Tech DEMANDED a helluva lot from me that, in turn, caused me to perform at the very top of my ability and beyond. Anything less was not acceptable nor an option. That enormous push to succeed, in turn, paid off well throughout the rest of my life. That is what Tech "gave" me.
What Tech "took" from me was any lackadaisical attitude, laziness, fear of success, and inclination to slack off at anytime. Freddy Lanoue's sink or swim class during my first freshman quarter at Tech established the idea and pace right from the get-go.