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12 SMT007 MAGAZINE I OCTOBER 2026 A Note to My College-Bound Grandson Bobby, As you prepare for this exciting new chapter of life, in addition to a college send-off/dorm-move-in gift, I would like to leave you with a few thoughts and observations gathered from life and experience that may serve you well in the years ahead. These are not clichés, but real things, and high-value lessons that have proven true over time. 1. Stay away from unhealthy habits. Avoid smoking, drinking, drugs, and other destruc- tive behaviors. Your health, energy, and clarity of mind are among your greatest assets. Protect them. 2. Choose your company wisely. Surround yourself with ambitious, forward-thinking, positive people. The friends and classmates with whom you spend your time will influence your thinking, aspirations, habits, and ultimately your future. 3. Remain disciplined in your core mission to learn. College is an opportunity to develop your mind. Be diligent in your studies (Family offers cash award for grade A), intellectually curious, willing to take on leadership roles, and committed to excellence. The knowledge, skills, and habits you build now will serve you for a lifetime. 4. Use money wisely. Save and invest, and change your consumption habits from buying things to experiencing things. That mindset will help you take advantage of the uniqueness of this period in one's life. Learn the value of financial discipline early. Save consistently, spend thoughtfully, and invest as much as practical. Early gratification is not a virtue. It's like premature harvesting; you don't get good crops. Time is one of the greatest advantages a young person has when building financial security and wherewithal. Money makes money! 5. Nurture your relationships, make time to communicate, and build lifelong mentors. • Be mindful of your personal and professional relationships. Build meaningful connections and seek mentors who can guide, challenge, inspire you, and offer honest feedback. • Leave an impression by being fully engaged in whatever you do, whether it's a big task or a small chore. People are surprisingly more observant and perceptive than we realize, al- beit tacitly. • Never underestimate the value of helping someone in need; kindness has a remarkable way of enriching both the giver and the recipi- ent. • Develop a reputation for being dependable and reasonably accommodating, not merely focused on your own likes. • Reply to messages, emails, and communica- tions promptly and consistently. People re- member those who are responsive, consis- tent, and reliable. • Be a gentleman! You are an intelligent, capable, and handsome young man with tremendous opportunities ahead of you. Talent alone, however, is never enough. Hard work is absolutely indispensable. Saying the outcome/success is directly proportional to the hours you work on it is not an exaggeration, but like a mathematical equation: S = C x H where S= success or positive outcome H = number of hours spent C = coefficient, which can be multiple parameters, e.g., E (Effort) + E (External factors) We are immensely proud of you and look forward to watching you grow, contribute, and thrive in the years ahead. Have a great start in college, Bobby! With love, NaiNai S M T P E RS P ECT I V ES & P RO S P ECTS