I've mentored a few Ivy league students over the years. I think they are as diverse as any other group. That is, some are really smart, thoughtful individuals, and some are robots who do as they're told at all costs. I will say that I agree with the author that everyone should take a turn in the service sector. I worked in restaurants through high school and early college. It was a great experience, and it's helped me tremendously in my professional life. There's no experience like human experience. I try to instill that in the kids that come though my lab, but there's really no good way to impart wisdom like that. Anyway I don't know what it's like to be an Ivy League bound 18 year old, so my experience only goes so far, as well. In the end, I'm happy I did drugs, stayed out late, and chased girls through high school. I'll take that over some bullshit patronizing volunteer work 100% of the time. And if I have kids one day, they'll be free to do what they want, but if they want gas for the car, they better have a paycheck. Even if I have a million bucks in the bank, there's not a snowball's chance in hell I'm spoon feeding them. Kids gotta learn.