Feeling Old

Stories like this make me feel old.

In coming weeks, millions of students will be entering college for the first time. On average, members of the class of 2009 are 18 years old, which means they were born in 1987. Starbucks, souped-up car stereos, telephone voice-mail systems, and
Bill Gates have always been a part of their lives. They’ve grown up with CNN, home computers,
AIDS awareness, digital cameras, and the Bush political dynasty.

Some of the things I remember well that they don’t remember:

• With little need to practice, most of them do not know how to tie a necktie. (I learned to tie a necktie very early in my life.)
• Jimmy Swaggart and Jim Bakker have never preached on TV. (I remember the scandals involving these charlatans very well.)
• The Starship Enterprise has always looked dated. (I remember thinking the original Enterprise was the coolest thing!)
• They never saw the shuttle Challenger fly. (I remember very well the day the Challenger blew up.)