Yes - and No. Kolby was (perhaps still is) a moron. I think most of us were at that age. (I know I was.)
School is all about getting a good job, where the definition of 'good' is getting paid for doing something you would do anyway (even for free if you had the choice, which of course most of us that work do not).
So what about Kolby? Kolby's a moron because he didn't pass the top test that all intelligent HR persons ('oxy'moron?) look for above and beyond all. We all run into circumstances (all the time!) that aren't exactly tailored to our beliefs and/or interests and/or abilities. What sets the non-morons apart from the morons is that they leverage the discomfort to find an aspect that they can tolerate, maybe learn something from, perhaps contribute, and maybe even thrive. Life Lesson #1 (or thereabouts) is that: There's cool stuff everywhere, including in the depths of hell - and those that have the temerity to locate and leverage it quickly rise head and shoulders above the rest when things get better.
Kolby missed a clear and present opportunity to demonstrate what he's made of, including the potential of a component that would make him a valuable asset in organizations known for attracting, keeping, and effectively applying such jewels (and paying them well for doing something they genuinely like to do, like find more opportunities).
THAT is what this discussion should be about - rather than the first-world (read "obtusely insignificant") problem of not everyone being able to attend Harvard.
Michael - long time so see. Back to the topic, taking a year off is good if you have a plan. So improvement absolutely can happen from skipping school for a bit, but generally not without some sort of mediator. Enlisting in the service does this for some number of folks (and for some - big time). It's not guaranteed and its's not for everyone, but yes, there's a lot to be said for planful mediation during a self-imposed time out. (Nice to see you, by the way. Merry Christmas, old man!)
Yes - and No. Kolby was (perhaps still is) a moron. I think most of us were at that age. (I know I was.)
School is all about getting a good job, where the definition of 'good' is getting paid for doing something you would do anyway (even for free if you had the choice, which of course most of us that work do not).
So what about Kolby? Kolby's a moron because he didn't pass the top test that all intelligent HR persons ('oxy'moron?) look for above and beyond all. We all run into circumstances (all the time!) that aren't exactly tailored to our beliefs and/or interests and/or abilities. What sets the non-morons apart from the morons is that they leverage the discomfort to find an aspect that they can tolerate, maybe learn something from, perhaps contribute, and maybe even thrive. Life Lesson #1 (or thereabouts) is that: There's cool stuff everywhere, including in the depths of hell - and those that have the temerity to locate and leverage it quickly rise head and shoulders above the rest when things get better.
Kolby missed a clear and present opportunity to demonstrate what he's made of, including the potential of a component that would make him a valuable asset in organizations known for attracting, keeping, and effectively applying such jewels (and paying them well for doing something they genuinely like to do, like find more opportunities).
THAT is what this discussion should be about - rather than the first-world (read "obtusely insignificant") problem of not everyone being able to attend Harvard.
What if I said a gap year increases the odds that the Kolbys of the world will come to that realization you've stated above?
Michael - long time so see. Back to the topic, taking a year off is good if you have a plan. So improvement absolutely can happen from skipping school for a bit, but generally not without some sort of mediator. Enlisting in the service does this for some number of folks (and for some - big time). It's not guaranteed and its's not for everyone, but yes, there's a lot to be said for planful mediation during a self-imposed time out. (Nice to see you, by the way. Merry Christmas, old man!)