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…

enjoy backing someone into a corner. “Because from where I’m sitting, it looks like you made a huge mistake and now you’re too proud to admit it.” I remember looking around at the apartment—the damp window, the stack of books on the floor, the saucepan drying on a towel because there was nowhere else to put it—and feeling, not shame, but fierce protectiveness.continue reading …