by Isabella Zaliagiris
Artwork by Luke McGinty
In one year
I took took the SAT four times.
My mother’s voice scorning me
still rings in my head after all this time.
Making a C won’t get you into Carolina.
Two schools
and three applications later
UNC and I finally decided we were a match.
I emerged
through the unhappiness,
the haunting regret.
And now i set here,
at my my dream school,
wondering if it’s all worth it.
Worked my whole life to be in this moment-
just to be surrounded by valedictorians
and those with musical talent-
future scientists and heart surgeons.
Meeting up with friends for dinner
is now just a trip to the library
with a bagel or Wendy’s chicken nuggets.
and drinking on a weekday
is like an ancient legend.
The shame creeps in
as I realize all the work I’ve yet to do.
When I think about all the time
I have already wasted.
Should have, could have
been reading for class
or responding to week old emails.
But instead deciding to visit my nana.
She took me to lunch before
paying for my groceries.
I delight in her, knowing she won’t
always be around
to tell me stories about when she
was younger. At the end of it all
I won’t graduate at the top of my class.
Nor will people admire my
outstanding academic accomplishments.
I’ll just have a degree in PR
and the memory of being known as the
funnest bitch around.
And that’s when I realized
Who needs a degree
when you’re Schoolin’ Life?
Don’t sell yourself short, beautiful lady. Obviously talented, generous with your friendship, lugging around great genes. Everybody can’t stand at the head of the class, some experience a great popularity and learn early in life to express themselves beautifully. I just know it: you’re going to enjoy your life, and many people will enjoy you. John Tate