American Girl

Connecticut

Denzil Arnold graduated first in his high school class. At his graduation ceremony, he gave the valedictory speech. No one in his family had ever graduated. His two elder brothers dropped out in the eleventh grade. They joined a neighborhood gang, and both served time in Attica. His Mama wanted him to do better. She insisted he remain in school and graduated.

After high school, Denzil attended Columbia University on a scholarship from the United Negro College Fund. He eventually received a master's degree in finance. Initially, he worked as a bank clerk while his new wife, Shandra, studied law and worked overnight at the local diner. It was hard to stay afloat, but they managed.

Education meant a lot to the Arnold family. After dinner, their three children spread their homework across the tiny table and bent their heads over their books. They lived in a small Harlem apartment—the best they could afford.

Darius propped his head with his hand and stared vacantly at the wall while Micheal tapped his pencil repeatedly against his open book. Both Denzil and Shandra attended them when their minds wandered too far. On the other hand, Devyn enjoyed studying. She had a bright mind and advanced quickly.

When Devyn turned ten, the Arnold family moved to Brooklyn. The brownstone seemed enormous compared to the Harlem apartment. Denzil and Shandra took a long time to advance in their careers. A long-awaited promotion to branch manager increased Den's salary, and Shandra finally completed her law degree. Three pregnancies delayed her education, but she didn't mind. She loved her children.

"Remember this: hard work pays off," Shandra exclaimed, jabbing her finger toward the open books before her two sons. "You won't get anywhere in life twirling a pencil, Darius. Your father and I worked hard to get where we are. We're movin' on up, kids."

Devyn smiled to herself. She wanted to follow in her daddy's footsteps. Mathematics came easily for her. She could calculate numbers rapidly in her head. And she admired her daddy. Mama also meant a lot to her, but she was always Daddy's little girl.

The Arnold family continued to prosper throughout the years. Darius graduated from high school. He wasn't first in his class like Denzil and didn't have the most significant grade point average, but Shandra was proud of him nonetheless. They supported him when he joined the Army shortly after he left school. On the other hand, Michael talked about dropping out of high school.

"You won't go far that way, Mike," Shandra stated, concern etching her face. "Your daddy and I worked hard to get where we're at. I don't want you to ruin your life."

Mike shrugged nonchalantly and slouched from the room. Devyn looked up from her homework when the door slammed. She caught her Mama's eye and shrugged also. Devyn loved Michael but disagreed with his lack of motivation.

"He's slipping back to where we came from, Shan," the old granny stated, shaking her head mournfully.

Denzil's mother lived in the basement apartment. She usually came up at lunchtime and remained for company. Devyn listened to her avidly. Although Granny wasn't educated like her son and his wife, she encouraged them to continue advancing in life.

Before the discussion could proceed, Denzil strode into the living room. All eyes turned in his direction. It was early afternoon, and it was not time for him to come home from work. His face beamed with joy and excitement.

"I've decided to quit my job," Denzil exclaimed, his deep brown eyes twinkling merrily.

Shandra stepped back in disbelief. Her mouth formed a perfect zero. Granny began to rise from her rocker, and Devyn closed her arithmetic book with a snap.

"Have you gone mad?" Shandra shouted, anger filling her voice.

"Yes!" Denzil replied, jigging around the room.