12-11-2023, 10:13 AM
Those of you who are alums may understand how stressful it is for MANY freshmen at Stanford. I remember Fred giving us a pep talk at orientation to combat the "imposter syndrome." For those of us who did not come from elite high schools, it is overwhelming to go from being the biggest fish in a little pond to being a minnow in an ocean of talent. And that is true even before one starts the conversation about athletics.
It takes time to adjust, particularly for kids who are more child-like and less adult-like at that age. People mature at different rates and there are some who are just not ready for everything Stanford has to offer, and in fact feel overwhelmed by it.
I have no insight into the particular stories of Betts and Nivar, but it is understandable that a sports-board would interpret their actions solely in terms of their basketball experiences and opportunities. But that might not be the case. Or it might only be partly the case.
The good news is that the vast majority of Stanford freshmen DO adjust and wind up having the best four years of their lives. But not all.
It takes time to adjust, particularly for kids who are more child-like and less adult-like at that age. People mature at different rates and there are some who are just not ready for everything Stanford has to offer, and in fact feel overwhelmed by it.
I have no insight into the particular stories of Betts and Nivar, but it is understandable that a sports-board would interpret their actions solely in terms of their basketball experiences and opportunities. But that might not be the case. Or it might only be partly the case.
The good news is that the vast majority of Stanford freshmen DO adjust and wind up having the best four years of their lives. But not all.