1 hr 29 min

EP. 236: The Golden Ticket All Kids Really Need with Irena Smith ADHD for Smart Ass Women with Tracy Otsuka

    • Alternative Health

Applying to college feels more like a grueling competition these days, with an acceptance into one of the top 20 schools being the ultimate prize. But when you “win” the competition, what are you actually winning? That’s a question author Irena Smith poses in her recent memoir, The Golden Ticket: A Life in College Admissions Essays.  Irena, who also runs a private college counseling practice, has seen how much the pressures of college are impacting our kids’ mental health and limiting their futures, and she believes that it’s our job as parents to take a step back and remember what’s really important. “Pushing a kid to punch above their weight in terms of applying to college is not necessarily a healthy thing. Maybe just the goal is the kid graduates from high school with health and sanity intact. There's a lot of time to figure out what to do.” During our conversation we discuss Irena’s brilliant book and the writing process behind it, her ADHD childhood and emigration from the Soviet Union, some measurable ways parents can reduce the pressure on both their children and themselves during the college admissions process, and so much more.   Resources: Website: Facebook: Instagram: @irena.smith   Tracy’s program:  Today, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.
Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

Applying to college feels more like a grueling competition these days, with an acceptance into one of the top 20 schools being the ultimate prize. But when you “win” the competition, what are you actually winning? That’s a question author Irena Smith poses in her recent memoir, The Golden Ticket: A Life in College Admissions Essays.  Irena, who also runs a private college counseling practice, has seen how much the pressures of college are impacting our kids’ mental health and limiting their futures, and she believes that it’s our job as parents to take a step back and remember what’s really important. “Pushing a kid to punch above their weight in terms of applying to college is not necessarily a healthy thing. Maybe just the goal is the kid graduates from high school with health and sanity intact. There's a lot of time to figure out what to do.” During our conversation we discuss Irena’s brilliant book and the writing process behind it, her ADHD childhood and emigration from the Soviet Union, some measurable ways parents can reduce the pressure on both their children and themselves during the college admissions process, and so much more.   Resources: Website: Facebook: Instagram: @irena.smith   Tracy’s program:  Today, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.
Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review, helping spread crucial information and empower others.

1 hr 29 min