renegade - e. munson

chapter five: monty python night

   SENIOR YEAR IN high school is supposed to be easy. All you need to really focus on is keeping your grades up and staying out of trouble. You also need to start focusing on where you are going after high school; college, work, travel? But of course, all of that requires money. Even applying to colleges, you have to pay for the application. Money requires a job. Job requires time. Before you know it all your free time outside of school is spent at a job where you get barely $4 an hour. Now once you've gotten enough money to send in your applications to the schools you want, you now must wait day in and day out for the big thick letter to arrive that grants you acceptance into their institution. Now you can calm down because your future outside of high school is going somewhere. But just as you needed to pay for an application fee, you need to pay for the school and a part-time minimum wage job won't do it fully. Now you have two options. You can either take out loans from the bank and slowly pay off the increasing debt or you can try and get a full-time scholarship. Lots decide on doing both, taking out loans along with getting multiple scholarships that cover up from $50-20,000 of your college expenses. Some will have the money from the get-go. Some will just deal with the loans after they graduate.

   So, you're working, trying to have a social life, studying to keep your GPA, and training to get a full ride to your dream college all the way out in California to continue a sport you love. And because you need good grades in order for a potential scholarship to be kept, you are studying while at this minimum wage job. And because you are you, you force your best friend to study with you.

   "I'm not even going to college I don't know why you asked me and not Steve," Robin grumbled as she wiped the whiteboard clean that held the math equation we just completed.

   "Because Steve barely passed his classes," I retorted and listed off the next math equation for Robin to write on the board. "Plus, I don't think getting help from a guy that didn't get into college will help me get into college. It's a little counterintuitive."

   The three of us had the closing shift again at Family Video. It was Thursday and downpouring rain outside. No one dared make the trek out to rent a movie. So, I took this opportunity and forced Robin to help me complete my math homework due tomorrow (Dustin was refusing to do it anymore) while Steve hung out at the counter just in case a customer did in fact desperately need a movie.

   "And what do you mean you're not going to college?" I asked while I copied down what she was doing to the equation. For some reason, we needed to add one to both sides. "Robin you're the smartest person I know it'd be stupid not to go."

   "With what money, Hazel?"

   I played with the silver rings on my fingers. I hadn't considered Robin's financial predicament. College was a place to expand your mind and grow your education, but it's also a money pit. An investment sure, but how can one begin when one does not even have the means to start.

   "What about scholarships?" I suggested. "With your grades, you could definitely get a full ride somewhere! I bet there are scholarships for being in the band and knowing three different languages."

   "I don't know..."  

   "Promise me you'll at least try and consider it," I begged. It wasn't fair for Robin to have these cutbacks. Her brain is magnificent and only deserves to grow further.

   She rolled her eyes and finished the equation, "Sure I'll consider it."

   "Oy, Henderson," I heard Steve call from upfront. "You have a visitor."

   I happily abandoned my homework and walked out to the front.

   I was surprised to see him right at the counter, Eddie standing there with a movie in his hand. His mop of hair was dripping from the rain.