With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
Living Large & Lavish
On the bus ride home after school, Angelica is listing all the schools with graphic design programs she wants to apply to: NYU, Pratt, Savannah College of Art and Design. I listen quietly as she lists all the pros and cons of each program and the different professors she wants to work with at each school.
“I just don’t know if I’ll get in. All of these programs are amazing. They only accept the best of the best.”
I shake my head. “Gelly, are you crazy? You are an incredible artist. Why do you think the school always asks you to draw the sports posters and decorate for the school dances? Why do all the kids in our class ask you for help whenever they need something designed? You see the world like no one else. Those schools should kiss your feet for even applying.”
And I’m not just blowing smoke up Angelica’s ass. I mean, tush. Whether it’s designing an outfit, drawing a logo, or putting together a flyer, if you give that girl a colored pencil, she’ll give you back something that belongs in an art gallery.
“I guess. The guidance counselor thinks I have a good shot, and my mentor at the museum says my portfolio is the shit, but I’m nervous. What about you? What schools has Fuentes thrown your way?”
I stare out the bus window. “Fuentes knows any school I apply to will have to be in Philadelphia. She’s had me research La Salle, Temple, St. Joseph’s. She’s pushing for Drexel, which has a culinary arts program, but you know I’m not good at school, so a scholarship is out the question. I don’t even want to think about taking out loans. And how can I work full-time and go to school full-time and raise Babygirl full-time? I think in order of most important, school is at the bottom, right?”
I tap my fingers against the windowpane and fight the urge to bite on my nails.
Angelica is quiet for a long moment and I’m thankful she doesn’t rush to reassure me with unrealistic words. “But what if you get financial aid? You can’t just work at the Burger Joint full-time.”
“It’s not a bad job. It pays me and I can maybe make manager one day.”
But how can I give Angelica an answer when I don’t know myself? I stop staring out the window and force a smile. “Right now I’m going to keep working on your anniversary menu. How do you feel about lobster? Super romantic.”
She shakes her head. “Okay, girl. I’ll drop the topic. But just know, I think you have more to offer the world than you give yourself credit for.”
I look at Angelica and smile. “Same, sis. Borrow that same advice. If one of those schools will make you a stronger artist, fill out the application and shoot your shot. For you, the stars and beyond.”