9/1/2017, the first day of September and the 244th day of 2017. What affected me today was interactions I had with two of my advisees. Both are really smart (hey, they got into Penn) and progressing well in their curriculum at Penn. Both are worried that they are not doing as well as they want or as well as their other classmates (who all have 4.0s of course (psst, they don't)). I did my level best to encourage these students and assure them that they are doing great and that all the other students around them are NOT all getting 4.0s.... I am inspired to work to help students find their "happy places" at Penn and to recognize their successes for what they are, not as something to compare to others. "Penn Face" is real, my friends and we must all be inspired to help students see what is real and meaningful. Also to help students realize how successful they are, even when others seem more successful. We are doing our young people a disservice, starting in Middle School and before, by creating a culture of perfection and competition. I see it in my own kids, even though I have seen the effects on campus. Let's all work and be inspired to help these kids.... see what is meaningful and real, and still be successful. For the children!
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