(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Teens and parents feeling the pressure and uncertainty of college applications will want to hear what Irena Smith, Ph.D. learned through experience. The former Stanford admissions officer will offer clarity and insight during her Ocean County Library Virtual Author Talk on Thursday, August 15, 2024. Dr. Smith will present constructive, sensible ways to undertake the admissions process, help preserve parent-teen relationships and help teens define success on their own terms rather than chasing the elusive "golden ticket." The event begins at 2:00pm.

In her 2023 memoir The Golden Ticket: A Life in College Admissions Essays, Dr. Smith chronicles her dual roles as a highly-respected college adviser and as a mom who guided her children through learning and developmental obstacles, depression and anxiety. The book captured the Story Circle Network’s Gilda Award, in recognition of its candor that “makes us laugh even when we want to cry.”

Realizing how much she had in common with those she counseled was her galvanizing moment. Now Dr. Smith focuses her energies on helping adults and teens gain perspective on individual versus institutional success and the value of mental well-being.

The former UCLA and Stanford literature instructor continues to operate the eponymous college admissions consulting firm that she founded.

Please register at https://libraryc.org/theoceancountylibrary to attend this free program, to view the upcoming schedule, and to view previous talks. Registrants will receive links to the program by email and may submit questions for the author when signing up.