QOTD

QOTD #20: Agenda 2014: Success... for my students.
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by PAM

"It’s odd to think of people feeling simultaneously superior and insecure. Yet it’s precisely this unstable combination that generates drive: a chip on the shoulder, a goading need to prove oneself. Add impulse control — the ability to resist temptation — and the result is people who systematically sacrifice present gratification in pursuit of future attainment."

         - Amy Chua and Jed Rubenfeld
           in the article, "What drives success?"
           Opinion Section, NY Times
           January 26, 2014

I agree... that "unstable combination", which crushes the head of complacency, and the willingness to sacrifice for the attainment of an important goal, which breeds perseverance, keep success within reach. I often see this "Triple package of traits" manifested in our

They make us lose sleep... but it's all worth it.

students' conduct. Most of them are highly intellectually capable, and yet, they are humble and obedient enough to be consistently persevering in meeting the demands of their respective Academic Programs. They graduate with a rigid discipline that is engraved in their personalities, and manifested in their practice as professionals.  And it leads to their success. Very impressive indeed. 

It's no wonder why many of our partners in the Industry have, generally, very good words for our graduates. It makes us proud... and very, very insecure, too, at the same time!  'Cause how does one maintain such culture... in this ever-changing world?  Finding the answer to that question is, indeed, a constant challenge that makes us, their mentors, lose sleep at night... especially, with the constantly evolving morphology of this generation's extremely varied interests and desire for overly independent thinking. But, the same challenge makes our lives interesting... and our daily work absolutely engaging! So we carry on....

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