The ridiculous hoops we make college applicants jump through

Sometimes, urging college applicants into public service is a bad thing

Mandatory volunteering.
(Image credit: Jim West / Alamy Stock Photo)

"Can you sign off on my hours?"

The young woman in front of me on the dusty trailhead could have been any one of the thousands of students with whom it has been my privilege to interact over the year. Intelligent and eager, full of vivacity and hope, this young second-generation immigrant had great ideas and ideals, as well as a transcript full of "A"s and Ivy League aspirations.

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Leslie Turnbull

Leslie Turnbull is a Harvard-educated anthropologist with over 20 years' experience as a development officer and consultant. She cares for three children, two dogs, and one husband. When not sticking her nose into other peoples' business, she enjoys surfing, cooking, and writing (often bad) poetry.