Letter from Alfred E. Stearns to William J. Newlin, Amherst College September 17, 1923
Dublin Core
Title
Letter from Alfred E. Stearns to William J. Newlin, Amherst College September 17, 1923
Subject
Letter from Alfred E. Stearns to William J. Newlin, Amherst College September 17, 1923
Transcription
September 17, 1923
William J • Berlin, Secretary
Amherst College
Amherst, Mass.
My dear Mr. Newlin:
Thank you for your letter about Tsai. The boy has been my personal ward since he has been in this country and I have a very genuine interest in his problem, which is a little different from the problems of the other Chinese boys with whom I have dealt; indeed I have never felt quite satisfied that I understood him thoroughly, and those who have met him intimately have not always agreed in their estimates. Tsai’s two brothers were with us a few years ago and did exceptionally well in their work. Young Tsai enjoys much the same kind of popularity with his mates that his brothers Lid, for all of these boys have adapted themselves to the American ways and ideas much more than have most of their Chinese friends. The main difficulty with this youngest member of the family is that he has been too popular. He has also suffered from physical limitations which have slightly encroached on his intellectual activities arid progress.
Anyway this boy’s record in his studies has been a bit irregular. On two different occasions I decided to sever the Andover connection and give him elsewhere the individual attention which he seemed to need. Last year he went to my brother’s school in Mount Vernon, and with the understanding that he was to make college in the fall. I urged this strongly because I believed he needed an incentive to keep him hard at it. This summer my brother told me that he felt that I was expecting too much and that the boy really needed another year of preparation. This report was also confirmed by the men who worked with him during the summer months at Long Lake Lodge, one of the best of the summer tutoring camps. Consequently I am wondering whether it may not be a mistake to encourage the boy to attempt the Amherst work, even though he succeeds in gaining a technical admission.
Of course it is for you to determine the wisdom of acting favorably on Tsai's application. I am giving you the facts frankly, however, so that you may know, so far as possible, the kind of problem with which we are dealing. If he can get in and can hold the pace, I very much hope that he will go ahead; on the other hand, I should dislike exceedingly to have him enter and then have him drop out during the course.
Tsai is a most attractive and likable fellow, as you will no doubt discover. He is a bit weak in his will power and hasn't the stability and self-control which are generally such prominent characteristics in his fellow countrymen.
With every good wish to you for the year just opening, believe me always
Very sincerely yours,
William J • Berlin, Secretary
Amherst College
Amherst, Mass.
My dear Mr. Newlin:
Thank you for your letter about Tsai. The boy has been my personal ward since he has been in this country and I have a very genuine interest in his problem, which is a little different from the problems of the other Chinese boys with whom I have dealt; indeed I have never felt quite satisfied that I understood him thoroughly, and those who have met him intimately have not always agreed in their estimates. Tsai’s two brothers were with us a few years ago and did exceptionally well in their work. Young Tsai enjoys much the same kind of popularity with his mates that his brothers Lid, for all of these boys have adapted themselves to the American ways and ideas much more than have most of their Chinese friends. The main difficulty with this youngest member of the family is that he has been too popular. He has also suffered from physical limitations which have slightly encroached on his intellectual activities arid progress.
Anyway this boy’s record in his studies has been a bit irregular. On two different occasions I decided to sever the Andover connection and give him elsewhere the individual attention which he seemed to need. Last year he went to my brother’s school in Mount Vernon, and with the understanding that he was to make college in the fall. I urged this strongly because I believed he needed an incentive to keep him hard at it. This summer my brother told me that he felt that I was expecting too much and that the boy really needed another year of preparation. This report was also confirmed by the men who worked with him during the summer months at Long Lake Lodge, one of the best of the summer tutoring camps. Consequently I am wondering whether it may not be a mistake to encourage the boy to attempt the Amherst work, even though he succeeds in gaining a technical admission.
Of course it is for you to determine the wisdom of acting favorably on Tsai's application. I am giving you the facts frankly, however, so that you may know, so far as possible, the kind of problem with which we are dealing. If he can get in and can hold the pace, I very much hope that he will go ahead; on the other hand, I should dislike exceedingly to have him enter and then have him drop out during the course.
Tsai is a most attractive and likable fellow, as you will no doubt discover. He is a bit weak in his will power and hasn't the stability and self-control which are generally such prominent characteristics in his fellow countrymen.
With every good wish to you for the year just opening, believe me always
Very sincerely yours,
Creator
Alfred E. Stearns
Publisher
Phillips Academy
Date
September 17, 1923
Rights
All Rights Reserved By Phillips Academy
Language
English
Type
Correspondence