New on What's Next, we have two different takes on kids and college. "Take My Kid, Please!" is one father's cautionary account of his family's descent into application hell. "Ivy Schmivy" provides a contrarian's view of who should go to college -- and when. They both provide valuable outlooks on one of the common experiences of modern life.
Of course, the whole ordeal looks almost rosy now that acceptance letters are in. The college road trips were a real bonding experience, and I actually learned a lot about my daughter from reading her essays. And in the end, this harrowing process allowed her to make a far more informed decision than I did 35 years ago. Having seen 20 colleges and applied to nine, my daughter's final choice -- Oberlin -- looks like a perfect fit. Of course, now comes the really hard part: dealing with the harsh reality that she's growing up and moving on.
Jeremy Koch
Founder, What's Next Media
NOW ON WHATSNEXT.COM
Take My Kid, Please!One father confesses to a Type-A, control-freak obsession with his son's college-application process. War Boards. Sports scrapbooks. Interview rehearsals. It ain't pretty...
Ivy Schmivy
Why it might make sense for your high-school graduate to skip college -- or delay the journey a bit. A pragmatist's viewpoint.
Benevolent Boomers
Civic Ventures directs the energy of would-be retirees into philanthropic endeavours that capitalize on their deep, profound experience and drive to give back.
Final Thoughts
Five essential considerations when preparing your will -- the most important conversation most people never have with their loved ones.
Desperately Seeking Serenity
How one balding, meat-eating skeptic discovered that meditation is one of the few things in life you just can't do wrong; there are no grades for it, it's not even pass/fail.
How Can I Miss You If You Won't Go Away?
Your spouse loves a vacation full of spa treatments and lingering pedicures. You want to go fly fishing in Idaho. Here's why separate vacations may actually strengthen your marriage.
EDITOR'S PICKS FROM AROUND THE WEB
Wanted: Non-Profit Leadership
As non-profit leaders retire, more Boomers redirect their careers to the public sector. (Bridgespan Group)
California Dreaming
Everything you need to know about buying a million-dollar vineyard in Napa. (Food & Wine)
The 3.5 Percent Solution
What portion of your nest egg can you really afford to spend each year? (MarketWatch.com)
Cut Cancer Risk in Half
The American Cancer Society reports that Americans could prevent half of all cancer deaths in the U.S. by taking relatively straightforward steps. (American Cancer Society)
A Vacation That Matters
With its modern rooms, attentive service, slate-lined pool and full spa, Shinta Mani is like many other luxury hotels in Siem Reap, Cambodia. But there is an important difference: It is one of a small but growing number of upscale properties in poor areas that are making significant contributions to the community. (Conde Nast Traveler)
College Life Revisited
Baby Boomers are rushing back to school. Not to relive the sit-ins and Nietzsche essays of their past, but to retire in vibrant, active, increasingly convenient college towns. (ThirdAge.com)
Cut Cancer Risk In Half
The American Cancer Society reports that Americans could prevent half of all cancer deaths in the U.S. by taking relatively straightforward steps. The study focuses on four key aspects of cancer prevention: snuffing out tobacco use, exercising more, improving eating habits and seeking better screening. (American Cancer Society)
RESOURCES AND REVIEWS
Facing Death, Learning to Live
Published posthumously, "Chasing Daylight" is a book about how a successful man learns to redefine success in the last months of his life. (What's Next)
Live Longer, Live Better
No lingering disease. No chronic conditions. You can live well until 80 and beyond. This is the promise of Younger Next Year, a radical and readable book with a serious radical health plan. (What's Next)
Long-Distance Caregiving
Do you currently care for an elderly relative who lives more than an hour away. If you do, or if you ever expect to, the National Institute on Aging has just published "So Far Away: 20 Questions for Long-Distance Caregivers." Download a copy here. (NIA.NIH.gov)
Print this page 
Send to a friend
