I have always had a fear of public speaking. Well, almost always. It started in sixth grade. Before that, I was a typical Russian overachieving student, always raising my hand to answer questions and being called to the blackboard to solve the most challenging problems. 

In sixth grade, my...

My daughter and I went shopping for a homecoming dress last weekend. She is in ninth grade, and this is a new experience for both of us. It took us a few stores and fitting rooms, but we got “the dress.”

Now, as a mother, I can glance at the dress and “appraise” it within...