Oh good — I was afraid she actually HAD chosen mediocrity, just to blend in.
It might sound reasonable, but for someone like Annie, it doesn’t work anyway.
Usually the people who give that advice are well-meaning parents or friends who don’t understand genius, and may be afraid of being eclipsed….. but using your brain doesn’t mean leaving your loved ones behind.
Never advise anyone, especially a child, to strive for less than the limits of possibility.
I was Mensa in the 5th grade. My parents didn’t want me promoted according to my intellect because they were afraid I’d be labeled a freak. As a result I was bored to tears. Fortunately, I found an outlet in college in mathematics.
The hardest thing for gifted children is often not just academic but social. I graduated from high school at 16. We had one younger than me and I didn’t fit in even with the other bright kids and he had it even worse. I was completely socially unready for college.
People often assume the smart kid will “figure it all out” on their own but learning to navigate the social aspects of life is something that can be learned from a book.
There’s a difference between being good at something and wanting to do it. Just because people are born with a natural gift or talent doesn’t mean they must use it. Annie will find something else she truly enjoys, and Lila will be able to enjoy it with her.
SusanSunshine Premium Member about 13 years ago
Oh good — I was afraid she actually HAD chosen mediocrity, just to blend in.
It might sound reasonable, but for someone like Annie, it doesn’t work anyway.
Usually the people who give that advice are well-meaning parents or friends who don’t understand genius, and may be afraid of being eclipsed….. but using your brain doesn’t mean leaving your loved ones behind.
Never advise anyone, especially a child, to strive for less than the limits of possibility.
hawgowar about 13 years ago
I was Mensa in the 5th grade. My parents didn’t want me promoted according to my intellect because they were afraid I’d be labeled a freak. As a result I was bored to tears. Fortunately, I found an outlet in college in mathematics.
kyandra1 about 13 years ago
The hardest thing for gifted children is often not just academic but social. I graduated from high school at 16. We had one younger than me and I didn’t fit in even with the other bright kids and he had it even worse. I was completely socially unready for college.
StoicLion1973 about 13 years ago
People often assume the smart kid will “figure it all out” on their own but learning to navigate the social aspects of life is something that can be learned from a book.
calspace about 13 years ago
Does anyone else think of the Three Stooges every time Dr. Fine is mentioned?
“Paging Dr. Howard, Dr. Fine, Dr. Howard.”
TheDOCTOR about 13 years ago
calspace: “FOR DUTY AND HUMANITY!”
Davison77 about 13 years ago
I’m sorry but isn’t that some kind of gay slur in the last panel?
brdesert about 13 years ago
Annie, you blew it. You should have never “given” away your app creation. The revenue could have paid for your time at the institute.
darkandstormynight about 13 years ago
There’s a difference between being good at something and wanting to do it. Just because people are born with a natural gift or talent doesn’t mean they must use it. Annie will find something else she truly enjoys, and Lila will be able to enjoy it with her.
Hurst5809 about 13 years ago
I really get tired of people saying they are offended. It seems to be political corrrectness gone amok.
LiviaBay about 13 years ago
I remember when “Gay” was defined as "Being very happy. As for the last panel ask the writer is correct.