My People

Beloit College just released their "Mindset List" for this year's incoming college freshmen.  Since I just celebrated my 27th birthday (shudder), I thought I would go onto Beloit's website and look up what the Mindset List for my incoming class looked like.  Here are a few that hit home (I've added a few of my own comments to their list too):

• Most were born in 1983 or 1984 (I was always the youngest in my class).
• "Ctrl+Alt+Del" is as basic as "ABC".
• Paul Newman has always made salad dressing.
• Bert and Ernie are old enough to be their parents (and now they can legally marry in New York!).
• There has always been some association between fried eggs and your brain.
• Computers have always fit in their backpacks.
• The Osmonds are just talk show hosts.
• They have always been able to make photocopies at home.
• A Southerner has always been president of the United States (until Barack Obama, who is, of course, Kenyan).
• South Africa's official policy of apartheid has not existed in their lifetime.
• Cars have always had eye-level rear stop lights, CD players, and air bags.
• Bruce Springsteen's new hit, Born in the USA, could have been played to celebrate their birth.
• Barbie has always had a job (And still doesn't make as much money as Ken for the same job).
• Afghanistan has always been a front page story.
• The U.S. and Soviets have always been partners in space.
• Nicolas Cage, Daryll Hannah, Eddie Murphy, and John Malkovich made their first major film impressions the year they were born.
• The drug Ecsasty has always been around.
• Electronic filing of federal income taxes has always been an option.
• The Coen Brothers have always been making films.
• Datsuns have never been made.
• Directory Assistance has never been free.
• They knew how to pop a Popple and trade a Pog (Total flashback to 8th grade).
• They can still sing the rap chorus to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air ("West Philadelphia born and raised, on the playground is where I spent most of my days..." Damn it, now that's in my head!)

Well, that makes me feel a little younger, thanks Beloit!  Now everyone older than me can proceed to the comments section and share their thoughts on me feeling old.