I'm a high school senior applying to over 20 colleges. I'm ignoring classic advice and don't care about appearing well-rounded.

Tech Insider : Business
headshot of Ava DiNapoli
The author is a high schooler applying to colleges.

Courtesy of Ava DiNapoli

I got married 10 years ago. When I look back on my wedding gifts, I'm surprised by what stood the test of time.

Tech Insider : Business
A composite image, on the left are four pieces of pottery, and on the right are hand-painted wine glasses.
The author and her husband still love and use pottery from a friend, as well as hand-painted wine glasses received as wedding gifts.

Courtesy of Laura Leavitt

I'm a mom of 5 and spent years doing everything for my kids. One of them told me he needed to make his own mistakes.

Tech Insider : Business
Boy searching in drawer while family at dining table

Maskot/Getty Images/Maskot

My husband and I were looking forward to being empty nesters. Then my brother with Down syndrome asked if he could move in.

Tech Insider : Business
Woman with brother
The author's brother moved in with her and her husband in 2025.

Courtesy of the author

I forgot my headphones when I went to the gym. It led to a great conversation with a stranger.

Tech Insider : Business
The author at the gym with a barbell on her shoulders
The author found that forgetting her headphones when she went to the gym actually led to a good thing.

Courtesy of Mikala Jamison

I've taught elementary school for 10 years. This is what you need to ask at your next parent-teacher conference.

Tech Insider : Business
The author poses in her classroom.
Parents can make the most of their 15 minutes during a parent-teacher conference by asking specific questions, says the author.

Courtesy of Lauran Woolley

I fell in love with my friend's twin. We had only dated long-distance before he proposed and I said 'yes.'

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Family posing with pumpkins
The author got engaged to her now-husband after only dating long distance.

Courtesy of the author

My mom moved in with me temporarily and ended up staying for 10 years. We split our bills and she helps me with childcare.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
A grandmother carries her granddaughter.

timnewman/Getty Images

I grew up without an iPhone. I wish people weren't so attached to theirs.

Tech Insider : Technology, Business
A little girl playing on a beach with a bucket and a spade.
The Gen X author, on vacation as a child, was photographed with an analog camera — not an iPhone.

Courtesy of the author

My 20-year-old son and I went on a cruise together. It was the first time we ever spent one-on-one time.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Cheryl Maguire and her son in front of the water
The author took her son on a cruise.

Courtesy of Cheryl Maguire

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