[Sidenote: Milk-Testing]
The new superintendent had arrived in town and was lunching at the
restaurant. A youth of fifteen was serving him.
“My name’s Joe Jones and they always say I can cause more trouble in
school than most anybody else,” volunteered the lad behind the counter.
“Well, I guess we won’t have any trouble,” said the schoolman. “I am
sure we can be friends at least.”
The superintendent’s inquires brought out the facts that Joe was working
in the agricultural department and that his school record had not been
the best. If something else interested him more than school, away he
would go to that. He was afflicted with the “wanderlust” and apparently
could not help himself at times. He did not always mean to transgress
but his lack of self-control asserted itself now and then and off he
would go.
As a result he would get behind in his school work and then lose
interest. He was a bright, capable, good-hearted boy when he wanted to
be. His home environment was poor so that he largely looked out for
himself.
“Say, Joe, I have a problem here for you,” said the superintendent one
day as Joe was returning from one of his periodical absences.
“Humph, no arithmetic in mine. Them problems are not in my line,”
responded Joe with more enthusiasm than grammar.
“Oh, this problem isn’t in arithmetic, Joe, it’s a real live problem.”
Joe’s face brightened, for real live problems did interest him.
“What’s your problem, then,” said Joe with a great deal of curiosity.
Now Joe liked to work but he was not overfond of books. One thing
connected with school he especially liked was milk-testing. He needed no
books in this after he was once started.
“Well, Joe, these other boys here have no system of keeping a record of
their tests and I want you to help them in the testing; keep a record of
all the tests yourself, and show _them_ how to keep a good record. Will
you do it?”
“Guess I can,” returned Joe, taking charge of things at once as they
reached the classroom.
For two months, during the testing, Joe was always on hand, the most
enthusiastic fellow in the class. During this time, by occasional
suggestions on the part of his teacher, he also kept up his regular work
in good shape.
The testing over, however, Joe began to get back into his old habits.
About this time a new savings bank system was started in connection with
the school. Each pupil must be provided with blanks whenever he might
call for them.
“Joe,” said the teacher one day, “how would you like to take charge of
giving out the blanks and keeping a record of them? Your work in keeping
testing records was so good I want to give you first chance here.”
“Suits me all right,” said Joe, with a smiling face. “Guess I can do it,
if anybody can.”
Joe’s new responsibility required him to be present every day. He became
very much interested in his work and really did it remarkably well.
Thus, by a little praise and a little responsibility placed on Joe, he
gradually became regular in his habits and later completed his school
work. He is now a very successful business man.