And We Think Our Kids Are Under Pressure?

Just to bring us all back to reality, here's an instructive and touching story about a young Chinese immigrant woman who hopes to get into college as a first step in bringing her family out of poverty. She has spent a good part of her life as translator for her parents: dad now unemployed, mom trying to bring in a little money through sewing and doing alterations.

Her current struggle, of many, is crafting her college essay. She is getting help through a tutor from 826 Valencia, a nonprofit funded by the author Dave Eggers that helps low-income and immigrant students improve their writing and helps teachers get their students excited about literary skills.

I read somewhere that some parents spend up to $40,000 on tutoring and various advisers to help their children get into the best schools -- whatever they are, right? I'm rooting for the volunteer coach and the young woman!