Yes, it’s almost back-to-school time, and this is a big one for
me. I mean a BIG one. My youngest daughter, Alexandra, is about
to start her freshman year of college. It’s heartbreaking to watch
her leave the nest, but I know that she’s beginning a very exciting
time in her life.
Recently my wife and I went with Alexandra to her university’s
freshman orientation. We spent a weekend on campus, and I must
say, it was an eye-opening experience.
Not surprisingly, colleges have come a long way since my 1978
graduation. But even I was surprised at what the colleges themselves
seem to think is the biggest GameChanging advance on
campus. At one point during the weekend, we took a tour of the
dormitories. Our student tour guide raved about the technology
available to each student in the dorms. The washer/dryer machines
were new and of course, the central kitchen had all new appliances.
“And,” she said, “each dorm room has four electrical outlets.
That’s amazing!”
I wasn’t impressed, but I kept my thoughts to myself. As we
entered a sample dorm room, the tour guide showed all of the parents
the exact location of the four electrical outlets, which were strategically
placed “so you can have eight things plugged in at once!”
I couldn’t resist the urge to ask, “OK, what’s the big deal about
all of these outlets?” Most of the other parents turned and looked
at me like I was an old fossil.
The tour guide didn’t skip a beat. “Sir, you daughter needs
these for her iPod charger, cell phone charger, personal computer
charger, curling iron, hair dryer, TV, DVD player and stereo.”
Of course! How could my daughter survive without her eight
most important electrical gizmos? This is a far cry from when I
was in school. Back in my college days, the only thing I had to
plug in was my Admiral TV with rabbit-ear antennas. It only got
two channels.
It was another reminder of the many new advances that have
come along and changed the game, completely altering the way we
live our lives and interact with the world.
These advances can also build your wealth—if you invest in
the right GameChanging companies. And that’s what we strive to
do here in GameChangers—profit from companies that not only
change the world but also make you rich.
Sincerely,
Georges Yared
Editor, GameChangers