Glenbard Parent Series speaker says having a range of interests primes teens to excel

On Wednesday, Jan. 26, the Glenbard Parent Series: Navigating Healthy Families will present "Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World" with David Epstein at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Go to www.glenbardgps.org for the link to this webinar.

To be placed on a reminder list for GPS events or submit a question in advance, send an email to gilda_ross@glenbard.org.

Often, people are encouraged to choose their paths early and focus narrowly; however, based on his extensive research, Epstein encourages winding paths and mental wanderings. In his book, "Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World," Epstein examined the world's most successful athletes, artists, musicians, inventors, forecasters and scientists. He discovered that in most fields - especially those that are complex and unpredictable - generalists, not specialists, were primed to excel.

Epstein says young people who think broadly and embrace diverse experiences and perspectives will thrive and find the most fulfilling careers.

Epstein is an investigative reporter at ProPublica and was a senior writer at Sports Illustrated. He also wrote the New York Times best-selling "The Sports Gene: Inside the Science of Extraordinary Athletic Performance."

The Glenbard Parent Series is generously sponsored by the Cebrin Goodman Center, Community Consolidated School District 93 Birth to 5 Community Coalition, Cooperative Association for Special Education (CASE), College of DuPage, DuPage Medical Group, Emmy Gaffey Foundation, Glenbard Early Childhood Collaborative, Kiwanis Clubs of District 9, and Prevention Leadership Team of the DuPage County Health Department. Additional support for this special event comes Northwestern Medicine, Deerfield Parent Network, Stand Strong Coalition, Parent Community Network and Link Together Coalition.

For information, visit glenbardgps.org or contact Gilda Ross, Glenbard District 87 student and community projects coordinator, at 630-942-7668 or gilda_ross@glenbard.org.