I’ve worn many hats over the years — professor, writer, blogger. Every career change involves a new conference, each with its own norms and bad dinner offerings. Over the years, I accumulated a conference uniform with comfortable, yet stylish shoes. I always get a blow-out the day before, so I don’t have to deal with my unpredictable curls. I keep hydrated and have a protein bar waiting back in the hotel room. Because I have the shelf life of a tuna fish sandwich at conferences, I do an Irish Good-bye at all conferences after two days.
Earlier this week, I attended a conference for education consultants. While I’m not a traditional college counselor who ghostwrites essays for Ivy League-bound students, I do teach families with autistic kids about college disability services and about specific programs that might be best tailored to their kids’ needs. There were plenty of alternative colleges and speakers at the conferences who specialized in my niche. I mostly stayed in my lane in the conference, attending sessions about twice exceptional kids and kids with POTS.
The big luncheon session included two speakers who spoke to the general audience about themes that kept coming up in side conversations during my two-day stay. One speaker talked about the high level of anxiety among students. She emphasized that excellence is stressing out kids. Young people are miserable in their perfection. The other speaker talked about the impact of AI on the job market and college majors. These topics have been much discussed here and elsewhere.
Read more at Apt. 11D, the newsletter
Apt. 11d 