JE10 Ivy or not Ivy? That is the question!

            I heard some examples in the book “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell before, and I personally approve some of his points. Sometimes 1% of talents and 99% of inspirations are not enough to be successful. Environmental factors also have controls over it. I remember he said that people who were born in 1955 or 1956 have great chances of being successful on the field of computer. It is not a coincidence that both Steve Jobs and Bill Gates were born in the same year.  Some people may work as hard or even harder than them, but didn't get the chance. However, self-motivation is still the core factor. Just like Gladwell said, if a person is approved by an Ivy League college, then it usually means that he or she is capable of handling pressure and can always motivates himself to be better. I believe as long as these qualities don't change, the person still got the probability to be successful.

           

            Sometimes I wonder why I should go to those top colleges and compete with people around the world. My parents say that it is a guarantee for future career and life qualities. Spending tens of thousands of dollars might slightly make some differences. For example, the competitive environment, the new programs, and, probably the most importantly, the “title” of the school could get you more chances. However, now I realized I wasn't completely looking for the qualities of the schools. I was actually seeking for the qualities that I should have to be in those schools. If I have all those qualities, or key factors of being successful, then I already achieved half of it. Although I would probably still spend tens of thousands of dollars to go to an Ivy, I am now clear of what I was searching for so long.