[obmelvin]

It's also a pretty big insult to say that Ito doesn't deserve the job solely because he doesn't meet a cookie cutter list of credentials. MITs Media Lab is an amazing position and there is no way in hell they would've given the position to someone that doesn't wholey deserve it. Just look at the appointment of the head researcher for YC basic income project. New PhD student chosen over tenured professors from great institutions. Obviously, not everyone is the exception, but some people have qualities that aren't going to be noticed by someone reading an Internet article.

This sends a signal to students in the same way bill Gates sends a signal to students saying "drop out and you'll become a billionaire." you'd be an idiot to try and exactly replicate the unconventional paths of certain successful individuals. Do you really think just because he didn't follow the same path he can't help students ? Do you really think he doesn't bring things to the table that others don't? Do you really think he will stop students from getting what you mention from, I don't know, everyone else who went through the same path? Give me a break.