EXCELLENT SHEEP

How have financial aid allotments veered from its original purpose?

from need to merit - you have to have a certain GPA or sat/act to get scholarship now

What is the purpose of private admissions counselors?

guide the student unto college acceptance. help build resume. helps get them INNNN

How does the author criticize Amy Chua's book?

he thinks the asian parenting style is bad because it only focues on achivement and not happiness or anything else. achivement is the only thing you need- not helping the student become a free thinker.

Anadiplosis

repetition of the last word of one clause at the beginning of the following clause

Credentialism

the emphasis on certificates or degrees to show that a person has a certain skill, has attained a certain level of education, or has met certain job qualifications

suckage factor

you are trying to be good at everything that you suck at it all; your trying to do TOOO much :(

Contrast "Aristocracy" and "Meritocracy"

aristocray is charcter and connections meritocracy is scores and grades, achivement (getting into college became a competition based of of these)

Why has the concept of leadership become "devoid of content"?

because making it to the top is not acually leading people but due to self accomplishments

Why is overcoming the fear of failure so critical?

becuase the expectations of others is for you to sucessed. the expectations from others are high; afriad to take chances and fail. through stuff to shape him into a better person (odessey)

helicopter parenting

being overprotective, putting excessive pressure on children, micromanaging, intense desire to provide a different childhood(for your children) from your own in constant connection with their children, often allowing little to no autonomy. a parent who pays extremely close attention to a child's or children's experiences and problems, particularly at educational institutions a type of parent who's always hovering over their child's every move. If you find yourself staying alert over your child's every action and choice and are always nearby, paying close attention to every activity and interaction, you may be helicopter parenting

Polysyndeton

Deliberate use of many conjunctions (lots of ands)

Antithesis

Direct opposite, a sharp contrast

Metaphor

A comparison without using like or as

Allusion

A reference to a well-known person, place, event, literary work, or work of art

Paradox

A statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.

Juxtaposition example

"A job is what you do to make a living; a career is when you get paid to do something you love." (121) it was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness.

antithesis example

"Art brings us home by taking us abroad." (161) It was the best of times, it was the worst of times

metaphor example

"College as the beginning of a pilgrimage." (85) "The classroom is a grain of sand; it's up to you to make the pearl. "(820

anaphora example

"Crazy to forsake the sure thing, crazy to think it could work, crazy to imagine that you even have a right to try. " (23)

anadiplosis example

"Happiness is not the point; the point is control" (48) "Life is more than a job; jobs are more than a paycheck."(78) "Mailer wanted to be Hemingway, Hemingway wanted to be Joyce, and Joyce was painfully aware hed never be another Shakespeare." (113)

synecdoche example

"He got a new set of wheels." he got a new car

logical fallacy

"Its either Harvard or the gutter."

hyperbole example

"My friends and I didn't run sprinting down a thousand career paths, bound for all corners of the globe." (18) "I'm pretending to care about this job I know hundreds would kill for." (104) "My parents would kill me." (123)

epistrophe example

"The better things are, the worse they are." (55)

Parallelism example

"The people who direct our government, our economy, our culture, and our institutions." (27) "Self and society, choice and consequence, cowardice and courage and convention and rebellion." (94) "Never to have tasted the pleasures; always to have played it safe..." "Not charity, but justice. Not concern, but outrage. Not giving 5 percent, but changing 100 percent." (143)

simile example

"Yale students are like stem cells." (18) "Moments that explode and spread over me like a net."(24) "Education was a thing you got, like a dress."(87)

Vocation

(n) any trade, profession, or occupation; a sense of fitness or special calling for one's work

Simile

A comparison using "like" or "as"

What makes someone "interesting"?

Creating a rich inter life for yourself, know who you are and being your true self

Aristocracy

Group of the most wealthy and privileged. the highest class in certain societies, especially those holding hereditary titles or offices.

HYP

Harvard Yale Princeton

Deresiewicz himself

However, despite achieving success by conventional standards, Deresiewicz shares his growing disillusionment with this trajectory. He begins to question the values and motivations that had guided his life. He reflects on how the emphasis on grades, status, and achievement overshadowed the importance of critical thinking, creativity, and pursuing a genuine, meaningful life. Deresiewicz's story embodies the struggle to balance societal expectations with personal fulfillment. His experiences serve as a backdrop to the broader themes explored in the book, illustrating the challenges faced by students within a system that prioritizes perfection and success over personal growth and true education. Through his narrative, readers gain insight into the flaws and complexities of the elite education system and the need for a more holistic approach to learning and living.

Asyndeton example

I came, I saw, I conquered

allusion example

If he's not careful, his love life could end up like Romeo and Juliet's. Alludes to Odessyes in the book and how athena saves him but also sent him out to sea to grow.

Liberal Arts impact on other careers

In "Excellent Sheep," a liberal arts education is shown to benefit various careers by enhancing critical thinking, communication skills, adaptability, understanding of human behavior, ethical decision-making, and fostering creativity and innovation. It's not limited to traditional humanities but equips individuals for success in a diverse range of professions.It is good to get a liberal arts degree no matter what you want to do.

how to find your own path

In "Excellent Sheep," finding your own path involves discovering a unique and meaningful life direction that aligns with your values, passions, and authentic self. Reflect on Your Values and Interests, Explore Different Opportunities: Engage in diverse experiences and opportunities to gain exposure to various fields, Listen to Your Inner Voice: Trust your instincts, Seek Guidance from Mentors: Find mentors or individuals you admire who can offer advice, Experiment and Learn from Failures: Don't fear making mistakes or taking detours, Define Success on Your Terms: Determine what success means to you personally, Embrace Your Authenticity: Be true to yourself, Prioritize Personal Fulfillment: Place a high value on what makes you personally fulfilled, Stay Resilient and Persistent: Expect challenges, Regularly Reflect and Adjust, Periodically review your path, reassess your goals, and reflect on your progress In "Excellent Sheep," finding your own path is about authentically discovering what brings you joy, purpose, and fulfillment. It involves being true to yourself, exploring a variety of experiences, and valuing personal growth and authenticity above societal expectations.

How to find your passion

In "Excellent Sheep," finding your passion is presented as a crucial aspect of leading a fulfilling and meaningful life. Explore Different Activities(experimenting helps you understand what you enjoy and what resonates with you, Reflect on Childhood Interests: Think about what excited you as a child, Consider What Energizes You: Pay attention to activities that energize and motivate you, Notice What You Lose Track of Time Doing: Identify activities that make you lose track of time because you are so absorbed in them, Follow Your Curiosity: Pursue what piques your curiosity and interests, Listen to Your Inner Voice: Trust your instincts, Experiment and Learn: Don't be afraid to make mistakes or take detours, Talk to Mentors and Role Models: Seek advice, Reflect on Meaning and Impact: Consider the potential meaning and positive impact an activity or pursuit could have on your life and others. Passion often aligns with purpose, Stay Open-Minded and Patient! In "Excellent Sheep," the emphasis is on finding a passion that is authentic and meaningful to you, aligning with your values and aspirations. This passion should drive you to pursue a purposeful and fulfilling life.

Purpose of self-reflection

In "Excellent Sheep," self-reflection serves as a tool for individuals to critically examine their lives, values, and aspirations within the context of the high-pressure academic and societal expectations explored in the book. The purpose of self-reflection is to encourage individuals, particularly students within elite educational systems, to question and evaluate the path they are on and the impact it may have on their overall well-being and fulfillment. Question the Status Quo, evaluate personal goals, consider personal growth, realign priorities, and explore Authenticity: Encourage individuals to embrace authenticity, follow their passions, and choose a path that resonates with their true selves, rather than conforming to societal norms. encourages individuals to pause, introspect, and reevaluate their life choices, ultimately empowering them to make more conscious, fulfilling decisions aligned with their authentic selves and long-term happiness.

How to find success

In "Excellent Sheep," success is viewed beyond traditional measures like grades, job titles, or material achievements. It emphasizes a more holistic and fulfilling definition of success. Define Your Own Success: Take the time to define what success means to you personally. Consider your values, aspirations, and long-term goals, Set Clear Goals: Establish clear and achievable short-term and long-term goals, Focus on Personal Growth: Prioritize personal development and continuous growth. Strive to improve your skills, knowledge, and understanding of the world around you, Develop Resilience: Build resilience to navigate challenges and setbacks, Cultivate Meaningful Relationships: Invest in building meaningful relationships with people who support and inspire you, Take Initiative and Responsibility: Be proactive in pursuing your goals, Practice Effective Communication: Develop excellent communication skills to express your ideas, collaborate with others, and build positive relationships, Stay Adaptable and Open-Minded: Be adaptable to change and open to new opportunities and ideas, Embrace Passion and Purpose, Give Back and Contribute

How did the WASP aristocracy affect the Ivy Leagues in the late 1800's?

The WASP (White Anglo-Saxon Protestant) aristocracy heavily influenced the Ivy League institutions in the late 1800s, shaping their culture, admissions policies, and social dynamics to reflect and reinforce the dominant societal norms and values of that time. wanted the people to fit their clientle/ wanted it to fit their dynamics society not education more of a social group

How to find happiness

In "Excellent Sheep," the pursuit of happiness is seen through the lens of a more fulfilling and meaningful life, beyond the narrow focus on grades, achievements, and societal expectations. Reflect on Your Values: Consider what truly matters to you in life, Prioritize Relationships: Invest time and effort in building and nurturing meaningful relationships with friends, family, and loved ones, Practice Gratitude, Engage in Acts of Kindness, Find Meaning in Work: Strive to find purpose and meaning in your career or work. When you feel that your efforts contribute to a greater good or align with your values, it can bring a sense of accomplishment and happiness. Practice Mindfulness and Self-Care: Take time for self-reflection, relaxation, and self-care activities that bring you peace and tranquility, Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable goals that are in line with your values and aspirations, Embrace Challenges and Growth: Embrace challenges as opportunities for personal growth and learning, Spend Time in Nature: Enjoy and appreciate the beauty of nature, Limit Material Pursuits: Avoid excessive focus on material possessions or wealth. Instead, invest in experiences, relationships, and personal growth, which often lead to lasting happiness.

paradox example

Less is more. "To think about what you really want instead of what you think you want." (103) "What's the purpose of being on the right path, if you're on the wrong path?" (125)

Stanford Duck Syndrome

On the surface, they seem to be cruising along, but beneath the water they're struggling. everyone thinks that they are suffering alone; serene at the surface paddling madly underneath. (everyone is suffering)

Amy Chua and tiger mom

Parents might tell their children to do their best, but what they often really mean is that their children can do better if they try harder. A notable example of this approach is Amy Chua's book Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, in which the author describes her extreme focus on pressuring her children to achieve. The underlying idea is that the child is an extension of the parent. Even if a child's parents aren't caught up in this emphasis on achievement, other children's parents are, and that creates an environment that is intellectually harmful. The result is joyless perfectionism. Amy Chua, a professor at Yale Law School, gained notoriety for her book "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother," in which she advocated for a strict and demanding parenting style focused on academic and extracurricular success. In "Excellent Sheep," Deresiewicz discusses Chua's approach as an example of the intense pressure placed on students to excel academically, which can lead to a lack of meaningful personal development and a focus on external achievements. However, "Excellent Sheep" primarily explores the broader educational system, the pressures it imposes on students, and how it can hinder their growth and pursuit of a fulfilling, meaningful life. Amy Chua's parenting style is referenced in this context to highlight the larger societal issues concerning education and the expectations placed on young individuals.

Parallelism

Phrases or sentences of a similar construction/meaning placed side by side, balancing each other

Juxtaposition

Placement of two things closely together to emphasize comparisons or contrasts

Noblesse Oblige

The inferred responsibility of privileged people to act with generosity and nobility toward those less privileged. the duty of upper classes to take responsibility for the welfare of the lower classes

What has caused an "epidemic of depression" among young people today?

The pressure and stress to succeed by parents, schools, and future college.

polysyndeton example

They read and studied and wrote and drilled. I laughed and played and talked and flunked.

Moral Imagination

This moral imagination doesn't relate to what is right or wrong per se, but instead refers to the choices we make in relation to our personal orthodoxy. For example, when you go to a coffee shop, you might choose to order a latte or cappuccino, or you may decide you don't want anything and leave. A similar set of choices is found at an elite school: you may decide to study medicine, law, music or nothing at all. When one is facing an ethical decision, the ability to envision various alternative choices, consequences, resolutions, benefits, harms.

The author claims that, rather than diversity on college campuses, there are "32 flavors of vanilla". What does this imply?

all these people on equal playing field.. basically all the same. all the best, leaders go to the big schools - all on equal playing field

How to become interesting

To become interesting, he suggests a shift in focus from external achievements to personal development, curiosity, and genuine engagement with the world. Here are steps to become more interesting based on the insights from the book: Pursue Genuine Passions, Read Widely and Thoughtfully (Read a diverse range of books), cultivate Intellectual Curiosity(ask questions), Travel and Experience Different Cultures, Volunteer and Engage in Social Causes, Develop Meaningful Relationships, Challenge Yourself and Take Risks, Express Your Authentic Self: Be true to yourself, Practice Active Listening: Listen attentively and show genuine interest in others when they speak, embrace Failure and Learn from Mistakes: Don't fear failure; instead, view it as a valuable learning opportunity. Learn from your mistakes, adapt, and grow stronger, which adds depth and resilience to your character.

infantilization parenting

To perceive and treat a fully-developed, mature adult individual like a child. Infantilization perpetuates codependency, a term that describes a relationship in which two people rely on each other in order to ensure that their needs will be met and sustain overall functioning. Infantilization is often used to exert control or gain the "upper hand" over another by making them doubt their abilities. It can take away an individual's autonomy, stunt their development, and, in some cases, demean them.

Define "Credentialism"

You must do everything - get as many credentials as possible.

What is meant by "vocation", and how has that definition shifted through the years?

Your calling, looked down apon now. Need to find a job not yourself. People don't follow vocation now because its not accepeted.

Synecdoche

a figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa

Meritocracy

a system in which promotion is based on individual ability or achievement

What is the true recipe for happiness?

do what you feel connceted to; what lights a fire inside of you

What are the most coveted careers?

economics and finance - safe bets and makes a lot of money

Hyperbole

exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.

Why is the act of self-reflection so critical?

in order to citize yourself and build on your interest/abilities. grow as a person, see what you like to do and what excites you

What is the original aim of the "Liberal Arts"?

intended to develop the whole man/ a well-rounded person. helps you learn how to link and pursue different things.

What did "leadership" once mean?

let's work together to get this done. once meant working with a group for the betterment of the group.

Define "helicopter parent"

look over everything being done. pressuring, critizes, always involved

Explain the "Stanford Duck Syndrome"

looks like everything is fine where you are just trying to survive. you are struggling but no one can see.

What is "moral imagination"?

making choices on your own and seeing new alternatives for how to live.

Why are students who want to live a life aligned with their dreams and aspirations failing the most?

no one is supporting them. so undesirable no one really pursues. So different then what the world is doing it is hard to do/ looked down apon.

Why has a Liberal Arts major become a "put down"?

not as prestigous, not high paying. sucuss is related to the amount of money you make not happiness.

What is "doxa"?

opinion, common belief/popular opinion

Doxa

opinion, judgement

Define "overindulgent parent"

over does for the child, ties shoes at 8 for the kid, lets kids do what ever they want, and will do anything to help them. leads to infantilization

How do you find your "passion" in life?

overcome fear of failure and do what seems naturally fulfilling.

How and why did admissions become harder in the early 1900's?

strict college admissions so colleges could have desired students, kids had to send in a picture of what they looked like

What gets you up the ladder of success?

sucking up to your boss, mauffering and manipulating, building your talents and resume; maybe bringing others down to build you UPPP

How does one become a Super Person?

take as many APs, have a lot of credentials in every aspect, cources, extracuriculars, volenter, serivce = DO IT ALLLLL

Define "noblesse oblige"

that the privileged are obligated to help and give back to the poor(volenter)

Specialization

the development of skills in a specific kind of work

What major step was taken to raise academic standards and accept only the brightest young men?

the introduction of the SAT

Asyndeton

the omission or absence of a conjunction between parts of a sentence. ( a lot of commas)

Epistrophe

the repetition of a word at the end of successive clauses or sentences

Anaphora

the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses

How do affluent students have an advantage to getting into competitive universities?

the wealthier have acess to tutors, giving money to colleges as doantions, application adiviser, which help them get in easier

What is the first step to finding your own path?

thinking independently!!! listening to others is going down their path not yours :(

Super Person

those who double major, play a musical instrument, speak multiple languages, play sports, have many hobbies, and are incredibly confident - those who do it ALL

What is the purpose of college?

to give you the skills to get a job/make a carrer

What is the primary purpose of a Liberal Arts education?

to train you in the skills of citizenship, how to think for yourself not for others

Define "infantilization"

treating kids if they cant do anything for. themselves kid is an extension of the parent. not independent at ALL.

Overindulgent Parenting

when parents over-provide things which are typically not developmentally-appropriate for their child. This style of parenting can result in the child having poor decision-making and coping skills and being highly self-centered. "too much involvement by parents in the lives of their children, so that they try to help with or control everything that happens to the child." Kids who are raised in this environment struggle in college and beyond with basic tasks. They makes sure their kids are involved in everything.

What is "specialization" and how has it dominated curriculum?

when you get to college you go narrowly down a path without any time for self discovery. specialization in one major or goal.