Wow, thank you so very much for such an insightful thoughtful and intelligent response! It was wonderful to read, if also not a bit sad as well, because it's unfortunately SO reflective of our culture at large...in my own personal experience with professionals, they rarely have issues with talking about themselves, usually it's the opposite!

But, I do agree overall that the "fast pace" is a real hinderance...I've been chided for this throughout my life, by others and also people that I've dated.

As in: "Well, you do speak slowly" as if that is somehow supposed to be a problem! Really? WHY?

I applaud and celebrate you for helping students.

That's not an easy thing at all and yet it can also be very rewarding in so many different and varied ways

I'm at a place in my life where I want and need peace and tranquility...not this "rush rush rush" atmosphere that is SO prevalent in the states, alas.