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July 16, 1942

Yesterday, the college was officially opened. Instead of the 900 students we used to have, we now have only 90, including the special high school students. Apparently the people have become indifferent to studies, and the school no longer attracts as before.

The students are noticeably serious. The uncertainty and torment surrounding them has left its mark on their personalities. They show less of their typically carefree and playful attitude of the past years. I have the impression that they would mature before their time, and like the fruits which ripen prematurely, they would be old before their time.

I had been accustomed to teaching 25 to 30 years old students. It is quite a contrast to be teaching third graders now. It is a violent contrast that benefits me perhaps more than the children.