“You’re the smartest kind of stupid.” Eileen says, looking me straight in the eyes. I see a small smile creeping up her face, the first hint that this is a joke.

“Oh, shut up.” I say rolling my eyes. “It was only a 22 percent.”

“Exactly my point!” Eileen exclaims. “You’re failing all your classes!” Eileen does have a point here, but I would not let her know that.

“So? It’s not like I’m getting into Harvard or anything anyways.” I start to walk away, but Eileen grabs my arm.

“Come on, Emma.” She says, as I turn around. “If you work hard, you can get into Harvard! I know you do want to get in!”

“Harvard’s stupid, just like you thinking I can be anything in life. I’m going home. Bye.” I say these last words harshly and storm off to my house.

I sat in my bed the night me and Eileen fought. What she said really got into my head. What if I could get in? What if I really tried and failed? I had to decide something soon, junior year is almost over and this might be my last chance…

2 Years Later

“Eileen!” I call from my house. “Come on, let’s go to dinner!”

“Coming babe!” Eileen calls from her house. I see her running from her house in a cute red dress. She hops into shotgun, and we share a quick kiss.

“I’m so excited!” I say after I finally start driving. “I can’t believe we are in the same college!”

“I’m so proud of you, Emma.” Eileen says. “You really changed your life.”

I guess I did. I’m sitting in my car with my girlfriend, and we’re about to go celebrate me getting into Harvard. What a change.