Keenness

Mr LLoyd Yeo read an excerpt frolm the editorial of the 1952 School Annual at assembly for Founder's Day. The exerpt was written when Bro. Louis Gonzaga was Principal. It has deep resonance and meaning even today.

"Keenness is the basis of all good and joy in life. It enters into our concerns and gives them a soul which knows no limit to its powers; it is the sign of the presence of genuine life. It must not be confused with a type of ambition which originates fgrom a certain desire to show off. Keenness rightly understood is but an ardent interest which one takes in any underaking; it is the first and last element of success. Do you wish to succeed at school? Be deoted heart and soul to your studies. Once you have made up your mind to be keen on them, you will soon develop a growing interst which cannot fail to bear fruit. Your books will become your friends; every lesson will afford you some satisfaction, and a time may come when you will find it hard to tear yourself away from your studies.

If a man gives himself entirely to any pursuit, it can't well be dull for him although it may appear so to those who are merely watching him. Look for instance at the archaeologist bending over old parchments and scrutinizing through his magnifying glass some characters which time has almost completely obliterated; "What a boring task" you will say. Yet this is no dreary occupation to one who is keen on research work.

Yes, keenness changes the aspect of things. It renders attractive and even fascinating that which formerly seemed repulsive. It brings pleasure wheresoever it sets in.

It is therefore evident that keenness in life counts for much. In games there is little else that matters. The schoolboy who is keen on his work stands head and shoulder above his classmates. This does not mean that he will necessarily be first as he may not be well fittd for studies, but his efforts for plodding persistence will be a by-word to boys and teachers.

The employer who is looking for someone to fill up a vacancy in his business will naturally select the applicant who is likely to be earnest about his work. he will not insist on experience; after all, a boy who leaves school to take up a job is not expected to know very much. The routine of office work, the intricacies of transactions, the knack of journalism are things which time alone will teach. Experience will do good only to the mind that is really eager to profit by it.

Keeness is the pleasant avenue that leads to success. That boy will always be admired and respectged who is keen in all his undertakings, in his friendships and his defence of the genuine principles of life."