<p>Having known David Banh for several years, he has proven to me that for him, there is no such thing as an impossible task. Many have doubted him in the past, but have all been continuously dismayed by his amazing feets. He does however, seem to enjoy a vibrant social life, and an array of hobbies including competing for the American U-21 Bridge Team in the World Championships this past summer. So before you feel sorry for this individual who represents the pinacle of human perfection, try out his dedication and his work ethic for yourselves, and get of the couch watching the WSOP and playing Madden 2007</p>
<p>myheartisinohio = my daughter goes to TJ and is at the top of the class there. Clearly in the top 5%. But I can assure you that she is exceedingly well rounded and socially adjusted - from a Gold award in Girl Scouts to a varsity cheerleader to a top member of their nationally renowned crew team. So I think your dig at TJ students is, as with most stereotypes, off the mark. Yes, she could greatly accelerate her high school and college experience - but since she has well rounded and non-pushy parents - she can make her own decisions about those things and will live a well rounded and happy existence. Care to reconsider your remark?</p>
<p>What is the college experience that people keep claiming this kid is missing out on? The components are living independently, living intimately with friends, academic discussion and party life; growing more mature and able to move into the real world.</p>
<p>He had the independent living experience and he’s continuing that, he’s probably built up a large core of close friends, at least the news articles seem to suggest that, he’s engaged in academics certainly, so the only real remaining component is a party life. If a kid chooses not to drink at UVa, it really kills the ability to party, and avoiding alcohol is generally a good life decision.</p>
<p>So it doesn’t seem like he’s missing anything.</p>
<p>The “college experience” is a decidedly American middle and upper class concept. In other cultures and countries, college is seen as a means to an education and degree. He has that. More power to him. He has what he wanted for whatever reason. And look at the kids that live on campus but have to work a lot of hours per week and spend the rest of their time studying? Does that make it a better experience?</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/19/AR2006091901779.html[/url]”>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/19/AR2006091901779.html</a></p>
<p>Take a look at this article. You may need to register. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this kid.</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=238417[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=238417</a></p>
<p>Very different reactions from fellow CC’ers a couple of days ago.</p>
<p>I thought it interesting that the Post article today never mentioned what he did this past summer. He spent it in Europe playing bridge! His little brother told me (and I am hope I am remembering the details correctly) that he earned enough in these bridge tournaments that he spent the entire summer traveling around from one to another- in a bunch of different countries. He is returning to UVA this coming year to go for his graduate degree.</p>
<p>I am not sure his parents are the pushy folks that most of you seem to think. While I don’t know David personally, I do know his younger brother who is a senior at TJ this year. He is a cheerleader and a member of the wrestling team. He is a good student- but certainly not a stand out. It seems odd to me that the parents would only push one of the kids, so maybe David pushes himself.</p>
<p>Makes you wonder about the meaning of T in TA. :(</p>