<p>
Because they can.</p>
<p>In my son’s case, I think he would say “to prove to myself that I can.” He’s never had to work really hard before Mudd. He was a record-shattering tippy-top student at a good but ordinary high school. He’s never faced the possibility, likelihood, impending inevitability of failure. This year, he’s faced it a lot… and he’s beaten it… and he’s a better man for it. He’s found hidden reserves of capability that he didn’t know he had, because he never had to use them before. During the semester, he loses sleep, misses meals, and works his butt off – sometimes just to get by.</p>
<p>And he wouldn’t change it for the world.</p>