We have never kept any record of the teaching and Sunday-school work done by our pupils, but, within a few days, I have gratified my curiosity by taking notes from the lips of a few student-teachers. Here they are.
Sixteen of our young people have during the summer taught one thousand and thirty-five (1,035) day pupils, and very nearly as many S. S. scholars. This does not include the teachers now at work, some of whom return to us next week, or in early spring. Probably this is only a fifth of the record, counting all former pupils.
Some of the experiences are very droll, as of the young woman who saw new phases of life in Arkansas: “Would you believe it, that the white people didn’t know as much as I do?” White and black always called her “the white lady,” and urged her return next season.
Another young woman was assistant in a school of 80 children. The log school-house had no windows except board shutters; the seats were boards fastened upon blocks of wood; the blackboard was of her own manufacture. The building was so small that in pleasant weather she heard her recitations in a bush-arbor built against the side of the house.
Some of the teachers had better accommodations. One young man had an excellent building in a community of thriving farmers. He has taught there for five seasons. Just now he is getting up a club for the New York Tribune and reports ten subscribers.
Another young man, a member of the senior class, could scarcely leave his people. A powerful revival in connection with the school had brought many aged people as well as children to confess Christ, and the converts were loth to part with their teacher and friend. The person who went after him does not weary of telling about the tears shed and pathetic expressions of regret.
After two years of constant teaching, another writes, “There are so many things in life I can’t manage, I want to go to school again.” The most cheering sign of the year is this growing desire for more thorough preparation for the work of life.