Now is the best time in the world for a student to
take an inventory of himself. Another year's work is done. It has cost
time, effort, money, to do this work. The bill has been paid, partly by
yourself, partly by others who believe in you. You are not as independent
about this as you may think. Give credit where credit is due.
And what has been accomplished? Are you more of a man than before? Do you know more about your own powers? Have they increased? Have you advanced toward the ideals of the Engineer?
Finally, how permanent a gain have you made? Will it stick? Unless it does, there is some fault with you.
I do not mean that all of the detail of the year's courses and experiences must be held. But the framework of it must remain as a unit, if you have properly correlated the parts and built them together. You have been studying MATHEMATICS,—not algebaic equations; ENGINEERING STRUCTURES,—not rivets; THERMODYNAMICS,—not hot water. You have been studying ENGINEERING,—not manual arts.
Have you got the things you have paid "for?