I felt that I had reached the promised land, and I resolved
to let no obstacle prevent me from putting forth the highest effort to
fit myself to accomplish the most good in the world.
As soon as possible after reaching the grounds of the Hampton Institute
I presented myself before the head teacher for assignment to a class.
Having been so long without proper food, a bath, and change of
clothing, I did not, of course, make a very favourable impression upon
her, and I could see at once that there were doubts in her mind about
the wisdom of admitting me as a student. I felt that I could hardly
blame her if she got the idea that I was a worthless loafer or tramp.
For some time she did not refuse to admit me, neither did she decide in
my favour, and I continued to linger about her, and to impress her in
all the ways I could with my worthiness. In the meantime I saw her
admitting other students, and that added greatly to my discomfort, for
I felt, deep down in my heart, that I could do as well as they, if I
could only get a chance to show her what was in me.
After some hours had passed, the head teacher said to me, "The
adjoining recitation-room needs sweeping.
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