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…

no longer taught undergraduates, I arranged to meet with her once a month in an official mentorship capacity that quickly outgrew all official language. We talked about course loads and workshop politics and the danger of turning practicality into a religion. We also talked about family. Jennifer and I began speaking every few weeks, then every week,continue reading …