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…

out of college to work in publishing. Do you know how that sounds?” “Like I followed my passion?” I said, knowing better. “Like you’re a failure,” she said. “Like our family couldn’t produce two successful daughters.” She hung up before I could answer. I sat there in the yellow kitchen light with the phone in my hand and the city roaring faintly outside continue reading …