TWENTY-SIX 

 

Ms. Williams started bugging me right away to think about applying early decision to Grandin. I had to admit it was a great school—even if I didn’t love it—and it was kind of a long shot. So I just put my head down and, for once, did what I was told.

But I didn’t know if I could still ask Harmon Holt for a recommendation letter. I really didn’t want to call Bosley (and I had no number for Holt, obviously).

Ms. Williams also wanted me to write my essay about my internship experiences. What could I say? Bosley said I couldn’t talk about anything. So, no way.

Don’t think I wasn’t mad about that. I felt like I had done Harmon Holt’s dirty work and then been left high and dry. I did everything I did on my own, but somehow I felt like I’d just been doing exactly what he wanted only I thought they were all my ideas at the time. And now I had nothing to show for it.

Every time Ms. William would see me, she’d ask me about it. So finally, I decided I’d just apply to Grandin, but I wasn’t calling Bosley. I would know if I got in early enough so I could apply other places if I were rejected.

I stared at the possible essay topics on the application.

Evaluate an accomplishment, ethical dilemma, or risk you’ve taken and its impact on you.

Yep, real funny. No.

Discuss a current event or concern and its importance to you.

Nope.

If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be and why?

What kind of stupid question is that?

Indicate someone who has had significance influence on you and why.

Maybe …

I wrote my essay about Denise, how she was always determined to better herself even when it was hard. I said she had the kind of life I wanted—to be able to take care of business, not be driven by fear of bills and who will watch your kids while you work. Not to let anyone have a hold over you or think they can use you.

I don’t know if it was any good. I wasn’t showing it to Ms. Williams because she thought I was writing about Polichat. I did ask Mr. R to read it. He fixed some stuff and said it was “heartfelt.”

I got my recommendations from my teachers. I did list the internship on my application in the “extracurricular and employment” part. I just put “summer” for the time that I’d done the internship.

When I told Ms. William I had everything ready except for the financial stuff, she looked shocked.

“Would you like me to read your essay, Destiny?” she asked.

“Oh, that’s okay,” I said. “I had some of my teachers help me with it. It’s just these forms—my mom doesn’t have a lot of time for them.”

“If you’re sure,” she said, giving me a weird look. “I mean about the essay. I’ll help you with whatever you want. Did you include some samples of the writing you did during your internship?”

“Oh, uhhh, good idea,” I said. “I will.”

I wanted to scream.