Michael R. (IEE) about variety of interests

From first grade, I began studying English, playing the piano—they bought it especially for me—and spending a lot of time outdoors. My friends and I climbed trees and rooftops, sprayed each other with water from bottles. In winter, we played hockey in the yard; in summer, football, and volleyball with my father. I always returned home with great pleasure, because at home I was awaited and loved.

Starting from second grade, I quit piano, took up guitar (for half a year), began playing volleyball, and on Saturdays I went to the swimming pool with my father. Every weekend we went to the city center—took walks, went to the forest to make fish soup or barbecue, or simply drove around the city at night—the lights, the narrow streets of old Nizhny, constantly new impressions—I loved those evenings very much. For an IEE, it is very important that life is filled with new experiences.

<...> Beginning in third grade, I had lots of clubs and activities: ballroom dancing, ceramics, gymnastics, chess, volleyball, alpine skiing, drawing.

I never stayed long in any of the clubs. That’s who I am—everything interests me.

<...> A child doesn’t think about who they will become. Today he rides in a bus: “I want to be a bus driver!” Some time later he goes somewhere with his father and meets a respectable businessman… Now he wants to become like that. To choose a direction in life, you need to use career guidance and give him a push, help him choose.

An IEE can easily get fired up about something, but the interest may not last long and can fade. He can lose interest at any moment.