Actually, you can't just compare people head to head. You are asking everyone at the age of 18 - 19 to go out pick-up and deliver newspaper? Do alot of odd job during 13?
In our life, there are a lot of decisions have to be made. I strongly believe, when someone at the age of 13 / 18, he or she should focus on hs her studies. (Remind you, not everyone is born genius, no need to study also can excel).
My point is, see who you are and do what is right for you. Focus on your responsibility and do what you should do when you are in your specific phase of life.
Remember, decisions are difficult to make and also "regret" is always there is the decision is made wrongly. (For example, go into selling newpapers telling yourself "don't worry, i can properly manage my time, i still can excel in my studies". Congrats for those who can do so, but sadly majority will either fail or cannot do well.

This post has been edited by liyonglim: Feb 10 2011, 10:37 PM