To such a girl, the wise hints in the chapters which follow this introduction are invaluable, giving an insight into the meaning of fair-play in the classroom as well as on the athletic field; the relation between physical well-being and academic success; the difference between the social life that is re-creative and that which is “nerves-creative”; the significance of loyalty to the school and to the home; the way in which school days determine to a large degree the days that come after.  These, and many other suggestions, wise and forceful, I commend not only to the new girl, but also to the “old girl” who would make her school and college days count for more both while they last and as preparation for the work that is to follow.

MaryE. Woolley.

Mt.  Holyoke College,
South Hadley, Massachusetts.

CONTENTS

A WORD TO THE WISE 13

I. THE IDEAL FRESHMAN 17

II.  THE GIRL AND THE SCHOOL 25

III.  FRIENDSHIPS 33

IV.  THE STUDENT’S ROOM 41

V. THE TOOLS OF STUDY AND THEIR USE 54

VI.  THE JOY OF WORK 61

VII.  FAIR-PLAY 70

VIII.  THE RIGHT SORT OF LEISURE 78

IX.  THE OUTDOOR RUNWAY 88

X. A GIRL’S SUMMER 99

XI.  FROM THE SCHOOL TO THE GIRL 107

XII.  THE WORK TO BE 115

A Word to the Wise

We train for basket-ball, golf, tennis or for whatever sport we have the most liking.  Is there any reason why we should not use the same intelligence in the approach to our general school life?  Is there any reason why we should make an obstacle race, however good and amusing exercise that may be, out of all our school life?  We don’t expect to win a game with a sprained wrist or ankle, and there really is no reason why we should plan to sprain the back of school or college life by avoidable mistakes.