--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Grant, Carter E. collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 31 number: 11 published: 1928-09 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: "Carter E. Grant, “Without a Chance,” *Improvement Era* 31, no. 11 (September 1928): 954–958." source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera31011unse transcription: Transcribed from the Internet Archive scan of each issue (the item for each issue is named in the issue's own source); unnumbered advertising leaves are omitted, printed page numbers are kept as page markers. identifier: improvementera31011unse start_page: 954 end_page: 958 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1928-09) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera31011unse publication_year: 1928 note: The Internet Archive item metadata carries a blanket "© Copyright by Intellectual Reserve, Inc." notice. The library owner judged it inapplicable because this issue was published in 1928, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Without a Chance Without a Chance By Carter E. Grant, Principal Jordan Seminary Opportunity "They do me wrong who say I come no more When once I knock and fail to find you in; For every day I stand outside your door, And bid you wake, and rise to fight and win. "Wail not for precious chances passed away, Weep not for golden ages on the wane! Each night I burn the records of the day — At sunrise every soul is born again!"- — Walter Malone. "Well, for goodness sake, Fannie! Look whose picture now!" And Richard Al- good leaned over in his kitchen chair so his young wife, who was gently rocking the baby to sleep, might get a better look at the paper he had brought with him from the little town. "What do you know about that?" he continued, "Prin- cipal of an L. D. S. seminary! I always knew Joe'd make good." But even as the young man spoke, there came over him a deep feeling of disappointment. As Fannie read, two little tots playing on the floor jumped up beside the mother to get their share of the news. The wife finished reading and looked up pleasantly. "Now, Richard, from your looks one would think you were jealous, but of course I know you're not. You can't help it that Joe had a chance to go on to school, and you haven't." "I know it, dear, and there's where the trouble is. Joe and you and I graduated from high school the same year; and now he is principal of a seminary, good pay the year around, can spend all his time studying and going forward, and always knowing he has a good pay-day coming. On the other hand here we are, stuck away off up here in Idaho. This dry farm business, especially for a renter, is mighty hard rowing. Every time I see anyone making good in the educational field, I do have a struggle with jealously and feel like throwing up everything and starting to college, but that's folly, for we haven't a thing to go on." "Now, dear," began the wife encourag- ingly, "your work has been different from Joe's. Who knows though; you may have a chance to go to school yet. Remember, I've always said we didn't fit in here." And as she hesitated, she hugged the baby boy then said teasingly, "But, you were determined to get married and married we got; and here are our children. Maybe you could trade us toward an education and your picture in the paper." "There you are, dear, throwing humor and sauciness in your usual manner, just at the time when I feel the most discour- aged," and he looked into her twinkling eyes while his own lost their gloominess. "Now, Richard," Fannie continued, "you're but thirty, and goodness knows, there's lots of time for a college education yet. I've not given up the thought of your going to school, you know that. But we've talked about it so often and done nothing that the very power to do seems to be deserting us." "Now, you've struck it, Fannie! Want- ing to do something all the time and not having the power, confuses and disturbs me, and when I go at my work again, I'm all restless and can't plan straight. Now I won't be able to get this thing out of my mind for days. It'll just stick with me. I've always wanted to be — well, you know what I mean; but there's four years college work between me and there." And, as they sat a moment in silence, Rich- ard leaned forward and kissed the plump hand of his baby boy. Then he declared WITHOUT A CHANCE 955 more forcefully, "No sir, I wouldn't trade you and the children for all the college courses." At this Fannie reached out her hand to meet Richard's, and for a few minutes there was heard no other voice than that of the October storm driving in from the north in real wintry fashion. Presently the wife arose to tuck the baby away for its morning sleep, and Richard busied himself piling wood into the kitchen range. As they seated themselves again the husband continued, "It's a good thing I took Alice to school this morning. A mile walk in this kind of weather would have drenched everything she had on. It looks like we are in for an early winter all right. Listen to that wind, won't you!" "Let me tell you about a piece I was reading the other night." began the wife. "It declared that even if a person failed again and again when he was doing his best, that the new strength of character gained became the measure of his true suc- cess, and that this new additional attain- ment formed a fresh station or a new supply house, as it were, for further ex- cursions toward power and triumph. I have been thinking just now, that this might fit your case. Richard, for you are much farther ahead than you were a few years ago, even if you have not had a chance to go to college. Then, besides, you mustn't forget your missionary ex- periences and the years of work you have done in a Church way here at home, they've all helped out." "I know it, dear," the husband re- plied. "We should be thankful for all we have. I know, too, that thoughts of fear and doubt never can accomplish anything: they inevitably lead toward failure. I've always noticed that when doubts and fears creep in. that strong thoughts of purpose and power slip out; that a person seems to move forward fearlessly toward success provided he lets his better thoughts be- come a sort of creative force within, all the time saying and believing he's on the road to win. I came almost quoting James about a person that lacks faith, — 'driven by the wind and tossed.' "Say, Richard, do you know what I've been thinking? Now listen. Why not make a start on your college work? You could do a lot this winter. Don't say anything to anyone, just start right out!" "You don't want me to start right out on foot and alone in this storm do you?" "Now, Richard, listen until you're sure I'm through. Miss Chandler, our new school teacher for the upper grades, told me the other day she had spent only part of a year at college and that she had got the rest of her two years by ex- tension, mostly through correspondence work. She is taking work now by cor- respondence, and it's from the university, too. Just as good credit she declares as though it were taken right at college! Hundreds of teachers, she says, are doing the same thing. The courses are not ex- pensive, and you could do your work right here. Now what do you say if wc start? I said 'we,' because you know I'd like to help out." "But. Fannie, I've never known that a university gave credit toward a degree through correspondence. I've heard of ex- tension credits, but not by mail!" "Well, whether you've heard of it or not, I know it's a fact, because Miss Chandler showed me some of her papers and the questions she had to answer. They looked hard, but I suppose when the text was read answers could be found. It couldn't hurt anything to get a letter off on this noon mail, explaining what you wished and they'll tell you just what to do." Richard jumped to his feet and went to the sideboard drawer. Out came a large envelope from the University of Utah. "Here's their extension catalogue! It came while we were thrashing, and I've never even opened it. If they give correspond- ence courses they certainly will be men- tioned here." They hadn't long to search. Before their anxious eyes were dozens of extension courses, with those that might be studied by correspondence especially marked. Theie was also a plain statement that one- half the hours toward a degree might be taken by extension. "Great Scott, Fannie, I almost feel as 956 IMPROVEMENT ERA if I were being graduated today! Why haven't I been taking extension work ever since I came from a mission?" An hour later when the mail man called, Richard had filled in three subjects on one of the enclosed registration cards. He took three because he was so far from headquarters that he never wanted to be without plenty of material to work upon. He took three also because he was deter- mined that by the first of the year he should have fifteen hours university credit to his name. It is peculiar how in the affairs of life one seems at times to begin anew, counting future dates and successes from important events or decisions. This case was to be no exception to the rule — a day of days for this young couple. "So you're doing university work, too?" It was the mail man speaking, a few days later, as he held out a package of books and a bulging envelope to Richard. "When I heard you talking at our last stake con- ference on Boy Scout work, I said to my wife that I'd bet you's educated. Well, success to you," he called as his sputter- ing car carried him down the sage brush lane toward the nearest house, a half mile distant. A few minutes later, father and mother and the three little tots were all doing "college work;" the older ones with books and questions, the youngsters with strings and papers. All were happy beyond ex- pression. Never did a couple work harder, and seldom did there arrive at the university extension division papers more nearly correct or more neatly prepared. From the very start. Richard's work carried every stamp of a regular "college man's" efforts. One thing that made for accuracy was the fact that every paper was carefully checked by Fannie. Her native tendency toward exactness became an inspiring aid to Rich- ard. But that wasn't all; she was read- ing enough so she could enter intelligently into his daily program of thought and study. Due to the fact that Richard had set practically everything aside for his college courses, his progress was excep- tional. Even before the appointed time, he had registered for more work. With the coming of spring, he had to ease up a bit, still by fall he had completed his third group of subjects and was ready for an- other hard winter of study. "Look, dear," reminded his wife, "it's just a year today since we began college. Think of it! And here we are with just a year's work done, as much as you would get by going one whole winter to the university. Now if you can do as well in the next year, we will be able to move down near the folks while you teach. Oh, I daren't think about it; but sometimes I can't help it, for I just see myself living near mother and dropping in upon the folks every few days in place of once a year or once in two years." An auto stopped in the yard. "Come in," Richard called as the visitor began knocking. It was Mr. Allen, chairman of the district school board, who. after a hearty handshake with Fannie, took the proffered chair and began, "We received a !ong-d!stan:c telephone message this morn- ing from Miss Chandler, our upper grade teacher: she's reported on the sick list. I called the county superintendent who suggested we see you and ask you to take the school for a few days, until Miss Chandler returns. He said — and I guess I'll have to tell you what he did say — well, he said that he knew you could handle the work all right for his brother is in charge of the university .extension work, and when the superintendent was down to the school recently your work and marks were shown him. He said for me to come right over and get you to start this morn- ing if possible. What do you think about it?" Fannie looked at Richard with a glow- ing "Yes." and Richard looked at Mr. Allen and as calmly as possible accepted, saying that he would be glad to put a little of his theory into practice. "Didn't I tell you it was coming?" half shouted the good wife as soon as the car began moving away. "And this isn't the last chance either! For just as sure as you become qualified. I know things will begin coming our way." All the students knew Mr. Algood, espe- WITHOUT A CHANCE 957 cially the Scouts, and when he entered the room, every child wore a grin of content- ment, and the day's work was soon buzzing along merrily. In fact, that whole week slipped by rapidly and yet no word from Miss Chandler. Just as the children were preparing for home on Friday after- noon, however, the county superintendent and Mr. Allen came riding up. After a few minutes' consultation with Mr. Al- gooti. the superin^endfcnt began. "How many of you children have liked Mr. Al- good as a teacher? How would. you like him to stay with you all winter?" The students fairly shouted acceptance. "Miss Chandler, was not sick, just home-sick, I guess, for we received word this morning that she is to be married and will not return to her work." When Richard arrived home and told Fannie the news, she gave him such a hug and smack that he declared himself repaid for the effort he had thus far expended toward his degree. The winter passed pleasantly. The new instructor seemed to be an inspiration to the students and they did their best. Be- cause of this success, Mr. Algood was given the school the next year with a substantial raise in salary. Although teaching cut down his college work some- what, he was able by working long hours to make a very creditable showing when the two years of teaching were passed. "I have all the hours allowed by ex- tension work," Richard finally said. "The rest toward my degree must be done in residence courses: that is, I must do it while attending some college. Possibly, if I could attend summer school this year. I could get a school this next winter where I could carry on my work toward gradua- tion while teaching part time. We've got enough money to see us through this sum- mer, and if we can't get a school down there, we can at least come back here. I was talking to Mr. Hansen yesterday and he said he had another renter for the farm who would be glad to give us our share in the crops this fall if we decided to go away. Mr. Hansen has also offered me four hundred dollars for the cows and calves. Now if we can find a part-time school, we can make it." A week before summer school began. Mr. and Mrs. Algood and five children landed at Grandma Nelson's home. A few days later they were comfortably situated in a couple of large rooms of a nearby house, and because they had no "modern conveniences" but the electric lights, these were secured at a very low figure. A letter of recommendation from Rich- ard's former superintendent and also one from the university helped secure the de- sired half-day teaching position. By sell- ing the cows the family made it through the first year nicely. The dry farm crops, however, were not very good; so there was practically nothing realized from that source. The last summer and winter proved to be the hardest struggle. Then, too. anothei addition had come to the family, making an even half dozen children. The money from part-time teaching proved in- sufficient. "It looks like I'd have to quit. Fannie." began Richard. "The spring quarter starts in ten days, and it means about thirty dollars for books and tuition. The chil- dren are without clothes, the doctor bill must be met. I should have a suit, you also must have something to wear. Even if I don't graduate this spring. I can next. If we had about two hundred dollars extra. we could make it." "Oh, how I hate to think of stopping, only one quarter away from graduation, and then to wait a whole year! Mr. Hansen had a wonderful crop this year. I believe if you wrote him explaining all the conditions, that he would let us borrow two hundred dollars. You are sure to have a good position as soon as you are through school." A letter was written to Mr. Hansen and in due time the two hundred dollars came. The amount was received with prayers and tears of thanksgiving. The spring quarter passed. Richard and his fellow-graduates, with caps and gowns, paraded past the shouting crowds. "There's rny wife and kiddies, now, look!" 958 IMPROVEMENT ERA "Great Scott, Dick, I knew you were married, but I certainly didn't know you had a flock like that! How have you ever made it? I've had a tough time with no wife or children to support. You must have a rich uncle somewhere." Richard heard no more, for he was now even with his wife and family and was vigorously waving to each member of his group. He caught the happy cheers of his wife and older children as he passed into the lecture hall. "The superintendent of the Church schools just saw me," exclaimed Fannie at the close of the exercises, "and he said there has been some changes in a nearby seminary. He wants to see you this after- noon. He insisted that the children and I come also." Fannie's face was flushed with excitement. "Here, I want your pictures, all of you, that's it, just stand a little closer — thank you. The president of the college said Sandy, Utah for me to be sure and snap you before you discarded your cap and gown." The reporter touched his hat and was gone. Husband and wife stood looking at each other, and unconsciously tears came into their eyes and said what neither could ex- press with words. A few days later there appeared in the paper another picture. This time, not only a man credited with a noble achieve- ment, but the picture of a persevering wife and family as well who had so bravely faced adversity. The accompanying short biography also said that Richard Algood had been chosen principal of a certain seminary. The comment closed by quoting James Allen's famous lines from "As a Man Thinketh." "The vision that you glorify in your mind, the ideal that you enthrone in your heart — this you will build your life by. this you will become!" Enduring Landmarks You say that our landmarks are vanishing fast, That the things which were sacred and pure, A large part of men's lives in the days that are past, Do not enter our lives any more. You say that the water that once was a brook Now must flow in a pipe down the hill. But you cannot forget that the water still flows, And, though hidden from sight, always will. Human nature, old as the rocks and the hills, Will not change though the hills pass away; And true love is as sacred with youths of our time As it was with the youth yesterday. Cedar City, Utah R. Reid Cox