[suhastech]

Congrats to the OP!

Of course, there's always the birth lottery for most people reminiscing here. For people coming from the third world, this kind of a feat would be very rare to come by and won't be appreciated even if they do, as they are still tackling lower level problems. Heck, my parents don't even know I do on the computer. From where I come from, good grades are the best thing a kid could show to their parents.

[nitochi]

I can feel what you say suhastech. But I don't think that is particular to developing countries. I am from Ecuador, and when I was maybe 9 or 10, was given my first Commodore 64. My dad taught me some BASIC and there I was making my first crappy programs. Of course they cared a lot about grades, like any parent. Being born in a developing country screwed you up because technology took ages to get to you. Man, they still have 128K connections there... Congrats to the OP by the way!

[kops]

well, change that for your kid. Every society builds on the work of previous generations. We in India, are late to the party so yeah, one generation will disappear without enjoying all this, but we can ensure that the next generation won't.

BTW it's never too late. I may not be 14, but I am going to have just about as much fun with my brand new arduino ;-)

[navs]

When I was 14, I lived in Fiji which many consider a third world country. I know what you mean when you say parents consider good grades above all. I've witnessed that firsthand. It's sad how many of my peers were chastised for attempting personal projects outside their school curriculum.

[toutouastro]

where in the third world ?