Christmas 1964
"Figure it out yourself!"
That's what Bart said yesterday when I told him that
Ignatius wouldn't take me. He didn't even finish ninth grade. I guess
it was ridiculous to expect him to help me figure out what to do about
college. He's more interested in how to score some money than anything
else.
Damn! It's Christmas night and I'm mad. Downstairs I hear
my aunt singing to her husband's ragged tune on our old upright piano.
I should be down there laughing and enjoying the holiday, but today I
can't stand their joy and their jokes! How would you to feel if the admissions
dean at Ignatius College said, "We believe you have shown insufficient
application in high school?" I thought with two scholarships in my
hand even a dunderhead would realize my brilliance.
This morning I found chemicals, a football, and an almanac
under the tree. For awhile I forgot about my unsuccessful interview of
two days ago. Until at dinner Aunt Emily had to gloat that her precious
son was accepted by the University of Maryland. With faked good manners,
she asked of my
plans.
I evaded by answering that I was unsure where I would attend
college.
I've got half a year to figure what to do after Tech High.
If the Jesuits had accepted me, I could've lived at home and my first year's
tuition would have been covered.
There was this character in a Perry Mason mystery that I read
when I was thirteen who impressed me. She would lay in bed at night and
go through in her mind what she wanted. Then she'd figure out what everyone
else might do and make her plans before they even started. So she got her
way.
I tried to think my friends through in that manner. I didn't
get too far. None of my friends except Luke have plans. It's all for fun
and, if something happens, react to it.
Luke says that he's going to Chesapeake Junior College. He
wants to start his own business. Luke knows that his parents will let him
continue at UM if he finishes two years at the local community college.
