By Herbert E. Hawkes
Q. According to the author there are some boys who fail because they do not try. Who are they? Can we help them?
A. Some boys spend much time in the presence of an open book but their attention is diverted all the time to other things. Such students are those who fail because they do not try. Others can see the difficulty but the boy must take himself by the collar to uproot such nervous habits.
Q. How does mistaken ambition on the part of boys and their parents lead to the failure of the boys?
A. Boys and their parents often have mistaken ambitions. This mistake leads to the boys’ failure. They do not show interest in subjects that do not align with their interests and abilities.
Q. There are some boys who have done well at school but fail to make their mark at college. Who are they? Do you have such boys in colleges in your country?
A. Bright boys fail at college because they think they can float through with little effort. They assume it requires as little effort as school. Such students are present in every college and are the most miserable. They must change their attitude and develop a completely new set of habits.
Q. How does financial pressure lead to the failure of students? Do you have similar cases in your country?
A. Some boys have to earn their entire way through college. Not only do they get a mighty poor living by the process, but a mighty poor education as well. They have to work long hours; their health is affected badly. They have little time for books. In this way, financial pressure leads to the failure of boys. Such cases are common everywhere.
Q. To what extent does the question of health lead to failure at college? How far can the college authorities with their medical officers help students in such cases?
A. The question of health matters a lot. The college authorities can be helpful by providing an adequate health service for students. The student must undergo a thorough medical examination if the reason for poor academic work is not apparent.
Q. What place would you accord to sportsmen in colleges?
A. Sports and athletics must be given due place in college. But if a student is too much interested in these side shows, they should leave the main tent and become professional.
Q. There are some students who join college for the fun of it. Should they be allowed to stay?
A. It is wise to allow students who join college for fun to retire to the cold practical world. They will find out by experience how much demand there is for a lazy bluffer. College gates should be open for them if they return to do first-rate work.
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