In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking a second time to the author of The Golden Ticket, Irena Smith. Irena was on the show last month to talk about her new book and I wanted her to return to talk about parenting, particularly parenting neurodiverse kids; she has three of them! We talk about the importance of realizing that going to an Ivy League School isn't what's best for everyone and isn't the "Golden Ticket" many parents have come to believe it is. She implores parents to think about the stress added to a child's life by their parents' unwaveringly high expectations for their child's academic achievements. There are other ways to have a great life other than attending a top-20 school. Irena also shares a major life change she made since the last time I interviewed her that has allowed her to live more authentically in alignment with her values. She is a serious writer, maintaining not one, but two, Substacks. You can check them out here: Personal Statements and The Golden Ticket (is not what you think). You can also have the opportunity to hear her speak about navigating the college entrance process with your child at her virtual August presentation through the Library Speakers Consortium. You will find the information you need, as well as being able to register, here.