As tired as the adage is, people who have “been there, done that” have lots of helpful advice to offer if you are willing to hear it.
Dennis Trittin is writing to a tough crowd, older teens who often feel like they already have all the knowledge they need. However, he writes in a way that they would stop and take notice of though. His book isn’t preachy or demeaning, just packed with friendly words about the road ahead.
He makes sure to cover the major issues weighing on young adults including chapters on character, relationships and communication, spiritual life, college, careers, marriage, finances, and other miscellaneous areas. His book definitely accomplishes his goal in setting out, to “serve as a life coach for you, giving you practical before-the-fact ideas that will help you along your journey.” While he does offer lots of answers, he doesn’t guarantee an easy road. He has a realistic perspective in preparing kids to launch into adults. Life will not come easily. But, having these tools in advance will make it easier, and help them not fall into common, and often avoidable, snares.
I especially appreciated that the book is made to interact with. It is a comfortable read, but also makes you stop and think. Peppered throughout the book readers find “Take five” sections that have questions to reflect on and offer time for self-examination. Likely, students will find encouragement as they identify areas of strength, and also plenty to think about in areas they had not yet considered.
Trittin also approaches this bridge to “real” life grounded in faith. He accurately points out how important a firm grounding in faith and a religious community is at this transitional time in life. Many teens get off on their own and quickly distracted from the faith they grew up in. What I Wish I Knew at 18 warns against the danger of this and encourages them to make it a priority to stay connected to God and other believers. It is one of the shorter chapters in the book, so he doesn’t belabor the point, but does make a solid case for this important area.
He didn’t just write a book and leave it at that. He also created study guides to go along with the reading of the book which would be helpful in either a group or one-on-one setting. He also has made it available in a number of formats for those that would prefer it in a more mobile package. Be sure to check out his website for all of the different resources and information that he shares there as well.
This would make a fantastic graduation gift! I was thinking I would like to use this as a one semester course on life skills for my high school students. It covers a little bit of everything and opens wide the doors for dialogue about all those life lessons that we need to make sure we cover before they head out on their own. I’m sure you can think of someone in your circle that would benefit from this book.
Check out all these resources for more information, especially the website where you can read a sample chapter as well:
Website: http://www.dennistrittin.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dennistrittinfan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dennistrittin
Blog: http://www.dennistrittin.com/blogs.aspx
Newsletter: http://www.dennistrittin.com/newsletter.aspx
About Dennis Trittin
Dennis Trittin is a successful investment manager, educator and mentor committed to helping young adults reach their full potential. Now retired from managing over $30 billion in assets, he devotes his life to promoting leadership and life management on a global basis. Trittin serves as an advisor to several charitable groups and as a speaker with national and local educational and community organizations. Dennis and his wife Jeanne are parents of two young adults and reside in the Seattle area.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
