Imagine what it must be like for teenagers who don't feel they have room to breathe in their own homes. If you are a parent reading this book, you care about your child. If she is quirky, unusual, or nonconformist, ask yourself whether you are doing everything you can to nurture her unusual interests, style, or skills, or whether instead… — Alexandra Robbins Copy Share
“A teacher in Oklahoma reflected on the post-graduation aftermath of student social divisions. “The in crowd always hangs together, even after graduation. They are the ones who will become debutantes after their freshman year in college. The others tend to drift away. They don’t get invited to the parties, they are laughed at because they aren’t wearing designer clothes, etc.,”… — Alexandra Robbins Copy Share
“Polarization is just one of many ways group membership can change an individual. Perhaps the most striking effect of group membership is that it can modify individuals’ perceptions of themselves. Unable to separate their personal introspection from the ways they believe other people perceive them, teenagers may have what psychologists call an “imaginary audience,” meaning they believe that other people… — Alexandra Robbins Copy Share
“No student should be encouraged -- by anyone -- to change himself until he's "normal," a term that says everything and means nothing.” — Alexandra Robbins Copy Share Image
In one survey, respondents listed Princeton as one of the country’s top ten law schools. The problem? Princeton doesn’t have a law school — Alexandra Robbins Copy Share Image
Social standing does not necessarily translate to social acceptance. — Alexandra Robbins Copy Share Image
“Instead of revamping school policies to welcome every child, many school systems are bent on revamping the students to conform to their schools.” — Alexandra Robbins Copy Share Image
“He comes in entirely as an outsider. He lets his mind wander. He’s not endangering his academic position because he doesn’t have one, and… — Alexandra Robbins Copy Share Image
Random, meaningless groups can adopt an us-versus-them mentality. — Alexandra Robbins Copy Share Image
“Conformity is a mask behind which students can hide their identity or the fact that they haven't yet figured out their identity.” — Alexandra Robbins Copy Share Image
