In 3rd grade I built a transistor radio for the science fair. I remember being so proud that I built it, but my mom seemed to be way more proud of that meaningless blue ribbon.
That's the problem, I think. It seems too many parents encourage artificial achievement that can be quantified, like grades or ribbons, which keeps kids from truly exploring what they are capable of doing.
This type of encouragement results in bright kids becoming good at doing things because they please parents / teachers / professors / bosses.
Whereas our best and brightest should be encouraged to work out things for themselves, push boundaries, and in general, innovate.
Kudos for finding someone that could understand and appreciate what you were capable of, though. Not all kids have that; as a kid it can be very discouraging when you don't have anyone who understands your work to talk to.
That's the problem, I think. It seems too many parents encourage artificial achievement that can be quantified, like grades or ribbons, which keeps kids from truly exploring what they are capable of doing.