Dillon is a sophomore in Cupertino’s Monta Vista High School (https://mvhs.fuhsd.org/) in California, US. He expects to take up to nine (9) AP classes during high school career. (AP stands for Advanced Placement and, upon passing the AP exam, this class can be accepted for college level credit.) As a violinist, he is a member of the school orchestra, participates in an outside chamber music ensemble, and conducts regular benefit concerts in the area. Varsity and junior varsity levels for basketball and volleyball are his current athletic commitment. He is also members of two school clubs where one consults with local businesses and the other competes on business case analyses. Finally, he produces a podcast (https://cutt.ly/PcodJFD).
Dillon is an amazing young man.
It is said that the average IQ has been going up continuously (aka Flynn effect: https://cutt.ly/6cogspM). This, however, does not make life easier for each new generation. Take Dillon, he is competing within his own cohort and not slackers like the TUX uncles. While this is a burden, it does free every generation from the tyranny of stale wisdom and experiences of the past cohorts.
For somebody at Dillon’s caliber, it is important to remember that we are all unique in our own ways; namely, we all have our own weaknesses. The great mind of Einstein never got quantum mechanics. Conversely, a person who is versatile in quantitative analyses can enjoy poetry and arts without conflict. Keeping oneself competitive is important, more important still is the ability to know one’s own limitations and preferences.
Finally, we should all be more like Dillon where he reaches out to the wider community. It is all too easy to stay and re-enforce our own bubbles. Understanding the world around us and extending a helping hand is what makes us better individuals and society a better place.