The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1902-09-02
AUNT N LETTER.

the atmosphere this morning that
tells us of the approach of winter.
With this thought comes the remin-
der that many of you will re-enter
school and some will leave home for
their first session in boarding school.
There is a pathetic sweetness in the
parting of parents and children who
leave home for such purposes. Faith
er and mother are so anxious that you
deport yourself well and appreciate
your opportunities, while a feeling of
pride because they are able to give
you the advantages of an education
tides them over the sadness of the
parting. You feel exultant for the
chance to try your wings for the first
time unaided. You are somebody; a
being among beings.
Yes, my girl or boy, there is more
in that last sentence than you per-
ceive at a glance. You have hitherto
been known as a son or daughter of
MI. and Mrs. So-and-so, but now you
realize for the first time in life what
it is to be known solely by the reputa-
ton you make for yourself. These
girls and boys do not know your par
ents, and perhaps never will know
them, save through the reputation you
give them by your department. Had
you thought of that? When you en-
ter boarding school you are in a po-
sition to make friends or enemies for
life. Of course, it is not probable
that all with whom you will be COM
PEELED to associate will prove con-
genial companions. But you have an
opportunity of choosing your init
mate friend from among the many
students, and do not be in too great
haste as to this, for sometimes it
happens that despicable fellows are
the most affable, and not all girls
that dress beautifully are angels of
loveliness, save in outer appearance.
Your first self-taught lessons in hui
man nature begin the day you are al
lowed to unite the cord that has hith-
erto bound you to the home people
and allowed your boat to drift with
out the aid of tender, loving hands TO
help you row. You have been told Of
the dangerous rocks, sand-bars and
whirlpools. Now you must face them,
and face them alone, so far as human
help is concerned.
Remember the lessons that you have
learned and the warnings given you
by those who love you more than
these. Be not too easily Influenced
by strangers, but be steadfast in that
which you know to be right. Do not
practice deceit. Learn thoroughly
that which you are expected to learn.
A parrot can repeat sentences, but
has no idea as to their real meaning.
An honest effort is always apprecia-
ted by an honorable teacher. Learn
to be self-dependent. Boys are nat
urally more s~elf-reliant than girls, but
l have known boys who did not pos
sess enough of this good quality and
expected too much help when examina-
ton day came. Most girls allow
themselves to be influenced by trivial
ties. Learn to overcome this fault,
for fault it most assuredly is. Your
wardrobe may not be so complete or
so handsome as some of the other
girls have, but remember that you can
be as perfect a lady in your calico
dress as they are in their silks. You
need not study dress so much, but
your books more, for they contain
knowledge that will not wear out or
change with the seasons as styles do.
Now I hope as many of u girls
and boys as can do so will go to some
good school this fall and improve
every opportunity afforded them for
their advancement, but don't forget
that your "Aunt Jennie" would like a
letter from you occasionally.
Mrs. Null writes us a nice letter this
week. We are delighted to hear from
her, also from Hugh M.
The slow way in which letters are
now coming is not encouraging. Let
those who appreciate the Chat show
their interest by writing. And while
very few are responding to my roll
cal, / will continue it. Where are
SwindeIl, Backwoodsman, Onslow OBJ
server, Hope, Minnie, Cheerful Patsy
and Uncle BiIl2
Let me hear from you.
AUNT JENNIE.