In this day when I see decadence and debauchery on every hand, when I see a great republic crumbling under its empire of sin, when I see recklessness, rush and ruin may I understand the weight upon my shoulders of leading youth. Religion and education have parted company, men and women have forsaken the dignity and poise of their years and training and have mixed instead of mingled with youth so freely that the line of demarcation is lost.

I want the ability to be young in spirit without being ridiculous. I want to see beyond the years of each student and help him to shape his end. If I have any knowledge I want it to aid the plastic mind before me and not hinder it.

I want wonderful patience and the thoroughness of the pedagog of former generations. In his trying adolescent period I want him to learn the moral code in all its beauty instead of its vulgarity. I believe a man can best train the boy; the woman the girl.

I want whole time parenthood and wholesome companionship for all that I contact. With all I want self-control and poise that will raise my profession back to the place that the Teacher of teachers has set for us throughout the ages.