how embracing variety catalyzed lauree Ostrofsky’s path in life

“It was clear to me that: smart people study math and science,” Lauree Ostrofsky tells me. “I majored in both in high school, taking all the advanced classes. I didn't necessarily like it, but I liked the praise.”

Ah, how easy it is to do things to win other people’s approval! And to fear their disappointment if we go a different way. Despite this, in college and afterwards, Lauree strayed from the script she’d internalized growing up, embracing variety in her studies and beyond.

To her delight, she found that once she made a decision and committed to it, the people she was most worried about disappointing — her parents — rallied behind her. And the more often she flexed this muscle, making decisions that were true for her, the more her self-trust and confidence grew.

Click the button below to download an illustrated version of Lauree’s story.