mstomper, I can relate to your own story, and doubt there is any genetic component that trickled down. And you seem to have done quite well in the end, which provides a wonderful role model.
I love to learn but hated school and the post about “freedom” certainly resonates, as immature as that may sound for a 60 something who has lived life!
I think the biggest problems with schools are that they are driven by external motivators. Even teaching staff forget the point isn’t grades, it’s learning, and being able to function in the world. I think kids with strong internal motivation, who are essentially very healthy, can chafe at these imposed motivators.
Pizza for reading points. Popsicles for good behavior on field trips. Report cards and honor rolls. College admissions is really just another external motivator.
I think the best thing we can do as parents is downplay the external motivators and support the authentic interests of our kids. I tried this consciously. Did it work- not really! Two out of three still hated school (both love to work and have good jobs!) The third is in a PhD program and loving every minute of it. She jokes that she rebelled by being ambitious!