“Like a gap year? I know a guy from high school who is couch-surfing through Europe.”
He hesitated. “I wouldn’t recommend a trip that includes traveling alone, especially overseas. Do you have anyone who might be interested in accompanying you on a trip?”
“Not that I can think of.” Although my Grandma Tucker might.
“You know how to swim. Are you certified in CPR? Or as a lifeguard?”
“Both.”
“You could spend your gap year employed. Nannies are in great demand, and some positions include travel.”
I shook my head. Babysitting had never been something I liked.
He pointed at one of my emails. “You could apply for a job at a non-profit organization. Although you wouldn’t be compensated for most of these positions, they would be impressive on a resume.” His eyes narrowed. “You could serve as a camp counselor for children with serious illnesses.”
I shivered at that last idea. Didn’t seem like the kind of thing I’d want to do, not yet. “Won’t those jobs already be filled?”
“The summer positions, yes, but camps hold special weeks or weekends in the fall and spring.”
I nodded to let him know I understood, but I didn’t feel like further discussion. I’d rather sit here and think through the options. I’d never considered any path outside the conventional one—school, school, and more school.
But my life had taken an unconventional turn. A permanent fork in the road. It was unveiling possibilities I’d never imagined. I still wanted the normal stuff. College. Maybe grad school. And a career. But a bad grade had given me a second chance. I could choose what happened next because I had options, not because it seemed like the right thing to do. I would take this moment and breathe. “You can go, Grant. I have enough to think about.”
“Very well.” He inclined his head. “Tomorrow morning, then?”
“Yeah.” Once he’d disappeared, I opened a browser on my iPad and immersed myself in his research.
By bedtime, I’d reached three decisions.
I would make up the French credit as soon as possible.
I would attend college this fall.
That college wouldnotbe Piedmont.
It was scary. And liberating. And crazy.
I liked the idea of the two-week turnaround time at Newman. To make sure that it was true, I’d emailed the admissions office and received an immediate response. They’d assured me if my grades and scores arrived promptly, they could make a decision for the upcoming fall semester. They also encouraged me to come by for a campus visit, which—yeah—was a must, although the three-hundred mile commute made scheduling a visit difficult.
The big problem with Newman was that I knew nothing about it. I’d never been there. I hadn’t researched their degree programs enough. And I didn’t know any alumni, so no personal recommendations. I couldn’t choose a college only because they would let me in.
Magnolia Community College might be the best interim plan. With a semester there, I wouldn’t feel so rushed. I’d still have to figure out housing, and I wouldn’t be going away for school like I wanted. But, since Lacey and Kimberley were attending there this fall, I wouldn’t be alone.
Of course, I had to be on speaking terms with my friends, which required apologies and uncomfortable conversations. The first move would have to be mine.
Status Report #18
Tuesday’s Wish: Pass
Dear Boss,
Sara and I reviewed the research I performed on her behalf. The possibilities piqued her interest. I am relieved. I don’t think her previous plans were ideal.
She dismissed me afterwards without requesting her next wish. I fear that she is running out of ideas, but her need for my companionship is far from ready to end. I intend to suggest wishes to her.
Regards,
Grant
