. Four of the most fruitful years of my life have been spent here, I'm sure; and perhaps as a result these years have instilled in me a certain love or admiration for Harvard: a love of education, of independence, or some similar thing in the atmosphere. When I first came here as a naive freshman, I was surprised by the friendly attitude of my class mates, the lack of "the accent" and diversity of individual background. In spite of the enormity of the University it still remained for me capable of individual attention; of understanding encouragement and assistance when I needed it most. To be sure there were many uncertain, tense periods of futility--periods of questioning whether it was worth it all or not. And now, with my goal attained, I am able to piece together my undergraduate days into a unified whole--something with a purpose behind it.

I wish, within the few words above, I could have described to those I am leaving the growth process involved in the culmination of my feelings. If I have failed, perhaps my fellow graduates can clarify my attempt. Jack H. Arabian, '51