A Schoolboy’s Life
The life of a schoolboy may be said to be made up of schoolwork and holidays. But there is more to it than these, and we may look at it in several ways. We may think of his study in the classroom and the hostel, of the discipline he has to submit to, of his social life, of his games, and his holidays.
A boy is sent to school mainly to learn; so the most important part of his life is the teaching he gets in his classes, the books he has to read, and the homework set to him to occupy his evenings. Whatever else he does, he must take these things seriously, and make up his mind to get as much knowledge and sound mind-training as he can.
But an important part of a boy’s life at school is the school discipline to which he has to submit. At home he can sometimes do pretty much as he likes; but at school, there are strict rules to be kept, and he soon learns he has to keep these rules because he gets punished if he does not. This strict discipline is very good for him; for it teaches him some very necessary virtues – such as obedience, punctuality, diligence, regularity, good manners, and forbearance.
An important part, too of a schoolboy’s life is the social life of the school. He has to mix up with his fellows in the classroom, the playground, and the hostel. A boy who is brought up altogether at home, especially if he is an only child, is likely to become selfish, and shy, and awkward in the company; but in a school, where he is one amongst many, he soon gets his corners rubbed off, and learns the important lessons of give and take, easy social manners, and thought for others. And very often he makes friendships which will last him for life. This social life, however, has its dangers; because there are bad boys in every school that may lead a simple boy astray.
The school games form a large part of a schoolboy’s life, and a very healthy and happy part. Games like football, cricket, and hockey not only give a boy healthy exercise and make him strong, but they also teach him how to work with others and train him to be a true sportsman.
Boys naturally like holidays better than schoolwork; and holidays are necessary and good, if they are used wisely as a relief from hard work.
So a schoolboy’s life is full of variety and interest, and is a very fine preparation for the real struggle of life.
