Hi Eric,

I am guilty of my usual sin of generalizing, I suppose. Experiences indeed vary and it was most probably not [at all] the era or generation but the place, even the university itself, specifically. And because it was in the Philippines, in an “exclusive” [Catholic, mainly] university, where a certain “group” of people send their children to study (although of course there were the exception to the rule, I’m sure), we, the students, the majority at least, were either the academic and studious type or the ones “expected” by the family to be a certain kind to later take the reins in the family-owned companies.

Personally, I worked hard on being one of the top students, even making it to the Dean’s List, and taking pride in my achievements and still made time for the various organizations (either relevant to my hobbies/interests or degree) and the Student Council. And most of my classmates and friends were like me or even worked harder and achieved more than me.

Fast forward to present and my 22 year old and 19 year old cannot be any more different from me, artistic and sporty as opposed to academic. I’m still to see how my almost 4 year old will turn out. Then again, we’re all still growing and learning and changing everyday, right? And the environment is certainly not going to stop changing.

Thank you so much for your comment/view.