Ellen Galinsky

1.

I grew up in West Virginia, which didn’t have great schooling options for me, but my mother constantly inspired me to learn and work hard.

2.

I had no idea what I wanted to do when I was younger—but I’m glad I didn’t know because it left me more open to the different opportunities life brings.

3.

I studied to be a lawyer, but when I was a sophomore in college, I realized I was unhappy with my courses because I was constantly stuck in the library—I wanted my learning to be more balanced.

4.

After realizing how unhappy I was, I pleaded with a child development professor—I had always been interested in childhood learning—to let me into one of her courses, which completely changed my life.

5.

I switched my major to child studies and worked as a researcher along with my peers, as the field was relatively new—most professionals had been more interested in studying adults.

6.

As a senior in college, I went to conferences to figure out which sectors held the professionals I respected most and would want to work with.

7.

After graduating from Vassar College, I went on to get my master’s degree in education and child development.

8.

In addition to serving as chief science officer for the Bezos Family Foundation and president of the Families and Work Institute, I’ve published multiple books, including “Six Stages of Parenthood.”