Recognition

For the last ten years, I have interviewed high school students for admission to my alma mater, under the auspices of the Yale Alumni Schools Committee. The interviews, which last from thirty minutes to an hour apiece, and which require me to write up detailed reports on each student, have wrought havoc on my winter weekends every year since 1995. The kids vary in quality from indifferent to brilliant. They've tried everything from bribery ("Box of Godiva chocolates the size of a Monopoly board is old Korean custom") to professionally designed press kits with head shots. All they really have to do is talk coherently, reflectively, and interestingly about what they do and why they like to do it. A surprising number of kids can't do that.

I am apparently going to receive an award for my contributions to the Yale admissions process. It's nice to get recognition, especially when you don't expect it. The award will consist of a testimonial letter and a small brass Yale logo paperweight -- nothing lavish, but it's the gesture that counts. I'm happy.