PUBLICA1.'IONS 

OF THE 

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS 

Board of Editora-Killis Campbell, Editor-in-Chief; Eugene C. Barker, Manager; Robert A. Law N. L. Goodrich, F. W. Simonds, A. C. Scott, John 
A. Lomax, James J. Terrill, C. S. Potts, E. E. Rall. 
The publications of the University of Texas are issued four times a month. They are arranged in the following series: RECORD, MINERAL SURVEY, GEN· E:RAL, HUMANISTIC, MEDICAL, SCIENTIFIC, REPRINT, UNIVEBSITY EXTENSION, OFFICIAL, PBEss. For postal purposes they are numbered consecutively aa · Bulletins without regard to the arrangement in series. With the exception of the special numbers any Bulletin will be sent to citizens of Texas free on r• quest. Communications from other institutions in reference to exchange ot publications should be addressed to the University of Texas Library. 
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS RECORD has been issued from two to four tlmea a year since December, 1898, and is now in its 10th volume. Its purpose la to 19reserve a record of the life and progress of the University, and tor that reason it ls of special interest to alumni, ex-students, and friends or the University. Upon request it will be regularly mailed, free, to any cltl· sen of Texas. Address THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS RECOBD, Austin, Texas. 
The bulletins of the UNIVERSITY EX'I'ENSION AND OFFICIAL series, consist­tns of Announcements of Courses, Catalogues, Regents' Reports, and ad­ministrative matter, will be mailed free to any one upon request. 
·The 	University still has for distribution copies of the following bulletins: 
GENERAL SERIES 
4:. Courses of Study in Law Pursued in the Universitfl of 'l'e:i:a1, by J. C. Townes, 16 pp. March, 1904. 
7. 	The Consolidation of Rural School&, by Una Bedichek and·G. T. Baskett, New edition, enlarged by A. C. Ellis. 85 p., Illus. November, 1907. !5 cents. 
11. 	What Should be Done by Universitie1 to Foster the Profeaaional Ed.• cation of Teacherat by W. S. Sutton. 24 p. 1905. 15 cents. 
16. 
!A. 	Btud.11 in School Supervision, by Carl Hartman. 180 p. 1907. 60 cents. 

17. 
Religiou1 Activftiea at the Univerrit11 of 'l'ezaa. 61 p., Ulu. August, 1101. 


HUMANISTIC SEBIES 
I. 	'l'he G-roteaque in the Poetry of Robert Browning, by Lily B. Campbell. 41 p. April, 1907. 25 cents. t.. 'l'he Beginning• of Texa1, by R. C. Clark. 94 p., map. December, 190T . 
.'16 cents. 
(Continued en •nride bac7c cot7er) 

268-IU-Sm-6998. 
B.ULLETIN 

OF 

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS 

NO. 196 
FOUR TIMES A MONTH 
GENERAL SERIES 21 AUGUST 22, 1911 
THE EXPERIENCES OF SELF-SUPPORTING STUDENTS 
IN THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS 

PUBLISHED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS 
AUSTIN, TEXAS 
Entered as second class mail matter at the postoflice at Austin, Texas 
Cultivated mind is the guardian genius of democracy. • • • It I.a the only dictator that freemen ac­knowledge and the only security that freemen desire. 
President Mirabeau B. Lamar. 
THE EXPERIENCES OF SELF-SUPPORTING STUDENTS 
IN THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS 

INTRODUCTION 
Two out of every· five students in the University of Texas sup­port themselves either wholly or in part. During the past ses­sion over six hundred students kept themselves in the University by their own efforts. An overwhelming majority of the students in the University are poor. A few students are from wealthy homes, some are children of people in comfortable circumstances, but many are poor, and some are very poor. Numbers maintain themselves by arduous outside labor and heroic efforts. 
The twenty self-told stories that follow are printed precisely as they were written by students who have met and solved by their own efforts the financial problem of securing a University education. They are submitted with no editorial excisions or additions. Indeed, none such are needful. The stories speak for themselves. In order, however, to understand the purport of this publication and to make clear the basis of the statements there is printed herewith a copy of the letter which was sent to each person whose statement is printed: 
''The University of Texas is planning to issue a bulletin con­
taining the experiences of students who have ma.de or are mak­
ing their way through the University by their own efforts. This 
bulletin is to be distributed for two purposes: first, to show 
wealthy men the good that can be done by establis~ing a loan 
fund for aiding worthy students; second, to encourage boys 
and girls who are struggling to obtain an education. 
''I shall be grateful for the story of your University life, par­ticularly the account of how you met its financial problems. I should like also some reference to the work you are now ·doing, and to the ways in which the University has proven helpful to .you. The story can be so written· that your identity need not be disclosed. ' ' 
As stated in the letter, two main purposes were in mind in 
issuing this bulletin. In the first place, it was thought that a 
det'ailed account from students who have themselves been sue­
The University of Texas Bitlletin 
cessful in obtaining a lTniversity training, despite a slender purse, would contain many ·practical hints of great value to other students similarly situat_ed. The numerous suggestions contained in the letters bear out this conclusion. At the same tiine, the stories of personal sacrifices·, of great difficulties, met with patience and courage, . will surely inspire many a boy and girl in Texas, who · lives perhaps in the back country, to believe that the door of hope is not shut for them, and that a University education is not merely a dream. In the second place, it is hoped that ultimately the stories will make an irresistible appeal to men of wealth to eRtablish in the University of Texas a large loan fund, which, wisely administered, may make a University training possible to hundreds and hundreds of boys and girls. As the writer of one of the stories remarks : ''I shall be pleased if, after reading my experience, some gir1 may take heart to follow out her ambition, or someone with money will seize the nearest opportunity to give such an ambition a fair chance, not as a matter of charity, but as a business investment with sure returns,-of money if you like, but most surely of gratification at having helped someone in a healthy, practical 'vay. '' 
Such large Universities uf the north and east as Michigan, Wisconsin, Cornell, Yale, Harvard, and Princeton. all have loan funds to render assistance to all worthy cases of students who, through financial misfortune are unable to secure University training, and whose ambitions and mental and moral qualities fit them for the highest development. Even some of the much poorer Universities of the south have such funds. The Alumni of the University of Alabama have . raised a fund of $15,000 which is loaned to needy students. The University of North Carolina has more than $30,000 devoted to the same purpose, and the University of Georgia has a fund of more than $150,000, the gift of the late Senator Joseph E. Brown, the interest of which is devoted to loans to students. Each student is given five years from the close of the collegiate yea.r in which the loan is made· to pay back the money. T'he payments, both principal and interest, are added to the fund, and only the interest there­from is used. In this way the fund is all the time growing. 
A few months ago, when some mention was made in the public press of a student loan fund for the University of Texas, a 
Experiences of' Se.lf-Supporting Students 
Dallas banker proposed to give $1,000 to start such a fund for the colleges of Texas. In a private conversation he expressed his belief that he could get one thousand other Texans to join him in this generous offer. The interest on one million dollars could be wisely used by the University of Texas in aiding stu­dents of keen mental caUber to obtain a University training, \Vho, perhaps, otherwise would go through life without it. Such students would be unwilling to accept gifts, but to many of them even a small loan would mean the realization of cherished dreams and hopes. Surely the establishment of such a loan fun·d must meet with generous favor from benevolent men of means who themselves have reached success through overcoming great difficulties. 
The letters which are printed were not secured without diffi­culty, and in most cases a very natural reticence has caused the 'vriter to omit many interesting details which might have been helpful. A similar reticence has caused others to decline to write stories about themselves into which, try as hard as they might to prevent it, the note of heroism would creep. The ex­periences, notwithstanding, are fairly typical of a~l those that might have been told. The presence of such men and women as have written these stories, as a writer of one of them remarked, has helped to keep the University of Texas "essentially demo­cratic,' '-an institution where ''a man is taken on his merits and not on his blue blood or bullion.'' 
EXPERIENCES OF SELF-SUPPORTING STUDENTS 

A GENIUS OF LILLIPUTIAN FINANCE 
I spent many years in planning and longing to go to the Uni­versity, when in reality I could have accompli~hed my desire much sooner than I did, if I had only had the courage. As it was, I worked with inadequate preparation, was unhappy be­cause I keenly felt my inefficiency and my lack of growth. · So at last, in despair, I attended the University Summer School; while there I resolved to make one grand effort for, at least, one year at the University. After that one year, I was determined to stay another, and then ·with graduation in sig'ht, at the end of the third year, I so1nehow managed to stay till the end. 
How I did it~ In the usual way, I suppose, by most careful managing, by borrowing money, by coaching, by denying myself all luxuries and some necessities. Unfortunately, I 'did not keep an exact account of my finances, and my statements will therefore not be of much value. After one year at the Woman's Building, two other girls and myself went in for light-house­keeping. We rented two rooms; one was unusually large and well-lighted. We dispensed with all half-way unnecessary fur­niture, in order not to seem crowded. With a large closet for a pantry, a dry-goods box covered with oil-cloth for a kitchen table, a screen for a dividing wall, and a little two burner oil stove, our kitchenette vvas quite complete. Our one table served alter­nately for study and dining table. 
In arranging our work we soon found that there may some­times be method in madness, but it certainly is madness to vvork without method. So we follo-\ved a plan which I shall describe, as it proved very successful in saving work and friction. I may add, I have since tried the plan in a household of. seven and I can guarantee it as "ball-bearing." With the help of our schedule cards we settled what meals each one was to prepare during the week, and then we took turns in being housekeeper. The duties of this important office wer,e the following: to buy and keep an account of all the provisions and plan all the menus. So, for 
Experiences of Self-Supporting Students 
instance, if one of the others was housekeeper, and I, having a free period before lunch time, would come home and find in a certain place the menu carefully written out \vith such in­f orma ti on and such suggestions as the housekeeper had thought necessary or helpful, I would find all the materials on hand and would have no other responsibility but to prepare and serve what had been ordered. If I found any supplies running low I re­ported to the housekeeper, who would look over materials and remnants and then plan the next meal. I regret now that we did not keep our menus, fo~ they were well planned from a hygienic standpoint; we never allovved our meals to consist of crackers and pickles or the like. I think it would be a fine task for some teacher of domestic science to compile a cook-book for light-housekeeping ·which would combine a minimum of expense, of time, and of physical energy, with a maximum in the variety, wholesomeness, and palatableness of its dishes. If anyone should undertake this task, I would be glad to contribute my share of practically tested dishes, that are. easily prepared, dainty, and yet nourishing. 
One of our temporary family \Vas a genius of lilliputian finances. We learned from her; and though I have no exact ac­count of our meriage, I recall that our total living expenses, in­cluding rent, never exceeded $13.00 per month, and was often less. I do not believe, ho,vever, that with the present increase in prices, expenses could be k3pt quite as low as that. 
One thing I would advise every girl who is forced to borrow m·oney, and that is to take out a life insurance policy, even if it is only sufficient to cover the debt. At least the thought that those who so unselfishly helped me with the money they had saved as painfully as ever I had done it, should not go unrepaid, whatever might happen to me, gave me much peace of mind; and·that is a very necessary asset for successful work. And the greatest danger against which the girl must guard who under­takes to go through the University on a limited amount, is not the work, not the lack of freedom which such a life naturally entails, nor the actual privations but it is the ·worry and fear 0f that uncertain tomorro"\v. But there is no need of that; a little trust and a little faith do \vonders. 
DURING FIVE UNIVERSITY YEARS SPENT ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS WHICH HE DID NOT EARN 
I entered the University in 1897 and remained in that insti­tution practically five years. In the period of my attendance, l spent about $100 which I did not earn. For fou~ years I found an excellent home with a member of the faculty. I did work about his home for board and room; and, in all that time, I was regarded as a member of the family and treated with the greatest courtesy. 
During my first year I did some odd jobs of collecting and soliciting advertising for expense money. The second year . of my attendance, I did work in the "Co-op." The third year, I graded papers at a few cents apiece. The fourth and fifth years, I was student assistant. 
Through all this time I was able to carry n1y courses with some satisfaction. I also found time to do some athletics and was able to enjoy the social life of the University. I belonged to a fraternity a:nd took active part in a literary society, besides at one time editing the Maga.zine and .serving on the Cactus board. 
In my time, a student was not expected to spend much inoney in the enjoyment of social affairs. One did not hesitate to take a girl to a dance in the humble street car. Also, a small amount sufficed for dress. A:round Commencement time many ''long tails'' were rented, but few were owned. 
I am glad to say that the school was essentially democratic. A 
. man was taken on his merits and not on his blue blood or bul­lion. Of course, there were many wants that I was unable to satisfy, many pleasures that I had to forego-and many sacri­fices that I had to make. 
Does the effort pay ? Is the game worth the candle ? I believe that any one who has tried it mu~t answer in the affirrnative. Even the hardships endured and the self-denial practiced has value as a training. One is better fitted for practical life if one has practice in practical life. The pleasure and profit derived from completing the course of study prescribed for a 'degree represent a stock of experiences a.nd . a development ·of power 
Experiences of Self-Supporting Studerits 
that I have found not only useful but absolutely necessary in getting on in the world. 
A phase of University life which the student ought to stress and one too often neglected by the student who is dependent upon his own resources is the social opportunity offered by the school. I do not mean social in the limited sense of dances, campus promenades, and hand-holding contests; but I mean mix­ing 'vith your fellows, getting in. sympathy with them and ex­changing views with them, for1ning strong friendships and mak­ing congenial companions. 'I1herein lies one of the greatest pos­sibilities for growth. This social field, if the proper advantage is taken of it, is worth more to the student than a very great deal of book learning. I am not crying do-vvn books; I think the study of books ·and the study of man should be correlated. Learn to mix! The man w110 can not mix vvith his fellows is not likely to be vvorth much to his community. If the University trained man does not serve the community7 the State has little justification for maintaining the institution. 
I think my greatest single pleasure secured through university attendance is the thought that in every town of any · size in this state is some congenial spirit whose ideals are akin to my O\Vn and that we developed these ideals together as students of the old U. of T. 
. ENTERED THE UNIVERSITY \VITHO.UT A DOLLAR 
I entered the University of Texas in September, 1897, without a dollar 0£ my O"\vn, so far as I can remember. My father's ill health had made it impossible for me to expect help from him beyond my High School course, and although I had for some time had hopes of some day entering college, they -vvere of the vaguest sort, when one day in the spring of 1897 President W~s­ton, in a talk before our school, told of the opportunity to pay expenses at college vvhile at college by various kinds of work. He closed his remarks by saying very emphatically that no one need stay away from the University of Texas because of lack of funds. 
Taking him at his word, on the advice of my parents, I wrote to the President to inquire what he could do for me. The mat­ter was turned over to J. A. Lomax, at that time Registrar, who finally wrote me of a place where I could pay for my room and board by taking charge of some horses and cows and doing odd chores ~or an elderly woman living on the outskirts of town. I had never milked a cow, but in the two or three days before I had to start for Austin I learned hovv. 
'ro provide for my matriculation fee and lihrary deposit ·and to buy the necessary books and other equipment, I borrowed forty dollars from an uncle. That is all the money I can remem­ber having that year. 
The following summer I remained in Austin in order to re­tain my position, though I did not earn any cash. 
Upon returning after the Christmas vacation in my Sophomore year, I learned to my dismay that my place had been given to a nephew of my employer, but through Mr. Lomax I found similar employment at a better place. There I remained until the end of my Senior year. During my sophomore year I received from home about thirty dollars, enough for necessary expenses. The succeeding summer I earned no money, I think, but was at no expense. 
During my Junior year, besides my regular employment, I did some tutoring, which brought in a. little cash to meet my 
Experiences of Self-Supporting Students 
actual needs. That summer I earned some money cutting weeds on the campus and later got a job in a planing mill. 
My Senior year brought me more tutoring. I also acted as clerk in the Co-operative Bookstore. At the end of the year I was awarded a fellowship, so that I was able to give up the work that I had been doing for my room and board. T'his fel­lowship paid all my expenses during my year of postgraduate work. 
During all this time of course-. I had to practice the ·strictest economy, but I had managed to be very comfortable without .getting over a hundred dollars from outside sources. Besides, my outside· duties, though they kept me from taking part in athletics, did not interfere 'vit~ my studies, for vvhen a c·hapter of Phi Beta Kappa was installed three years after I left the Uni­versity, I was elected a member. As an undergraduate I some­times regretted that lack of funds prevented my having much share in the social life of the students. Among other things, I felt unable to accept an invitation to join a fraternity until my postgraduate year. Yet I did have my friends, and I do not think T became a mere grind. 
Since leaving the University of Texas, I have ha:d three years of study at Harvard, obtaining the degree . of Ph. D., and I now am Assistant Professor at one of the foremost universities in the east. 
No doubt other boys with some special equipment for earning money could have had an easier time in college than I had, but I do not regret the rather severe training that I had in those days, and I shall ever feel gratefql to my Alrna Mater for opening up for me the way to an education. It is needless to add that I havr. proven for myself the truth of Dr. Winston's words. 
A HOME WITH A GOOD FAMILY 
Two years ago I came to the University with very little money, and not knowing any one here. But I found a home with a good family, where, while attending the University, I could earn my board and a small amount of money. This method of work­ing while pursuing my studies was not a new experience to me, because I had been doing this for four years, while in the High School. 
My earnings for these six years have been about one hundred dollars a year. This amount, in addition to my board, has been sufficient to meet all of my expenses. I will give a table to show how I have used this income each year: 
Matriculation fee and books ........................ . $35.00 Clothing and incidentals .......................... . 35.00 Laundry .......................................... . 20.00 Church purposes . . .. . . . . .. . . . "" . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. .. . 10.00 
$100.00 
Possibly the amount spent for clothing will present a problem to some minds. But I must say, that while this small amount of money has been all that I have had to spend on clothes, it does not cover the value of everything I have had, for I have always had generous friends who have presented me with gifts that have been most helpful. Without these gifts there have been times when I must have fallen into extreme need, and probably would have been compelled to have remained out of school. 
As to the work I do to earn my wages, I have always done house work. I have no business . education, and thus far there has been nothing else open to me. I spend on an average of six hours a day. This amount of work, with four courses, keeps me very busy, so I have no time to take part in the pleasures of college life, except those pleasures which come through my studies. Then, taking only four courses each year, I must at­tend the Summer School, so that I may get my degree in four years. After Summer School, I must work hard every day until 
Experiences of' Sell-Supporting Stndents 
the opening of the fall term in order to have funds for matric­ulation fees, so I have no vacation. 
You may ask, is the sacrifice worth while~ Does it pay to do all of this hard work in order to have so few pleasures and so few of the good things of life~ I can answer that the sacrifice is more than worth while. The gratification from knowing that I am really earning an education is worth more than the effort to get this education. And then I have the greater satisfaction cf knowing that I am each day increasing my capacity for use­fulness to humanity, and at the same time I see more and more of the need of humanity for educated men and women. The contact that I have had with the splendid men and women of this University has given me a greater desire for service, has broadened my sympathies, and has helped me to decide the kind of work that I may do the most successfully. 
WAITED ON THE ~tiABLE AND RANG THE BELLS 
When I graduated from the High School, in 1905, I had fully 
made up my mind to attend the State University, though I had 
Iio idea how it was to be done. Since I could receive no money 
from home, I wrote early in the summer to Mr. Williams, Regis­
trar of the University, and to Mrs. Kirby, Dean of Women, 
asking if they· knew of any work I might get. Both referred 
me to Mrs. Carothers, Director of the Woman's Building. After 
much correspondence with 'Mrs. Carothers in regard to work, I 
was put on the waiting list for dining-room service at the Wo­
man 's Building, though without any hope whatever that I would 
secure it. 
I went ahead with my preparations without any assurance 
whatever that I would have work when I reached Austin. A 
friend wrote to me, late in the summer, that she'd be glad for 
me to stay .with her until I found something to do. Just before 
I left Houston, I worked in a book store during the ''school rush,'' and made enough money to pay my fare to Austin. I left for Austin the latter part of matriculation week, still un­certain 'vhether I could stay or not. The day after I arrived in Austin, Mrs. Carothers telephoned me to come to see her, that one of the girls who was to have had dining-room service . had been unable to come. I secured the work, and the next day began my new work. I served two tables, with ten girls at each table, bringing in all the food, replenishing the dishes and re­moving the dishes to a side table. In addition to serving the tables, I was given charge of ringing all bells-meals, rising, 
retiring, etc.-and also of closing the doors at meal time. 
l\1rs. Carothers and Miss Moore, the Business lVIanager, were 
both most kind and considerate to the four of us thus employed, 
and the girls, with but few exceptions, showed us every consid­
eration. In fact, 've gained a popularity all out of proportion 
to what we deserved. The work was tiring, and sometimes ter­
ribly monotonous, but most of the time I was sincerely grateful 
that I had such an opportunity of making my University course 
possible. 
Experiences of Self-Supporting Students 
In return for my services I was given my room and board. 
My sister sent me five dollars a month, which I spent for wash­
ing, books, church, etc. 
I carried on a full University course, took part in several of 
the University organizations-Y. W. C . .L\.., Woman's Council, 
Athletic Association, etc.-held office 1n these societies, besides 
having a good time always. ­
I continued this "\Vork for three years, and then only because 
I wanted more time and energy to devote to my work as Presi­. dent of the Y. W. C. A., I applied for a scholarship and se­cured it. My one regret is that I did not complete my course by my own efforts. I really enjoyed the work, and gain't~d an 
experience in it that has been most helpful. 
I have heen a Secretary of the Young Women's Christian 
Association for the. last two years, and my three years' work, 
serving tables·, was excellent preparation for my present work 
with the girls and young women. 
I am more and more convinced that any girl or boy who really 
wants an education can get it, and get it without losing any of 
the essential benefits and pleasures of the college course. 
EARNING CAPACITY INCREASED 400 PER CENT IN SIX-YEARS 
Feeling that a statement from a student who has jus~ :fin­
ished at the University of Texas, with respect to expenses and 
benefits of schooling, will be of interest to students who are con­
templating entering the University, upon request, I am giving 
a brief account of my three years' and two summers' stay in 
the University. 
In the year 1904 I finished at a preparatory school which was affiliated with the University. The following year I taught school in a rural community at a salary of $55 per month. I 
·attended the Summer School at the University the following summer, 1905. The School Board and the people of the com­munity where I taught, .appreciating my effort in better pre­paring myself for the duties of the school, increased my salary to $65. By the close of school I had paid back what I owed for my schooling in the preparatory school and had about $100 to the good. ·on this a younger brother and I came to the Summer School at the University in 1906. 
In the fall of 1906, my father went security, and I borrowed $100 from a friend and entered the University My brother had secured a school, and footed the rest of my bill for 1907, which amounted to $175. In 1908 I taught as high school prin­cipal in a town of over 5,000 inhabitants at a salary of $90 per month. My. brother continued to go to summer schools, as I returned what I borrowed when I was in the University in 1907. In 1909 I accepted a position as instructor in a high school in a town of 15,000 inhabitants at a salary of $1,000 per annum, and sent two brothers to the University~ 
The wheel of fortune turned in 1910, and my brothers sent me to the University during the years of 1910 and 1911. I have been elected to the superintendency of the city schools of a town of 3,000 or 4,000 inhabitants at · a salary of ~1,500 per annum. Within six years my earning capacity has increased four hun­dred per cent, and the increase may be attributed largely to my training in the University. In proportion to the amount of Uni­versity work taken, the increase in salary of my younger brother, who is also a teacher, has been greater. I feel more 
Experiences of' Self'-Sttpporting Students 
grateful for other benefits derived from my Univer&ity training than I do for the improvement in my salary. 
A word with respect to expenses vvill likely be of great inter­est to the young man or young. lady who promises himself a University education. As stated above, my expenses the first year I came to the University were about $275, which may be ac­counted for as follows: Railroad fare, $15; board and room rent, $120; matriculation fee, $50 (this is more than the aver­age student pays, since I took Chemistry, which has a labora­tory fee of $11 or $13) ; laundry, $10; books, $50, and clothing, $30. My expenses the second and third years vvere somewhat greater, due partially to the increase in price of board and gen­eral expenses. Ho,vever, my expenses the second year did not run over $300, and the third year over $325. During these two years I could have spent less, but did not feel the need of so close economy as "ras necessary during my first year in the Uni­versity. 
From these few· state1nents it can be readily seen that at­tending the University is a paying proposition which an able­bodied, ambitious young man, or young woman, can not afford to overlook. Now and then a sacrifice has to be made, and pleas­ures that other young people are enjoying have to be foregone, but, in the end, one reflects with pleasure upon the sacrifices made and pleasures foregone. 
A GIRL FROM AWAY BACK IN THE COUNTRY 
I am writing this piecg of personal history, not because it contains any great amount of interest for people in general, but because it may be an inspiration for some young woman who may chance to read it-and she may be induced to step out and try a similar plan for herself. Therefore, prosaic though it be, it will be, nevertheless, a true story from first to last. 
' 
I was born and grew up like many another healthy young­ster, with no marked precocity. Because there were no good schools near by, the children of the family were taken to a vil­lage in the county, and placed in what was then the best private school in that part of the State. I was then eight years of age, and this trip of sixteen miles in wagons across the snow . one January day was my first glimpse of the outside world. I re­call vividly now the impressions that came to me that first night and during the first days. There were in the family two older sisters and a brother, and four or five cousins and ha~f-uncles. I had heard them discuss the wonders of this new world before we made the move. We had a play-house in the barn. It was in this barn that the marvelous stories were told, and plans were amde for what we meant to do and to· be when once we were there. I remember that I would dig my toes in the ground, standing ready to swing, but listening open-eyed, and then let myself go high in the air, dreaming of the great future. So, the village, quaint and quiet, except for the school, was to my youthful imagination a part of Paradise. 
We lived in this village and attended this school for three years. My mother died the first year, and a married sister came to take charge of the household, which was co-operative in its nature, every member of the family having his share of the daily tasks. The school was a good one, not only for its time, but judged even now by modern standards. It knew little of the principles of pedagogy, and had meagre equipment in library and laboratory, but for a period of a quarter of a century, un­der the influence of its one principal, it had the power to trans­form the lives · of hundreds of crude country boys and girls. What was taught was well taught, and the men and women who 
Experiences of Self-Supporting Students 
went from the school are known today in places of great re­sponsibility. ·But the facts learned were a small part of that school's work. Somehow, under the inspiration of that prin­cipal and the assistants whom he had the wisdom to employ, the school had a spirit akin to that of Rugby. 
And .so my story is more than half told. When once the mind is awake and the soul is stirred, there is something within that bids us neither stand nor sit, but go ! 
After this I had two years in school nearer my home. When I was fifteen I was offered a position as assistant in a school, and in my ignorance as to its responsibilities I accepted. I liked the experience, and decided that I had found my calling. The way opened for me to attend a normal, and in one year I was graduated-full fledged, with a permanent certificate. (I count this year as one of the best of my life, because of the in­fluence of one teacher there, and for this I can pardon the ab­surdity of permanent certificate.) 
The five years following this. graduation I taught in the pub­lic schools-·five busy and happy, but hungry and unsatisfied years. During these years I had the joy of waking up other boys and girls, and during these years at night I had my first opportu!lity to read good books. 
And then the way opened for me to go to the University. I had saved what I thought was enough money to put me through, and though some people thought I ·''knew enough,'' I dared to lay down my work and go. I have never regretted it for one day, in spite of the sacrifice, hardship and anxiety when funds began to fail. I had the foolish idea that I must get my de­gree before I stopped. And I did. Now, I should say go as long as you can with health and comfo·rt-physical and mental -and then, if yau can not make your way, teach and go again. You will be the better for the discipline, perhaps, and .the Uni­versity the richer for your maturity. 
But, a teacher may ask, why set the University as my goal? "If I have a good position, and have managed by great priva­tion to go through a normal school, am I not ·entitled to rest a while and let well enough alone?'' Let me answer that no University claims to be the final goal. Take your respite, teach with all your might with the best light that you have. But go 
The University of' Texas Bulletin 
up for some summer session. You will catch the spirit; you will soon see that you need the University, and if :von 'have in you the right fire, your University needs you. Then if you are too timid to give up your position, ask your board for a leave of absence and go back as you can and take your degree. 
But iny heart turns to the girl away back in the country, to the girl 'vho has felt her soul stir within her, but has curbed every hope because she thinks herself shut within walls that can not be broken down. Don't believe it. Keep the fire alive. Let the University know who you are and what you want, and if you cry loud e:q.ough and long enough-and mean some one
. it, will come to your rescue. 
Talre my word for it. 
BOARD AND LODGING AT NINE DOLLARS A MONTH 
I entered the University of Texas in 1900 and graduated in 1904. During the first year I greatly reduced my expenses by beconiing a member of a boarding club. This organization con­
. sisted of seventeen boys who rented a house and hired a cook. The care of the rooms, service at the table, purchase of sup­plies~ etc., was done by the boys themselves. We paid $15.00 per month for a cook and $35.00 per month for a house. All ex­penses for board and lodging amounted to about $9.00 per ID:Onth for each boy. 
During the next two years, 1901-2 and 1902-3, I lived in a 
private horn~ and did chores for my board and lodging. l\fy work . consisted of the care of a cow, two horses. a yard and a small garden. The family was very congenial, and the two years were spent very pleasantly. The most serious difficulty found with this plan was that the work was very irregular. l\iy duties would be light for a time, then suddenly become very heavy, requiring on some days from four to six hours of my time. This tended to interfere with my studies. · 
During my senior year I worked in a dairy. I milked ten cows twice a day, beginning at 5 o'clock in the morning and at 5 o'clock in the afternoon. Each milking required about one 
·hour and fifteen minutes of my time. All told, I did not lose more than three hours a day, including the dressing and bath­.ing incident to the work. The work was outdoors. It came with absolute regularity, and 1vas therefore very wholesome. I 
. found this plan the most satisfactory of any·that I tried during my Univeristy course. 
If I had not used these opportunities for self-help I should probably have not completed the University course. To meet the other demands of the work I borrowed money at the rate of ten per cent per annum. I borrowed about $600.00, but since I be­gan early in my course it amounted to more than $1000.00 before 
I could repay it. · 
I could have left the University with but slight debt if I had surrendered the social advantages offered by the University community. I cultivated the society and friendship of my col­
The University of Texas Bulletin 
lege mates of both sexes. Excepting the demand upon my time there was no social disadvantage because of my work. The democracy of the University is of such a rugged and pronounced type that the fact that a boy is working his way through school operates for rather than against him in a social way. 
WALKED TEN ~IILES A DAY "R.AIN OR SHINE" 
Born, 1870, Southern Sweden. Parents of peasant class. Father had good ordinary education, considered liberal and pro­gressive. 1\1other could read, but not write. Youngest of fam­ily of eight. Father suffered financial reverses and family came to America in 1882. Father and brothers worked in factories at days' labor. Being youngest, I "\Vent to school for nearly two years, during which I skipped through first, third, fourth, fifth and sixth grades. At this juncture quit school, 1884, got work in woolen mills at 50 cents per day. In my "adolescent ferment'' I determined to become a missionary. Quit work in September, 1886, and got a job to "do chores" for· my board and went back to public school. I was placed in ninth (high­est sub-high school grade), but in January, 1887, a conference of principal and superintendent sent me to high school, 1vhare objections to my irregular entrance were reluctantly withdrawn upon the superintendent's insistence. The ''chores'' were plenty. The next year I got a job to "carry papers," earnin·g about $2.00 to $2.50 per week, and I came home to live. The route gave me about ten miles' walk a day, rain or shine. Two feet of snow and twenty below zero were not unusual. (During that first 1vinter I did my chores one morning with 35 below.) But this . exercise kept me alive, for I studied at a fearful rate, doing almost double the work of the others, so that in June, 1889, I graduated, having finished in two . and a half years . a full four years' course, with a year of advanced algebra and two years of Greek extra. My average was 973;4. The next year I taught in a country school, six months, at $40.00 per month. Then I was book agent a couple of months. All this time I had taught in Sunday school and had my missionary ambition to light the way. I was offered work in the Utah Mis­
sion of the M. E. Church. So I went West, taught a mission school one year and the public· school in a Mormon community the next. By this time I was beginning to feel that I must go back to school. I decided on the University of Denver as the proper place, and entered in September, 1892. To make my way, I, with another young man, was janitor in the college 
The University of Texas Bulletin 
building. We received a room and $25 a month between us. During two vacations I traveled in the school supply business. I had the janitor work three years, and borrowed the money for my Senior year, so that I might take college life a little easier. This I no'v regard as a serious mistake. It would have been better if I had worked this year also, so that I might have gone out into the world free of debt. This was in 1896, when times · were very hard, and I failed to secure a place to teach. I did have an opportunity to go to a mining town to preach. It was a hard proposition, so I had to give it up in December, and I finally secured a little country school at $45 per month. The next summer it was still more difficult to get a school, and I finally agreed to remain another year at this place. A family living four miles from the school house gave me my board .for driving to school with the children. The salary was also aug­mented by private subscription. However, unpleasantness arose, and I determined to go to Texas, 'vhither, in the mean­while, my father and mother had moved. They needed me, be­ing about seventy years of age and practically alone. I came to Texas in Nov~mber, 1898, and taught in a litle country school near our home four years. .At the close of my third year I attended a summer normal at Port Lavaca, 'vhere I became acquainted with Dr. W. H. Bruce, the conductor of the normal. Mr. J. W. Smith, who had attended the University summer school two years, also taught here. I secured my permanent certificate by examination, though I could have gotten it on my college diploma. On the advice of Mr. Smith, I determined to go to the University of Texas for my master's degree. I worked my way through as fellow and later tutor in education. After staying at the University three years, I secured a fellow­ship in Teachers' College. During my second winter in New York I taught in the city public evening school the subject of English to foreigners, thereby making about $300 at $B.OO a. night. 
COACHED AND DID OFFICE WORK 
In 1906 the State of Texas,, in consideration of three years' work done in one of her Normal Schools, granted me a license, in the form of a permanent certificate, to prey upon the inno­cents attending her public schools, .as well as the right to de­mand fabulous sums of money from unsuspecting school boards. Unlike ( ?) other Normal graduates, I considered myself edu­cated in the broadest sense of the term. Visions of the early recognition of my superi<'r talents vvith all the substantial re­wards accruing therefrom passed in panorama before my enthu­siastic eyes. After due consideration of the field likely in need of my skilled services, I decided to accord the West that dis­tinction. 
My mother, it is true, desired me to come to the University of Texas as soon as I had finished at the Norina] ; but I could not bear the idea .of seeing so many of Texas' young hopefuls grow up in ignorance for the lack of competent instruction. B'e­sides, what need had I, a Normal graduate, to attend the Uni­versity? · What could the University teach me? 
For three years the West had the opportunity to number me among her educators. During my first year out there I 'had a severe attack of the West Texas land fever. What a fortune I might make if . I would only ''get in on the ground floor'' by investing my fabulous salary! To allay the fever and to· get some peace from the annoyance of real-estate agents, I at last . consented to invest in some town lots. Later on I bought a half section of school land from the state, "\vhich was said to have been ''lived out;'' and judging from the dead conditions of things in that part of the state ever since, I think t'hat it has truly been ''lived out'' for good and all. During this first year I had suc­ceeded in "getting in on the ground :floor" sufficiently to take all the salary I could earn for the next two years to enable n1e to rise from my lowly position. At last, in June, 1909, I "came out of the West.'' I was now the owner of something over $2000 worth of land, and the possessor of a $200 bank account. And all this ha;d taken place in just three years-just three years from the date of my triumphal exit from the Normal! Had I 
26 The University of Texas Bulletin 
taug'ht the world any lesson in this period of time~ Had the 
world taught me anything 1 . 
In September, 1908, n1y brother entered the University of 
Texas. His descriptions of the glories of University life some.. 
how appealed to me now. My mother still seconded all his at­
tempts to get me to give up my' " profession" and attend the 
University. Eventually they prevailed on me to enter school 
the follo-vving year. ·Therefore, in September, 1909, I, a Normal 
graduate and erst-vvhile "professor," entered the University as 
a lowly freshman. After paying my fees, I had $135 with which 
to defray my expenses. By vvay of supplementing my funds I 
secured several office odd jobs, as \Vell as other jobs ·here and 
there. By these means I was able to complete my freshman year, 
and had enough money including my library refund to pay my 
way home in June. 
In September, 1910, I returned to the University. Having had 
some interest on land notes to pay off as well as other outside . expenses, I had just enough to pay my matriculation fees. I was fortunate enough to get a place advertising for a large boarding house and attending to the business down town for the lady in charge of it. For this service I received my board ·free. By a mere chance I got a place in one of the University offices that paid me $15 per month. During the year I coached freshmen, when not busy with my office work or studies. For awhile I taught in one of the preparatory schools of the city. By ·teaching and coaching I made something ovei· $100. From several other little jobs I made about $25 more. thus making 
the total of my years' earnings $230 besides my board. 
For the coming year, 1911-12, I have a little better place in 
the same office in which I worked last vear. I iutend to coach 
I/ 
a.gain this year when I am not too busy with my school and office 
duties. 

THREE STORIES CON'l'AINING MUCH IN LITTLE 
Entered the University of Texas a freshman 1905; graduated 
with B. A. in 1908. 
First two years' expenses, met by my father, amounted to 
$350.00 yearly, including Summer Schools. 
Third year I borrowed $100.00 from the bank, $25.00 from the Sidney Lanier Society, and earned my board and room rent at the Woman's Building ($144.00) by doing office work there. 
Next year's expenses were .fully met by the income derived from a Fellowship in the Department of Education ($200.'00) and work done in the Woman's Building ($144-.00) -dining room service and regulation of lights and bells. 
During the past two years, since leaving the University, I have taught (as assistant history teacher) in the High School, where I am planning to be again next school year. 
*
* 
I began work in the University of Texas in 1899. I was then out a year teaching a country school to secure funds in order to re-enter. This I did in 1901. During the major part of that year I worked for my room and board with a private family, caring for a lawn, a horse and buggy, and other miscellaneous matters. During the third year of my work I waited on tables in Brackenridge Hall. During the last year I was a clerk in the bookstore. Altogether I was in debt a.bout $300 '\vhen I received my degree. This was paid by teaching two years after securing the degree, and enough was saved in addition to pay my ex­penses in a graduate institution for six months. By the end of this time I was assured of a fellowship in the institution for the succeeding year. The fellowship did not meet all expenses. The remaining funds were borrowed from a student's loan fund in the graduate institution. After two yea.rs a.nd a half of grad­uate work, a position was secured as assistant editor of a finan­cial weekly. Work was continued there until all dtbts were paid. This work was dropped because it was impairing my health, an'd, after a year's work in the examination of the finances of 
The University of Texas Bulletin 
one of the largest cities in the country, I became assistant pro­fessor in a state university. 
In six years of teaching in the public schools I saved enough money to cover the expenses of my entire University course. Economy and ambition were my greatest friends to progress, and I believe that the average girl can give herself University training if she has the will to work and economize. When I be­gan teaching at sixteen my aim was to go to college, and I went. 
A HELPFUL EXPERIENCE 
I am glad to furnish an account of my experiences as a stu­dent who had to make her own way through college. in the belief that it may help others to decide on such a course. As a result of an account of similar cases by President Winston in an ad­dress to our High School in 1898, three students registered in the following session of the University, n1aking part or all of their expenses. 
During my first year in the University, I was fortunate enough to secure a home with a family _of two, where the service~ re­quired were somewhat those of a companion during the absence of the husband, and where the time spent in housework was slight. This association resulted in a friendship which I have counted among the valuable results of my experiences. During the next year I taught, but did not save enough, because of the low salary, to carry me through another year. 
· When I returned for my Sophomore year, I undertook to get through with somewhat the same arrangement, but because of the extra time needed for laboratory work and unusual demands at home, I found it would be necessary to make a change. The Registrar, '\vho was making it a part of his duty to look ·after such cases, made an offer of a loan vvhi ch would carry me through the session. This was repaid next year from my salary as a teacher. 
The third year was accomplished on a similar loan, helped out by an occasional day's work as a substitute in the city schools. ln the summer I took the examinations and secured a position in the schools for the following year during which I finished my course by such University work as would give me a class on Saturday. 
From my own experience and from that of friends, I would 
urge, (1) that girls should not undertake outside work, either 
home, school, or clerical, unless they are very strong or are 
willing to spend more than the usual four years in completing 
the course; (2) that unwillingness to borrow the necessary funds 
is an economic mistake, because the impulse to save in order to 
repay a loan is much greater than that to lay aside the same 
The University of Texas Bulletin 
amount, and the earning capacity is jncreased often as much as fifty per cent after each year's work; because the loan secures relief from worry and the feeling of uncertainty that is a strong factor in the accomplishment of mental 'vork; and because there is a certain feeling of independence that is worth in character development, more than its cost. 
All these reasons for using a loan will apply with equal force to the argument for securing funds-for the whole course rather than for a year at a time. 
TAUGHT IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS 
It is now several years since I first had a taste of University life. Prior to that time I had been engaged in teaching, and came hither to improve my standing by doing work in the Sum­mer. Schools. B"efore many weeks had passed, I had formed a definite desire of attending the University during the regular session. Yet I could only look to some period in the undeter­mined future for its fulfillment, as I had been receiving but $45 a month for my services, and was to receive but $50 the following year. 
Maintaining myself away from home on that amount, paying board~ railroad expenses, and contributing to other purposes in­cidentally did not promise much in the way of savings for a University education. I taught a couple of years more, when, my strength failing, I gave up my position. Still the summe.~'s rest wrought such results that obtaining a scholarship in the fall, I went to one of the State Normals to study. A.t the end of the session I was fortunate enough to be graduated with honors. 
Then, my former position being offered me, I we:!:lt back to teaching. Continuing my same work and being advanced in salary a slight amount each year, I attended the Summer Schools at intervals, where I gained much inspiration; and, be it sajd, did not accomplish my expiration, as some of my friends predicted. 
After three year~ I secured a leave of absence from my work and came to the University for the regular session. This was the beginning of the realization of my ambition. At the end of the year, however, for consideration other than an advance in salary, I returned and taught for two years longer. Steadily, though by small amounts at different times, I had been raised from $45 to $85 per month. This made my coming to the Uni­versity a possibility. It was a long, slow :Process, it is true; but I am at last about to win out. I should also state that through the influence of a very helpful instructor, I have also been aided by a student assistantship. 
The University of Texas Bulletin 
To ambitious students of the State I would say, ''Deter1nine to come, strive to tha.t end, and your wish will be realized. The University is doing a great work in broadening and developing the lives of its students.· There should be more to receive these benefits. Determine to be one of them.'' 
TALKED AND PLANNED UNTIL HER DESIRE CAME TRUE 
I think that it will be of most benefit to students of slender means, who desire a college education, to outline briefly the prac­tical and financial side of my University course. 
In the first place, I made up my mind to come to the Uni­versity, and then thought and talked and planned until my desire actually · came true. . 
During the first year .I spent $225. This included my railroad fare from the extreme western part of the state, books, matricu­lation fees, and all incidentals. At the beginning of the spring term, my room-mate and I found that our allowance was not going to hold out, and so we left the dormitory, rented a room, and did light housekeeping a.t a total cost of $9.00 each per month. 
Circumstances .did not permit my returning to the University the next fall, and I took charge of a small subscription school in . Oklahoma, principally for the sake of the experience. At Christmas I wrote to one of my teachers at the University to know if there were anything that I could do to help make my way. On the ninth of January, she wired back that I could get a class in Latin one hour each week at twelve dollars per month. With this and ferty dollars, which I borrovved, I man­aged by dint of a little coaching, to finish out that year and also the summer term. The next two years I stayed out of school and taught. During this time I repaid the money which I had borro,ved, and saved over four hundred dollars,. 
In the meantime my eyes had grff\Vn so bad that I could not use them at all. I had almost given up hope of ever being able to finish my University course, when one .day I heard the story of Pre~cott, the great blind historian, who secured his entire edu­cation by listening while his friends read aloud to him. From his inspiring example, I took new courage. I purchased a small typewriter, and learned to use it by the touch system. I soon made arrangements with girls who happened to be in the same classes to read aloud to me, and for two years and a half I car­ried on all of my work in this way. I shall certainly never re­
• 
gret the misfortune which taught me how many kind-hearted 
34 The University of 11exas B·ulletin 
people there really are in the world, especially in the college world. I not only had enough people to read to me, but always had more offers than I could accept. In addition to this, all of my teachers were extremely considerate in helping me to arrange my work and assisting me in every way possible. 
At the beginning of my fourth year, it began to look as if I were going to have to give up a~ain on account of financial dif­ficulties. But in the darkest hour came an offer of help from one of Texas' great and good men-a man who . has done more perhaps to further the cause of higher education than anyone else in T'exas. From him I received a -regular allowance each month as long as I remained in the University. This money is to be repaid, with all the interest that I can add, to some other girls who need help, thus starting an unending chain of help­fulness. 
This year's work was so badly interrupted by bad health that I could not quite finish the courses for my' degree, and in conse­quence, I shall not receive my diploma until this June. 
I have already suggested several vvays in which it is possible for a student to economize, but I should like to emphasize a few prac~ical ways to cut down expenses. If you can't afford to pay board, rent a room \Vith a friend, and do light housekeeping. It takes a little more time, but it ..will cut your expenses almost in half. You can get second-hand books, or combine with other students in the same house and buy your more expensive books together. T'here are innumerable ways in which you can econo­mize, and lots of' things you can find to do, if you will only keep your eyes open. 
There is no reason why any girl or boy in the State of Texas should not have a college education, if he wants it badly enough, and possesses a definite and clear-cut ambition. From my very earliest childhood I have desired intensely to write, and I have tried to bend all of my reading and education toward this end. My work and associations in the University have been of abso­lutely inestimable worth to me in this connection, and, while I have as yet nothing to show for my ambition but rejected manu­scripts, I ani by no means daunted. And when success does come my first thought will be that it has reflected perhaps some small measure of honor upon my beloved Alma m.ater . . 
SUPPORTED HIMSELF THRO.UGH EIGHT YEARS OF UNIVE~ · SITY LIFE 
I left a. position as drug clerk in the summer of 1901 with about $400.00 and went to Austin with the intention of attend­ing the University as long as the money lasted. A portion of this was spent in preparation for the entrance examinations; and I don't think I experienced a prouder moment during my University course than when I heard that I had successfully passed the entrance requirements. 
By the end of my sophomore year I had entered into the spirit of the University sufficiently to realize that I '.had only gotten a taste of a mighty good thing; and I also realized that my finan­cial resources only amounted to a good determination. The suc­seeding fall I secured a position as drug clerk with the privilege of certain hours off in which to attend the University. Under this arrangement I completed the courses necessary to my aca­demic degree, won a T in athletics, dabbled in politics to . the extent of a Senior class presidency and editorship of the Senior edition of the Texan, and made good in my corridor course . 
. 

In 1909 I received the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the Medical Department of the University. Here I helped to pay expenses in the various capacities as drug clerk, collector, and stenographer. During the summer of my Junior and Senior year I had the good fortune of a position with the State Quar­antine Service. 
I am now practicing in Houston, and my wife, who is also a graduate of the University, and I are already planning for our little daughter to enter the University as soon as she is old enough. 
All in all, I think I have a great deal to thank the University of Texas for, and I am always ready to do all in my power to make some return for the great service it has been to me. 
WON ALUMNI SCHOLARSIDP BY HOME STUDY 
It was early one summer that I made up my mind to try to enter the University next fall. As I had only passed the eighth grade work when it was necessary for me to drop out of the public school, I had to take the entrance examinations. Before attempting the examinations, I had to do a hard summer's study­ing. There was algebra and grammar to review, rhetoric and plane geometry to study, and general history to finish. This work I did by my own unaided efforts, and it was no small task. Especially the plane geometry was hard to take up by myself and study. When the time for the fall examinations arrived I was in Austin, ready to take them, but at the same time dread­ing them, as every poor unfortunate does that has not had a high school diploma on which to enter. But I passed the three required subjects, history, English, and mathematics, and to my great surprise was awarded the Alumni Scholarship because 
. 
I had made the highest general average ~of any of the contest­ants. This scholarship was of material financial aid, as it con­sisted of $100.00. When I first planned to go to the University, I could be sure of attending only one year, as that was all my parents could promise me at that time. But the scholarship as­sured me of another year at the University. 
During my Freshman year, I boarded at Mrs. Kirby's, where I waited on the tables. By this means my expenses were re.. duced to $10 a month, as my work paid for my laundry and part of my board. 'rhis first year was the hardest of the four, for in spite of my hard summer's work, I found that I was not as well prepared for the University work as the average high school pupil. I had to work diligently to keep up with my class work, especially the mathematics. But I passed in all·the work that year. My expenses for the year were about $145, and the fol­lowing estimate is about correct: 
Experiences of Self-Supporting Students 
$ 90.00 for board. 
10.00 for matriculation fee. 
10.00 for library and laboratory fees. 
15.00 for books and stationery and other school supplies. 
10.00 for railroad fares to and from Austin. 
5.00 for additional clothes. 
5.00 for the best sho,vs and musical attractions. 
$145.00 total expense. 
Securing the $100 _.AJun1ni Scholarship practically assured my second year's expenses.. This year I secured one of the waiter­shi ps at the Woman's Building, which opened that year (1903). In this ·way I paid for my board, and by doing a little additional work also had my room rent remitted. This year my expenses ,,·ere the hraviest, and ran about as follows: 
$ 10.00 for matriculation fee. 
15.00 for library and laboratory fees. 
15.00 for railroad .fares. 
20.00 for shoes and other incidental expenses. 
20.00 for books and school supplies. 
30.00 for clothes. 
$110.00 total expense. During my ,Junior year, I again \Vas one of the "\Vaiters at the Woman's Building, thus paying for my board. During :my spare time I did son1e sewing for other girls in the builaing. Two other girls and I rented a sewing ma.chine and divided the ex­pense. The machine "\Ve had just for the last two terms. During this time I cleared about $45. The remainder of the money nec­essary for my year's course vvas supplied from home. The ex­penses ran about as follows: $ 10.00 ·for matriculation fee. 
20.00 for laboratory and library fees. 
15.00 for railroad fares. 
20.00 for books and school supplies. 
36.00 for room rent. 
20.00 for clothes. 
10.00 for shoes. 
$131.00 total expense. 
The University of Texas Bulletin 
During my Senior year, I again paid for my board at the · Woman's B'uilding by waiting on the tables. I took my own sewing machine with me to the Building, and earned $140 d.ur­ing my spa.re time, by sewing for other girls. This year I held an honorary scholarship in Zoology. This was given because I was doing research work in Zoology. It amounted to $100. As this was my Senior year, my expenses ran a little higher, amount­ing to about $200. This left me a little surplus money at the close of the school. T'his is an estimate of my expenses: 
$ 36.00 	for room rent. 
30.00 for books and school supplie~. 
20.00 for laboratory and library fees. 
4.00 for 	tennis courts and tournament. 
15.00 for Sidney Lanier dues (and $10 Senior gift). 
20.00 	for Senior expenses, a cap and gown, pin, entertain­ments. 
15.00 for railroad fares. 
30.00 for clothes. 
20.00 for shoes, etc. 
$190. 00 	total expense. 
All through my University course I was econo1nical, but did not deny myself pleasures except those that would have inter­fered with my work. Every year I saw about half a dozen of 
· the best shows, such as Shakespeare's plays, heard Shumann­Heink, Thomas' Orchestra, etc. I made special efforts to find time for all the strictly University affairs, because I realized that football rallies, exhibitions, and the various strictly co-ed. entertainments were part of my University course; and such as these I would never again be able to take part in. I took an active p~rt in basketball, and especially tennis. 
The University has been helpful to me in many ways. There 
is, of course, the obvious and direct advantage of the actual 
knowledge gained. But that is by no means the only, or even 
the greatest help. The mental training counts for so much. 
This was brought to me very forcibly when I entered the Medical 
Department at Galveston, a year after the completion of my 
academic course. I had been trained to think along scientific 

Experiences of Self-Supporting Stu·dents 
lines, had learned the general routine of college work, and had learned to concentrate my efforts so as to cover the greatest amount of work with the least poss~ble expendi.ture of energy and time. .This was of incalculable benefit to me in my two year's medical work. In the study of medicine at Galveston the work is such as to tax the powers of an ordinary student to the utmost, for much has to be learned in four years. When one is required to be at -lectures or laboratory wurk eight hours . every day, there is little time left for the very necessary recrea­tion, relaxation, physical exercise, and stiidy. There an ordinary high school graduate is at a decided disadvantage, and I con­sider it a great help that the entrance requirements of the Medi­cal Department have been raised s9 as to require one year of aca­demic work first. 
The last, but really the greatest good derived from the Uni­versity course, comes to the graduates all through the remainder of their lives. Every student has made many and 'highly con­genial friends during those four years, and all through life they are met with aeain. Not only are the old friends a constant pleasure, but new acquaintances are so easily formed through
•
the magic bonds that draw all alumni or ex-students of the dear Alma Mater together, no matter when or where they meet in after life. Thus, no matter what part of the State one goes to, there are always to be found some old 'Varsity students, and a common interest draws people together. 
"R.USTLE') BOARDERS" AND DELIVERED PAPERS 
I taught school several years and farmed before coming to the University. . 'l1he first year I did not work any while here to help pay my expenses. The next year I began and have con­tinued to do so ever since. I first waited on the table and rustled boarders for a Mrs. Bales on San Antonio Street. She closed down her boarding house and I secured a job collecting for the JI oiiston Chronicle. In a few days they put me on as a carrier. I worked at this a good long while,-for about tw·o and a third years. I met the train at five every morning. Sometimes it would not come in at that time, and therefore I took a book along and studied while waiting. The train 'vas often an hour, some­times t'vo hours late. T'he exception was when it \Vas on time. I had a small cart in which I put the papers and carried them to the Chronicle office for the packages there to be broken open for the other carriers. There vvere four routes in the city, from one hundred to one hundred and fiftv subscribers on a route.
., 
We vvere paid $3.50 per week, besides 10 per cent for collecting once a month. Part of the time he had a regular boy for the collections, but it was hard to keep one he could rely on, be­cause, as a general rule, he had boys 'vho ~rere 2ttending high school, or someone who ~ras supporting a wido,ved mother or no-account father, and as a general rule the class \¥as rather low and not to be very much depended upon. As a general rule. the newspaper man never had any University students as car­ri~rs ·either, because it was work that they knew to be rather hard, and if a fello'v did not know how to save time and fly ·when it came to delivering papers, 'he would likely get through late for school. I always rode a wheel delivering the papers, though some carriers who live here in the city use a pony. I could not afford that, and went on my wheel, no matter if it did rain. They knew that when I started out the pu.pers would go through, if my wheel broke down and I had to walk. That was the reason that I held my place so long ~rhere other University students had failed. A's a usual rule they do not.want University men, because they haven't a pony to use in case of bad weather. I made from $16 to $20 per month. I vvas paid $2.50 a month 
Experiences of Self-Supporting Students 
for bringing the papers from the depot to the Chronicle office, and a commission of two and a half cents for eve~y paper that I sold on my rounds on Sunday, as I delivered papers on Sun­day. I ma.de no effort to increase this pa.rt of my business be­cause I wanted to attend Sunday school on Sunday, and taught a Sunday school class. 
But I usually made from 75 cents to $1.50 on the evenings that I would collect, being paid, as I said before, 10 per cent com1nission. There was a great advantage I had in this kind of work, in that it gave me outdoor exercise. It usually took me about an hour and a half to deliver the papers on my route, barring accidents or rain, but I vvas an extra good bicycle rider and knew my route perfectly. But, you see, I put in more time than that, because I had to bring them up from the depot and wait for the train, which was so seldom on time. 
'That is practically all that I can think of that would be of value in describing my newspaper work. I had some expenses keeping up my bicycle, because the work was extremely hard on a bicycle, riding through mud, etc. 
Then from October till January, 1908-9, I waited on the table at B. Hall, and at the same time took up laundry for the Driskill Laundry. But in January or February something went wrong, and I gave up my waiting job and went back to the carrier job which was a.gain open. I still collected laundry, staying at the Hall all the while I was delivering papers again. 
The year following I saw that I was going to be up against it for various reasons, though I had taught a summer school near Bay City; so when I ca.me back the following fall I accepted a place drumming boarders for a Mrs. Wheatly, besides working again carrying papers. I made something in the paper business, and made my board rustling boarders. Of course I had room rent to pay, but I got along pretty well that year notwithstand­ing. That year I graduated from the Academic Department, an·d in the spring election was elected business manager of the Maga­zine. 'l think if prospects continue good that I \vill turn over a larger surplus to the Student's Association than any one ever has. During the year I have also waited on the table at the Hall. 
I have had to work pretty hard on the outside while I have been in the University, but I do not think it has hurt me. 
The University of Texas Bulletin 
came here 'vith only seven and a half credits and in five years will have received two degrees, a B. A. and LL. B'. Two of my law courses counted on my academic degree. 
Other boys can· do as well as I have done, because I did not have very good high school training as a foundation. I have had a good deal of church work, Y. M. C. A. work and other out­side interests since I have been here, an'd I really think that it is best to be loaded down,-at least for me. 
FROM A FATHER.LESS HOME 
As a young girl I grew up with the idea of being a school teacher, just like my older sisters. With high school days came the desire for a University course as preparation for this life work, but because of the lack of ·funds in our fatherless home, a year in the State Normal seemed the only possibility. Through the years of teaching which followed, I might possibly have saved money for University study, but instead I satisfied a more immediate desire by spending my savings on summer trips to · 
the eastern part of the country. Yet all the time there was the longing for the University study, which I felt was necessary if I was to be a high school teacher of the first rank. So after the death of our mother and the sale of our old homej with my small share-perhaps $1000-came the realization of this as an op­portunity for a University course. As I calculated that this amount would not possibly cover my expenses more than the next three years, I began my work toward my degree in the Summer School preceding my entrance in the fall. By attend­ing this and the next Summer School, and by making two courses in the time between these and the fall opening follow­ing, I had to take only the necessary five and one or two-thirds during the three regular years for the total to give me my B. A. degree three years after entrance. 
This plan gave me time for doing some outside work towards my expenses, though this had not occurred to me as a possibility before coming to the University. During the entire first year and the fall months of the second year, half of my room and board expense was met by helping in the office of the Woman's Building, 'vhere I boarded the three years of residence at the University. Through the fall of this second year I did some coaching also. But my class work, this double outside work and the other interests of the University life in which I shared were more than was best for me physically, so after Christmas of my second.year I dropped both these efforts towards my ex­penses. With the spring months, however, I was offered some clerical work by a friend living near the campus, and as this was not so heavy as the other, I was glad for the funds it gave me. 
The [ln,iversity of Texas Bit.Zletin 
During my third and senior year I held a scholarship in the University which paid vvithin thirty dollars of my year's room and board. 
I wish I could have access to my old expense account book to say just how much I earned and spent during these three years, but out of the $1000 plus the scholarship of some $160, and the little earnings I gained my University course and 'vas enabled to meet outside debts amouuting to at least $200. Of course my family from time to time sent me gifts, but I had the responsi­bility of food and clothes and keep for the calendar years within that limit. 
In many ways it was not easy, but the breadth and depth and vision of life that came to me through the cost seems yet full 
. worth while. I do not regret for a moment my decision in .face of the objection of my relatives and friends that with a wage­earning position and $1000 as a nest-egg for an income of the future, even a University course was not worth the time and money. Yet instead of leaving my Alma Mater afraid of the future, I vvent right on the very' next fall for another year in an out-of-State institution for study along the definite line of work that my Universtiy days had caused me to choose. This year of advance study 'vas entirely received ·on a scholarship fund and loans from my good brother. So that after four years of study, on entering a salaried position again, I faced the fact that my financial obligations amounted to some six hundred dollars, most of which I have since refunQed. 
The opportunities for study in themselves were in these years a joy to me, but the biggest and best part of the 'vhole was the vision and purpose for my life work as a leader among young women-that I may be the means of showing them that which I believe to be true of myself as. has been so well stated of himself by Dr. Ed,vard Steiner of Grinnell College: ''The task is yet unfinished, the conflict is still on, and it is my business to in­vest my life in such a 'vay as to make true the dream of the Son of Man.'' 
ADVANCEMFJNT AND GROWTH IN INCOI\'IE HAVE FOLLO\VED LABOR AND SACRIFICE I entered the Engineering Department of the University as a freshman in the fall of 1892 at the age of seventeen years. I graduated with the degree of C. E. in the sulnmer of 1900, eight years later, having spent four years of that interval as a student at the University. All of the expenses of my Univer­sity education, V\rith the exception of about $130, were borne by myself. During my first year I lived with a relative and did chores about the house in return for my board and lodging. My total expenditure in money during this year, including two months' preparation for entrance examinations, was about $130, one hundred of which 'vas borne by my father and the remainder by the relative above referred to. The most rigid economy was necessary, of course, to keep expenses down to so low a figure . .Li\£ter the first year I was out of school four years, the chief reason therefor being lack of funds. These yea.rs ( 1893-1897), as \vill be recalled, covered a period of financial depression, especially 1893 and 1894. Being untrain~d in any trade or pro­fession, I V\ras obliged to be satisfied with whatever wages I could earn, and at times I -vvas glad enough to rnake a living. A long spell of typhoid fever incapacitated me for work during a period of six months, and my finances suffered a corresponding set-back. I matriculated at the University again in th~ fall of 1897. During the session of '97-'98 I earned my board and lodging by doing light chores and tending rooms occupied by boarders. My four years' savings, aggregating $200, was sufficient to cover other expenses, close economy being practiced. The first part of this year was the most discouraging period experienced during my University life. My outside duties were distasteful, I had be­come unaccustomed to study, and I had reached the years when I felt that I should be earning an income instead of going to school. Moreover, I had become somewhat indifferent to higher education, not through discouragement, but by reason of con­tinued contact with people who greatly underestimated its value. But a tenacious nature prevailed, and after a few months it be­came clearer that I was on the right track. 
The University of' Texas Bulletin 
During the vacation follovving my sophomore year I tried very hard to earn something toward the expenses of another year; but it was a dull season and work of any kind difficult to find. Late in the summer I got a job, and in the three weeks remaining of vacation I earned a little more than enough to pay my fare to A'ustin. 
I landed in Austin with $3.20 in my pocket, all the money that I possessed, and W"ithout any plan vv·hatever for meeting the expenses of further work in the University. But \Vith a confi­dence resulting fron1 the optimis:r:n of youth combined with the experience of previous years I fully expected to continue my University studies, and this I did. I visited the home 'Where I had lived the year before, and the lady of the house kindly of­fered to let me vvork out my board until I could make permanent arrangements. I immediately wrote to a relative asking the loan of $50 with interest. Although I was unable to off er security for the loan, a check came promptly, and I \Vas in .a. position to matriculate and purchase the necessary books. I then joined a student club and remained a member during the year, the cost of living being less in the club than in a regular boarding house. During the year .a. small business in handling student supplies netted a profit of perhaps fifty dollars. The ~1ub paid me a small price for chopping the stove wood, and this brought in a few dollars, although the work was done principally for exercise. 
Early in April of that year I left the University to accept a position on a survey party at $35 per month and subsistence. I owed at that time bills aggregating about $40, but these were paid by savings from my wages before the end of the session. 
At the beginning of the succeeding fall term I gave up my work with ·the survey party and returned to the University to complete my course in civil engineering. Permission vvas granted by the heads of the various schools to take up senior work with the understanding that junior work omitted in the spring be made up during the year. The savings remaining from my sum­mer's wages amounted to a little more than $100. I lived at low-rate boarding houses this year, excepting for a month or two, when I worked out my board. My business in student supplies, continued from the preceding year on a larger scale, netted about $100. I also earned something during the year (not a large 
Experiences of Self-Supporting Students 
amount) by working a few hours each week in the office of an engineer in the city, the hours of work being arranged so as not to conflict with my lecture hours at the University. At the close of the session I 'had a few dollars left over. I graduated with the degree of Civil Engineer, and being fortunate enough to obtain at once a paying position, I was .able "\vithin a couple of months to pay back with interest the fifty dollars borrowed two years before, and vvas then free to follow my chosen line of work clear of debt. 
-· 
In regard to the . benefit derived from my connection with the University, it is always difficult to picture ''what might have been;'' and also one is apt not to realize all of the advantages that have come to him as the result of higher education. In my own case I know that my University training v1as well worth the time, labor, and sacrifice that it cost? for it equipped me for entrance into a remunerative vocation, and through the knowl­edge and training acquired in the four years' course I was able successfully to compete in a civil service examination and obtain an appointment in the technical branch of the ~-,ederal service immediately upon graduation. Advancement an·d corresponding grovvth of income have follo\ved, accompanied by the advantages of extensive travel. Furthermore, in my O\Vn case, which doubt­less is typical of others, the years devoted to nigher studies stimu­lated ambition and developed a self confidence; otherwise, these qualities probably vvould have been wanting to prompt and sustain an effort to make the best use of my natural powers. Not the least benefit derived from a few years spent as a stu­dent at the University is the social pleaRure and practical as­sistance afforded by the mutual interest of e~-students, many of whom are now filling prominent and responsible positions. · During the last two years of my University work when tempted to quit, or when ''practical'' persons suggested that I was pro­longing my school days late into life or that I "~new enough already,'' I strengthened my purpose and met those arguments 
.by the answer that while out of the lTniversity I made little more than a poor living, whereas in it I not only ma.de a better living, but was acquiring a valuable education as well. During iny struggles -vvith financial problems when at the University I always received from the officers and faculty of the University 
The University 'of Texas Bulletin 
practical assistance, and this without doubt will be the expe­rience of any other student similarly situated. 
That no young man or young woman of receptive mind who possesses the requisite physical and mental strength and has the necessary ambition and determination need be deprived of the advantages of a University education by reason of :financial limi­tations, has been repeatedly demonstrated in the past, and I fulJx believe that the result in every case is worth the effort; but the unavoidable outside duties and the cramped finances narrow the horizon of self-supporting students, and I would offer to students the suggestion that they gua:d as much as possible against nar­rowness in the acquisition of their education and in their Univer­sity life, and that they endeavor to correct in their subsequent life after graduation any such resulting defect. 
The above statement may be too long to suit the purpose for which it is designed; if so, it may be condensed. I have been interested in going somewhat into details through a recent meet­ing of t~o contemporary alumni who paid their own way an'd are now filling high positions. We found both pleasure and amusement in recalling our struggles of other days. 
A WELL-INVESTED LOAN 
1
1he request comes that I tell of my life at the University of Texas, what prompted me to go, what the experience has meant to me, and how much it cost me in dollars. 
An explanation of why I chose the State University carries me back several years before the day of my actual entrance. I was reared in a family of teachers, and my own teachers were kin­folks who fanned my ambition for learning. At ten·~rears of age, too, I was set to tutoring late arrivals into my classes, earning thereby a part of my tuition, so that from childhood I looked upon the school room as my habitat. It was at this period that I learned how to study and decided upon teaching as my pro­fession. 
After being graduated, therefore, from this private college, I worked for a State certificate in a summer normal and started out to teach. My first school was in the country and lasted seven months, paying forty dollars per month. Such was my distress because not every pupil learned every fact presented that I was genuinely surprised when the trustees urged me to take the school for another year. As two of them were bachelors, who had not been near the school, I thought that they did not know what they were doing and declined their proposition, ac­cepting a position in another school where there was a principal. It is gratifying nff\V, however, to know that as a direct result of that first years' failure, two boys from it have attended the State Univers~ty, and other chi1dren have continued their educa­tion in various schools. 
After the two years' experience in country schools, I entered the Senior class at the State Normal in my home town, waiting on a boarding table for the amount of my expenses not covered by the appointme~nt. In the spring of this graduation and the early summer follovving, I "\Vas urged by friends not to accept just any position; consequently, as fall drew near. I had no place to teach,-only good recommendations which could not be cashed. My face did not show as many years as did the family Bible records under my name, and responsible positions could not be trusted to a child. ~..\.nd, moreover, I was not so bold in press­
The University of Texas Bulletin 
ing my claims as my preparation really warranted, because I 
was riot sure that, 'vere I a trustee, I should employ me. 
But another school year was at hand, and what should I do? 
I was about to accept a fifty dollar grade position, when the 
suggestion came-I am not sure from what source-'' Go to the 
State University.'' It happened that friends in whose homes 
I had visited that summer became interested in mv., ambition and 
offered to lend me money for continuing my education. Against 
my objections that I wished to remain independent, they argued · 
that this was the quickest way to become independent, and it 
was to them, aside from their personal interest in me, a business 
proposition,-an opportunity for a good investment. Under the 
circumstances I decided to avail myself of their offer. 
The goal set before me from ·childhood was Wellesley or Bryn 
Mavvr. Some of my teachers in the Normal faculty, two of whom 
were Texas University graduates, had suggested the State Uni­
versity, as had some other friends; I was urged by a cousin, 
also, who was getting great benefit from '.his courses at the Uni­
versity. But, unfortunately, several young men from our town 
had been in the University from time to time, and had gained 
the reputation for ''sporting;'' this had prejudiced the minds 
of the strictest of our citizens, mistaken, as they were, in their 
argument from ·effeGt to cause. But I -vvas a girl, and had in 
mind always this fact,-that I should probably always live in 
Texas, and to live that life successfully I should know Texans. 
Nowhere else could I learn to know Texans of my own age so 
well as at the University of T·exas. This line of thought, seconded 
closely by considerations of economy, decided me finally. 
These preliminary facts have been given in detail to sho'v that 
Texas University for me vvas not an ambition of long standing. 
but that I merely "happened" to choose it; and yet the details 
show as plainly that the choice was not a ''happen-so.'' At 
least, it is my pleasure to believe that the succession of causes 
and their results points to a force of wider vision than mere 
chance. 
My matriculation week had its ills, as has every one's. I · was given one lef;s credit than a young man from my class who 
had barely made the normal work. I did not understand how 
to get a chance at advance standing, and in despair registered 
for work that I had studied since infancy, it seemed to me. I 
Experiences of Self-Supporting Students 
was rescued by a former schoolmate, a teacher in Austin, ·who, on seeing my registration card, said, "You shall not take that 
•
work. Come with me.'' I went. We visited several of the in­structors, 'vho, after hearing my friend's statement of my prepar­ation, gave me permission to take sophomore courses . on trial. This admitted me to sophomore ·mathematics, German, Greek, and Latin. I am now a teacher of Latin and a lover of the classics, and yet the selecting of Latin and Greek for my Fresh­man year was another happen-so in my University life. I took with me to Austin a letter from a former teacher to Dr. Battle, who, I \Vas told, was a good adviser. Owing to fear of hurting his feelings, I suppose., and to awe in the presence of the pro­fessor of Greek, when he asked me if I wanted Greek, I hesitated 
I 
to suggest another subject. In regard to Latin, I explained that I had not studied languages for several years and I had de.cided not to undertake Latin and Greek both. ''Latin ·will help you with the Greek,'' he said, setting it do,vn without more ado. And finally the vveek ended. To excuse me for lack of proportion in this narrative one needs only to throw himself again into the mood of his own first University days and live again the ma­triculating freshman's ''endless minutes'' as they ''slo-\vly passed.'' Nor is the experience of little importance, being, as it is, one of the many required courses of the TJniversity for which no credit is given with grade A or D, but which are in the end, perhaps, the most helpful. 
rrhe year was a happy one for me. I learned to outline Sweet­ness and Light for 1\1r. Baskervill, and to clnssify purpose clauses for Miss Lavender; I read Die IIoc.hzeitsr.eise with Miss Andrews, and in the tower-room learned irregular verbs for Dr. Penick and Dr. Battle. Then there was ''three-deep'' with 1\1iss Aden and "voice culture" with Mrs. Kirby. I joined the Young Women's Christian Association and a Bible class, thereby keep­ing a fair balance of interests. Entering with full credits, I had towards my degree at the end of the year, as I recall it, ten and two-thirds courses; this record, of course, included the freshman work for which I earned credit by making the sophomore courses. 
During my first year I caught the University enthusiasm, and, being eager to continue work while my energies were all alive, I decided to return to Austin for another year. My work con­tinued with increasing success. Feeling that not quite so many 
The Un.iversity of Texas Bulletin 
courses '\Vere a·t stake as there were in my freshman year, I be­gan to take more interest in student activities, and, therefore, to make more friends. This second year I became a member of the Sidney Lanier Literary Society and of the Violin Club. At the end of the year I had added five and two-thirds credits towards my degree. There were then left only three and two­thirds to be made. After conferring with my friends and \Veigh­ing all considerations, I decided that it was best to finish the work the following year. I secured a summer school in West Texas, which lasted three months and paid me one hundred an·d fifty dollars for the summer. After school hours I tutored a young man for entrance to the University, earning thereby enough to pay board. 
Of my last year at the University I hardly know what not to say, for it \Vas rich in experiences for me. I was now at a point where I could enjoy the language courses without being pain­fully conscious of noun and verb endings. Thus I was prepare·d to get the greatest benefit from the vvork. lVIy coui·ses being co1n­paratively light, I taught two hours a day in the University Preparatory School, and tutored four young n1en through high school Latin, from the first year book through four books of Virgil. And yet· there vvas time for recreation. That year brought to Austin several treats in music which it \vas my for­tune to enjoy. I do not name them in order, but there were Madame Butterfly, Schumann-Heink, and Kubelik at the opera house, and in the University auditorium Bispham. Sembrich, and the Damrosch Orchestra. The Sidney Lanier Society and the Violin Club, too, were sources of pleasure, and Miss Blodgett was there with her series of wonderful talks. _A_:iother privilege that '"~as mine during the year \Vas that of living in Mrs. Kirby's home; only one ,v·ho has been under the close influence of her great gentle spirit can know what a blessing the experience meant to me. 
can not pass from the influences in University life vvithout a word about the Young Women's Christian Association. On my 'vay to Austin for the first time, Miss. Bailey, vvho was on the train, asked me whether I intended joining the Young Women's Christian Association. I answered, ''I may if ·1 have time,'' for the Association was merely a name to me. But I joineJ it the first week, and afterwards served on committees and in the 
Experiences of Self-Supporting Students 
cabinet. To one who has watched this body of young women 
among the students, the Y. W. C. A. stands for an endeavor to 
hold the girls of the University close to the things most worth 
·while,-scholarship, to be sure, but in addition, wholesome re­
creation, systematic management of time and money, friendships 
welded by usefulness, and love of the good .and its author. And 
the Association, to a wonderful degree, is successful in its en­
deavor. · 
Such, then, are the main facts about my University life; as· a 
result of good preparation and systematic studying, based on the 
careful instruction received, my report cards made a good show­
ing, and I w.as elected to Phi Beta Kappa. I was offered a fel­
lowship for the following year, but as the friends v.1ho were lend­
ing me the money had children whose education would soon 
begin, I decided to commence teaching immediately. Through 
recommendation of my instructors I was fortunate enough· to 
secure a position in one of the State's largest high schools. ln 
this school I have taught three years and have been elected for 
still another term. 
And now for the dollars and cents ! From time to time, as the amount of money borrowed began to creep into the hundreds, I became fearful and doubtful whether I had followed th.e best plan. I could see that the investment 'vas safe, its economic basis being increased earning capacity, but, naturally, the ques­tion would come to mind, ''Wh~t if something should happen to · me?'' I see now what would have saved me much anxiety; I should have borrowed money enough in advance to keep a life insurance policy paid up, to cover an amount at least as great as I should at the widest calculation be likely to need. As I had not followed that plan I?efore, I invested part of my first month's salary in such an insurance policy. From my present viewpoint I consider my years in the University a success financially. I reckon from observation that a liberal average salary for me, 
. . 
if I had not attended the University, would be $65 per month for nine months. For seven years, including 1911-12, at the rate of $65, the amount of money earned woula be $4095. My salary since leaving the University runs as follows: $900, $945, $1200, $1300. per year (including 1911-12); total, $4345. Thus, by the end of next year, I shall be $240 ''to the good. '' If one 
The University of Texas Bulletin 
thinks this not a fair method, that it is ''counting chickens,'' let him consider results at the end of this year. At the $65 rate, amount earned is $3510; what has actually been earned, $3045; $465 behind. But it seems to me even a stronger argu­ment to show that in one year there can be made a difference of $465 plus $240. So much, then, for a comparison of earn­ing capacity; it means that three years at the ·university have fitted me to earn in four years $240 more than I could have earned in seven years with my former earning eapacity. This is very untechnical, for I have never made a study of economics, but my point, I trust, is clear. Stated from another viewpoint, I have calculated that I could not have saved in four year's te~ching enough money to carry me through three years of Uni· versity. All this, moreov~r, does not take into consideration the risk of getting tied down to teaching, getting 1nto a rut, and, therefore, never going to the University at all . 
•
I can not state what amount was spent by me for school pur­poses only; for my expenses ran at least eleven months a year, and there were outside calls to which I felt compelled to re­spond. The total amount borrowed was $860,-more than one might expect, except for the considerations stated. For the same reason not all of this amount has been repaid, but the last pay-· ment" will be made before the close of the next school year. 
Eight hundred and sixty dollars seems a formidible sum to a young woman, and yet there is no great risk on either side, pro­vided the borrower can off er as. security a sound constitution, a healthy brain, a lively ambition, and enough self-pride to make her wish not to disappoint her family and her friends who have invested in her. If some economist shall argue me out of my position that I am a :financial success, I shall offer this fact as a parting argument : I am pleased, who borrowed the money, and have now more friends and a greater capacity to enjoy and to help; my friends are pleased, who loaned me the money and have taken an interest and delight in my success as student and teacher; therefore, the parties of both parts, being pleased, are willing to remain undeceived as regards this particular business transaction. 
But, seriously, I shall be r.aore pleased if, a.fter reading my ex­perience, some girl may take heart to follow out her ambition, or some one with money will seize the nearest opportunity to 
Experiences of Self-Supporting Students 
give such an ambition a fair chance, not as a matter of charity, J)Ut as a business investment with some returns,-of money, if you wish, but mose surely of gratification at having helped some one in a healthy, practical way. There is far more risk financially in many a deal in futures transacted every day in our cities. 

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS BULLETIN. 

(Continued from inside front cover) 
7. 	
Railroad Transportation in Texas, by C. S. Potts. 214 p., 6 maps, charts. March, 1909. $1.50. 

8. 	
Crime and the Treatment of the Criminal, by C. S. Potts. 86 p. May 1, 1910. 25 cents. 


10. 	
Problems of Prison Reform, by C. S. Potts. 40 p. December 8, 1910. 20 cents. 

11. 	
Recognition of the Republic of Texas by the United States, by Ethel Zivley Rather. 101 p. January 1, 1911. 75 cents. 

12. 	
English Elements in Jonson's Early Comedy, by Charles Read Basker· vill, 328 p. April 8, 1911. $2.50. 


MEDICAL SERIES 
1. 	
Yellow Fever: a Popular Lecture, by James Carroll. 32 p. June, 1905. 15 cents. 

2. 
The Oare of the Insane, by Dr. M. L. Graves. . 16 p. 1905. 15 cents. 

3. 	
The 1903 Epidemic of Yellow Fever in Texas and the Lessons to B• Learned from It, by Dr. G. R. Tabor. 22 p. June, 1905. 15 cents. 


4. 	Further Experi1nents in the Use of Drugs as Stimulants in .Accident• Occurring During Anaesthesia, by 0. H. Plant, 31 p. February 8, 1911. 25 cents. 
ScmNTIFIC SERIES 
s~-Vegetation of the Sotol Country in Texas, by W. L. Bray. 24 p., pl. June, 1905. 25 cents. 
7. 	Observations on the Habits of Some Solitary Wasps of Texas, by earl Hartman. 72 p., pl. July, 1905. 25 cents. 
10. 	
Distribution and Adaptation of the Vegetation of Texas, by W. L. Bray, 108 p., pl. map. November, 1906. 35 cents. 

11. 	
.A. Sketch of the Geology of the Ohisos Country, by J. A. Udden. 101 p. April, 1907. 50 cents. . 

12. 
The Clays of Texas, by Heinrich Ries, 316 p., illus. pl. 1908. $2.00. 13~ The American Mistletoe, by H. H. York. 31 p., pl. 1909. 50 cents. 


' 
14. 	Symptoms of Disease in Plants, by F. D. Heald. Illus. November, 1909. $1.00. 
15. 	Field Studies of the Behavior of the Lizard Sceloporus Floridanu1, by H. 
H. Newman and J. Thomas Patterson. 23 p., illus. December, 1909. 25 cents. 
16. 	
The Austin Dam, by T. U. Taylor, 85 p., illus. December 22, 1911. 75 cents. 

17. 	
On the Electrostatic Effect of a QM,nging Magnetic Field, hy J.M. Kuehne. 15 p. January 15, 1911. 25 ci~ts. 

18. 	
Fauna of the Buda Limestone, by Francis Luther Whitney. 54 p., illus. May 22, 1911. $1.00. 


To those who desire it a complete list of the publications of the University of Texas will be furnished. Requests for this or for Bulletins should te addressed to the University of Texas Bulletin, Aust~.n, Texas. Exchanges should be addressed to the University of Texas Library.