When I Dropped Out At 20, My Sister Told Everyone: “She’s The One Who Didn’t Finish.” Twelve Years Later, I’m Yale’s Dean Of Admissions. One Essay Read: “My Family Moved Past My Aunt’s Setback.” The Name? Amanda Chen. My Niece. I Picked Up My Red Pen And…

About our parents, who had apparently never stopped reciting the old narrative because it was easier than confronting the fact that my life had contradicted them. Before we hung up Jennifer asked, very carefully, “Would you be willing to meet Amanda? Before she decides?” I closed my eyes. I pictured the child I had barely known, now a young woman continue reading …