I took my teen out of school for a trip to Antarctica. It brought us closer together.

The author took her teen on a trip to Antarctica.

Courtesy of the author

• My son was overwhelmed by college pressure during junior year.
• I pulled him out of school for a three-week trip to Antarctica.
• The experience gave him perspective and brought us closer.

My high school son, Jack, was overwhelmed with college anxiety — SAT prep, AP classes, acceptance rates, and all the pressure that comes with being a New York student.

It was hard to quiet the noise...