By Elsie George
Preparation
School was once again in the offing. Just two more weeks and Rhee would ride the school bus ten miles with other students. She was a bit nervous since this year she would be in middle school, and she wondered what it would be like. Would she make friends? Would anyone sit with her on the bus? Would she like her teachers and would they like her?
Her musings were diverted when her sister Dani entered the room carrying school books. 'Dani,' what are you doing with your textbooks?' Rhee inquired.
'I am getting a jump on studies. You know I am a senior this year and I want to do well enough to earn a scholarship. So, I am reading ahead in my books to be ready for class in case I have questions to ask. I am really concerned, because there are so many smart students in my class. I wish I had thought about doing this every year when I was in middle school like you,' Dani said. 'You know that we buy our school supplies and clothes to prepare for school? Well, this is another way to just prepare for what we want.'
Rhee pondered what her sister had told her about getting an earlier start on studies. 'I am in middle school now,' she thought. 'Why don't I start now on preparing for scholarships when I am a senior. I really want to go to college.' And with that, Rhee's questions about the coming year decreased in importance to her. She knew she would study and do well because she would prepare in advance; and she would be ready in her senior year as well. And if she did not have to worry so much, maybe it would be easier to make friends, and it would not matter if she liked her teachers because she would learn from them anyway. 'Dani,' she said, 'thanks for being a good example for me and showing me that preparation is important for what I want in life.'
DISCUSSION: How important is it to be prepared? How do you prepare for what you want or need? What do you think about Rhee's beginning so early to think about college? What do you think about Dani's reviewing her textbooks before school even started?