<p>gibby,</p>
<p>During the snowstorm a couple of weeks ago, my son said the tourists are weatherproof. It amazes me that the school is actually a tourist attraction. It just never occurred to me.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, when folks say things like, “This is the best, this is the goal,” I wonder whether they’re being quite literal. A more benign interpretation would be that they’re using Harvard as a symbol. Certainly, as our kids were growing up and doing their schoolwork, we’d tell 'em, if you work hard, you’ll be able to get into a good school. And sometimes, we might have even added, “maybe even an Ivy, if that’s a good fit for you.” Conversely, if they were slacking, we’d warn them they’d wind up at the local community college! Or worse! LOL.</p>
<p>The Ivies, especially Harvard, represent the pinnacle of higher education in the United States. That doesn’t mean they’re the best at everything they do, in every field, although these schools are among the very best in the world in very many fields. But using the name “Harvard” as shorthand for “getting into a great school that fits you” may be what many folks mean. Especially while they’re actually on Harvard’s campus.</p>
<p>Of course, I’m sure some significant number are being quite literal, too.</p>
<p>Out of curiosity, when your kids were younger, did you envision them going to Harvard and Yale? When they were 8 or 10, did you make a connection between your kids and the Ivies? What were your hopes, dreams, expectations?</p>