Amid rampant conjecture about the failings of the American education system, and following the publication of Chinese testing results that thoroughly kicked our collective American rear ends, Yale professor Amy Chua published a controversial article about what is now termed “extreme parenting.”

Another year ending and another beginning breeds an abundance of New Year’s “resolutions”: to be healthier, to be happier, to work harder in school. I made a resolution as well, though an atypical one. I watched the ball drop and concluded that I would commit more of myself to my social life. My decision, made in the midst of popped champagne bottles and elated cheers, was impulsive but seemed sufficient at the time.