Erasing the Finish Line: A New Blueprint for Success Beyond Grades and College Admission

In this innovative guide, academic adviser Homayoun (Social Media Wellness) urges parents and educators to reconsider how they can help high school students succeed. Debunking “outdated narrative[s] equating college admissions and success,” Homayoun argues that “the belief that... one decision can fundamentally alter the entire trajectory of a young person’s life” reinforces “downright false” notions of what lends students drive, purpose, or happiness. By focusing on holistic skills, such as organization, flexible thinking, and relationship building, students are better equipped to flourish in a “fast-changing world,” she writes. Drawing on her experience counseling high schoolers, college students, and professionals, Homayoun discusses the wisdom of building predictable routines (consistent bedtimes, study schedules); cultivating “openness and curiosity in [students’] approach to socializing,” as understanding and using social capital is essential to being a “well-connected, well-resourced adult”; and paying attention to proper “energy management” instead of squeezing an endless litany of items into to-do lists (students are encouraged to consider the activities that drain them and those that energize them, and to brainstorm how to “recharge [their] energy on a daily/weekly basis”). Homayoun offers a welcome, experience-backed alternative to the “current one-size-fits-all” model for life success—driven by test scores and an obsession with college rankings—that is often only available to the wealthy. This is a valuable resource. (Aug.)