I asked ’90s, “In what way(s) do you think your personality has changed since college?” Here is part two.

Ute (Bowman) Utley:“Since college my personality changed in that I became a mom. Three lives suddenly became more important than my own, so I’d say I’m less self-involved, more patient and not such a control freak.” Lauren Smith: “I think that time has made me more sure about what is important and what I believe in. I think I was quite malleable in college. I don’t remember being sure of much of anything.” Basia Nikonorow: “Since college I’ve changed to be less egoistic by becoming a parent of two kids. I’ve also certainly become much more aware of the importance of being involved in my local neighborhood efforts. I recognize now the power and importance of connecting with the people in my building, on my block, my immediate family, even a friendly stranger on the subway. As I’ve begun to learn of distant and not-so-distant friends dying at a ridiculously early age, I appreciate human connection and life more. Basically, I’ve come to realize we’re here only briefly and can make or not make a positive impact while we’re around; better the former. I’ve learned to be more patient at times, but also to decipher what I prioritize and don’t have patience for.” Josh Vogel:“I am kinder, more thoughtful, more patient, more understanding. When I was young I didn’t understand the importance of showing people that I value them. I wasn’t intentionally insensitive, just oblivious. Now, in middle age, it seems I think about others all day long, whether at home with my family, at work with patients and staff or even in social settings. I have learned the value of showing others how important they are to me. I can’t say how much of that is from medical training, being a parent, being married, and how much comes from just growing up and learning from experience. In any event, it has made my life much richer and I feel like I’m a better person for it.” Ted Whittemore: “I am a lot more liberal, both in terms of my political outlook and compassion for others. I am more patient and a slightly better listener (always been tough for me).” Kyrie Robinson: “I think I’m kinder now than I was in college; more likely to show empathy and also more willing to be vulnerable. And I think it comes from a dawning realization that everyone has issues, everyone has some tragedy or difficult situation they’ve had to deal with. Our individual circumstances may feel unique, may be a unique combination, but the general themes are part of humanity.” Phil Privatera: “I think I have become more cynical and less inquisitive, but more tolerant and charitable.” Monte Baier: “I believe that I have become more agreeable since graduation. The big change for me is likely the result of being a cancer survivor. Eleven years ago I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. At the time I had a 3-year-old daughter and 1-year-old son and I remember laughing with them about looking for Daddy’s hair after the chemotherapy had destroyed it. My wife never let me get down after the diagnosis. The experience made it clear to me that understanding others is more important than being right, as life is short.” Marcus Weiss: “While my fundamental energy has not changed (I still heap on loads and fail to chill enough), I have become more grounded. At Dartmouth I thought I just had a lot to do because it was college. Fast forward 27 years and I’ve come to realize, nope, it’s just me!”

—Rob Crawford, 101 Black Oak Road, Weston, MA, 02493; crawdaddy37@gmail.com