The small Texas school that I went to had a tradition carried out every year during the eighth-grade graduation: a beautiful gold and green jacket (the school colors) was awarded to the class valedictorian, the student who had maintained the highest grades for eight years. The scholarship jacket had a big gold S on the left front side and your name written in gold letters on the pocket.
My oldest sister, Rosie, had won the jacket a few years back, and I fully expected to also. I was fourteen and in the eighth grade. I had been a straight A student since the first grade and this last year had looked forward very much to owning that jacket. My father was a farm laborer who couldn’t earn enough money to feed eight children, so when I was six I was given to my grandparents to raise. We couldn’t participate in sports at school because there were registration fees, uniform costs, and trips out of town; so, even though our family was quite agile and athletic there would never be a school sports jacket for us. This one, the scholarship jacket, was our only chance.
In May, close to graduation, spring fever had struck as usual with a vengeance. No one paid any attention in class; instead we stared out the windows and at each other, wanting to speed up the last few weeks of school. I despaired every time I looked in the mirror. Pencil thin, not a curve anywhere. I was called “beanpole” and “string bean,” and I knew that’s what I looked like. A flat chest, no hips, and a brain; that’s what I had. That really wasn’t much for a fourteen-year-old to work with, I thought, as I absent-mindedly wandered from my history class to the gym. Another hour of sweating in basketball and displaying my toothpick legs was coming up. Then I remembered my P.E. shorts were still in a bag under my desk where I’d forgotten them. I had to walk all the way back and get them. Coach Thompson was a real bear if someone wasn’t dressed for P.E. She had said I was a good forward and even tried to talk Grandma into letting me join the team once. Of course Grandma said no.
I was almost back at my classroom door when I heard voices raised in anger as if in some sort of argument. I stopped. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, I just hesitated, not knowing what to do. I needed those shorts and I was going to be late, but I didn’t want to interrupt an argument between my teachers. I recognized the voices: Mr. Schmidt, my history teacher, and Mr. Boone, my math teacher. They seemed to be arguing about me. I couldn’t believe it. I still remember the feeling of shock that rooted me flat against the wall as if I were trying to blend in with the graffiti written there.
“I refuse to do it! I don’t care who her father is, her grades don’t even begin to compare to Martha’s. I won’t lie or falsify records. Martha has a straight A-plus average and you know it.” That was Mr. Schmidt and he sounded very angry. Mr. Boone’s voice sounded calm and quiet.
“Look. Joann’s father is not only on the Board, he owns the only store in town: we could say it was a close tie and—”
The pounding in my ears drowned out the rest of the words, only a word here and there filtered through. “. . . Martha is Mexican . . . resign . . . won’t do it . . . . ” Mr. Schmidt came rushing out and luckily for me went down the opposite way toward the auditorium, so he didn’t see me. Shaking, I waited a few minutes and then went in and grabbed my bag and fled from the room. Mr. Boone looked up when I came in but didn’t say anything. To this day I don’t remember if I got in trouble in P.E. for being late or how I made it through the rest of the afternoon. I went home very sad and cried into my pillow that night so Grandmother wouldn’t hear me. It seemed a cruel coincidence that I had overheard that conversation.
The next day when the principal called me into his office I knew what it would be about. He looked uncomfortable and unhappy. I decided I wasn’t going to make it any easier for him, so I looked him straight in the eyes. He looked away and fidgeted with the papers on his desk.
“Martha,” he said, “there’s been a change in policy this year regarding the scholarship jacket. As you know, it has always been free.” He cleared his throat and continued. “This year the Board has decided to charge fifteen dollars, which still won’t cover the complete cost of the jacket.”
I stared at him in shock, and a small sound of dismay escaped my throat. I hadn’t expected this. He still avoided looking in my eyes.
“So if you are unable to pay the fifteen dollars for the jacket it will be given to the next one in line.” I didn’t need to ask who that was.
Standing with all the dignity I could muster, I said, “I’ll speak to my grandfather about it, sir, and let you know tomorrow.” I cried on the walk home from the bus stop. The dirt road was a quarter mile from the highway, so by the time I got home, my eyes were red and puffy.
“Where’s Grandpa?” I asked Grandma, looking down at the floor so she wouldn’t ask me why I’d been crying. She was sewing on a quilt as usual and didn’t look up.
“I think he’s out back working in the bean field.”
I went outside and looked out at the fields. There he was. I could see him walking between the rows, his body bent over the little plants, hoe in hand. I walked slowly out to him, trying to think how I could best ask him for the money. There was a cool breeze blowing and a sweet smell of mesquite fruit in the air, but I didn’t appreciate it. I kicked at a dirt clod. I wanted that jacket so much. It was more than just being a valedictorian and giving a little thank you speech for the jacket on graduation night. It represented eight years of hard work and expectation. I knew I had to be honest with Grandpa; it was my only chance. He saw my shadow and looked up.
He waited for me to speak. I cleared my throat nervously and clasped my hands behind my back so he wouldn’t see them shaking. “Grandpa, I have a big favor to ask you,” I said in Spanish, the only language he knew. He still waited silently. I tried again. “Grandpa, this year the principal said the scholarship jacket is not going to be free. It’s going to cost fifteen dollars, and I have to take the money in tomorrow, otherwise it’ll be given to someone else.” The last words came out in an eager rush. Grandpa straightened up tiredly and leaned his chin on the hoe handle. He looked out over the field that was filled with the tiny green bean plants. I waited, desperately hoping he’d say I could have the money.
He turned to me and asked quietly, “What does a scholarship jacket mean?”
I answered quickly; maybe there was a chance. “It means you’ve earned it by having the highest grades for eight years and that’s why they’re giving it to you.” Too late I realized the significance of my words. Grandpa knew that I understood it was not a matter of money. It wasn’t that. He went back to hoeing the weeds that sprang up between the delicate little bean plants. It was a time-consuming job; sometimes the small shoots were right next to each other. Finally he spoke again as I turned to leave, crying.
“Then if you pay for it, Marta, it’s not a scholarship jacket, is it? Tell your principal I will not pay the fifteen dollars.”
I walked back to the house and locked myself in the bathroom for a long time. I was angry with Grandfather even though I knew he was right, and I was angry with the Board, whoever they were. Why did they have to change the rules just when it was my turn to win the jacket? Those were the days of belief and innocence.
It was a very sad and withdrawn girl who dragged into the principal’s office the next day. This time he did look me in the eyes.
“What did your grandfather say?”
I sat very straight in my chair.
“He said to tell you he won’t pay the fifteen dollars.”
The principal muttered something I couldn’t understand under his breath and walked over to the window. He stood looking out at something outside. He looked bigger than usual when he stood up; he was a tall, gaunt man with gray hair, and I watched the back of his head while I waited for him to speak.
“Why?” he finally asked. “Your grandfather has the money. He owns a two-hundred acre ranch.”
I looked at him, forcing my eyes to stay dry. “I know, sir, but he said if I had to pay for it, then it wouldn’t be a scholarship jacket.” I stood up to leave. “I guess you’ll just have to give it to Joann.” I hadn’t meant to say that, it had just slipped out. I was almost to the door when he stopped me.
“Martha—wait.”
I turned and looked at him, waiting. What did he want now? I could feel my heart pounding loudly in my chest and see my blouse fluttering where my breasts should have been. Something bitter and vile tasting was coming up in my mouth; I was afraid I was going to be sick. I didn’t need any sympathy speeches. He sighed loudly and went back to his big desk. He watched me, biting his lip.
“Okay. We’ll make an exception in your case. I’ll tell the Board, you’ll get your jacket.”
I could hardly believe my ears. I spoke in a trembling rush. “Oh, thank you, sir!” Suddenly I felt great. I didn’t know about adrenalin in those days, but I knew something was pumping through me, making me feel as tall as the sky. I wanted to yell, jump, run the mile, do something. I ran out so I could cry in the hall where there was no one to see me.
At the end of the day, Mr. Schmidt winked at me and said, “I hear you’re getting the scholarship jacket this year.”
His face looked as happy and innocent as a baby’s, but I knew better. Without answering I gave him a quick hug and ran to the bus. I cried on the walk home again, but this time because I was so happy. I couldn’t wait to tell Grandpa and ran straight to the field. I joined him in the row where he was working, and without saying anything I crouched down and started pulling up the weeds with my hands. Grandpa worked alongside me for a few minutes, and he didn’t ask what had happened. After I had a little pile of weeds between the rows, I stood up and faced him.
“The principal said he’s making an exception for me, Grandpa, and I’m getting the jacket after all. That’s after I told him what you said.”
Grandpa didn’t say anything; he just gave me a pat on the shoulder and a smile. He pulled out the crumpled red handkerchief that he always carried in his back pocket and wiped the sweat off his forehead.
“Better go see if your grandmother needs any help with supper.”
I gave him a big grin. He didn’t fool me. I skipped and ran back to the house whistling some silly tune.
Logging in, please wait...
0 General Document comments
0 Sentence and Paragraph comments
0 Image and Video comments
1 archived comments
New Conversation
Hide Thread Detail
I’m the Tech Liaison for the New York City Writing Project. I… (more)
I’m the Tech Liaison for the New York City Writing Project. I… (more)
Now, I’d love to see what you think about such awards or if you have ever worked hard the way Martha has to deserve such an award. How do you think she must be feeling after keeping her grades up for eight years?
New Conversation
Hide Full Comment Hide Thread Detail
New Conversation
Hide Thread Detail
New Conversation
You’re*
New Conversation
Hide Full Comment
I FIND THIS INTERESTING BECAUSE IN HIS SCHOOL IS SMALL SO HE JUST HAVE TO DO SMALL STUFF
New Conversation
Hide Full Comment Hide Thread Detail
How do you think the size of a school impacts the types of rewards or praise students can earn?
New Conversation
Hide Full Comment
New Conversation
New Conversation
I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning, I sleep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own
I used to roll the dice
Feel the fear in my enemy’s eyes
Listen as the crowd would sing
Now the old king is dead, long live the king
One minute, I held the key
Next the walls were closed on me
And I discovered that my castles stand
Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand
I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringin’
Roman Cavalry choirs are singin’
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason, I can’t explain
Once you’d gone, there was never, never an honest word
And that was when I ruled the world
It was a wicked and wild wind
Blew down the doors to let me in
Shattered windows and the sound of drums
People couldn’t believe what I’d become
Revolutionaries wait
For my head on a silver plate
Just a puppet on a lonely string
Oh, who would ever want to be king?
I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringin’
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason, I can’t explain
I know Saint Peter won’t call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh
I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringin’
Roman Cavalry choirs are singin’
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can’t explain
I know Saint Peter won’t call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
New Conversation
Hide Full Comment Hide Thread Detail
This was really good.
New Conversation
Hide Full Comment Hide Thread Detail
Firstly, I must say, I appreciate your reflection on the school tradition—it gives a strong sense of place and value, which can resonate well with your readers. And the details you’ve provided about the jacket itself? They’re quite vivid; I can almost see it! Now, considering your question, “Do you ever have a single original thought?” it appears to be a rather pointed inquiry about creativity or authenticity, doesn’t it? Let’s delve into that.
When you write about the jacket, you’re connecting to a broader theme of recognition and merit—it’s highlighting an accomplishment. Perhaps you could express your personal thoughts or feelings on this tradition. Did this tradition inspire you? Did it feel like an original part of your community’s identity, something you hadn’t seen before?
I encourage you to edit lines, sentences, and paragraphs in your text. If you are owner of the document, you can double-click on any sentence or paragraph, edit and update.
Remember to keep referring back to your original question about having an original thought. What does this tradition and striving for the jacket mean to you personally? How does it connect to your own aspirations or creativity?
Would you like to discuss how you can further develop the theme of originality in your experiences, or maybe you’re looking to explore the feelings attached to traditions and accomplishments? Perhaps, we could talk about how to weave in your own narrative or thoughts to provide a fresh perspective. Which way would you like to steer our conversation, or is there another part of the text that’s calling out for deeper reflection? Let’s craft a tapestry of thoughts as colorful as that jacket!
New Conversation
Hide Full Comment
I like this part cause it let me see what type of celebrate in texas
New Conversation
Hide Full Comment
New Conversation
Hide Thread Detail
I want good grades too
New Conversation
Hide Full Comment Hide Thread Detail
What do good grades represent for students? Why are they important to obtain?
New Conversation
Hide Full Comment Hide Thread Detail
It shows that when they learn, they show their wisdom that they earned from their experience in school.
New Conversation
Hide Full Comment
What i see in the paragraph is that when i was reading this paragraph I saw a big S .
Also This is important is because the student has highest academic achievements of the class so the principal had a award and the jacket.
This relate to me because i was once a valedictorian i think am not sure but I think i remember .
New Conversation
Hide Full Comment
New Conversation
New Conversation
Hide Thread Detail
I agree, in fact this one struck me as odd. I agree with the ideas that are described in the text, besides that I would like to add that I am also a writer (if I can call myself that), because I am a college student and I really love writing, more than that, I love reading it, because it inspires me a lot to do something new and interesting, I think this source is one of the best I have ever discovered check this site because here I can find writings to any field and then I can make one of my own, which will be absolutely unique and with brilliant ideas, because here as I noticed there are many interesting ideas. Besides that I already know several colleagues in college who use this and I must say that this is really interesting because I made a personal statistic of my own from which I deduced that actually the students who use this to make writings are like about 20% smarter than the rest.
New Conversation
Hide Full Comment
New Conversation
New Conversation
New Conversation
She did not buy the jacket her mom got the jacket.
New Conversation
Hide Full Comment Hide Thread Detail
New Conversation
I like to have a scholarship when I get older it will be good that will be amazing that will help to go to a college that is good because I want to go to college so I can go to any job I want that is really good that is going to be good that is going to be good because im going to get all the money for me and my family and wife and kids and my mom and dad that is going to be so amazing you should try to go to college tthat is going to be good
New Conversation
Hide Full Comment
konichiwa,hello my name is gabriel i’m a student in new direc… (more)
konichiwa,hello my name is gabriel i’m a student in new direc… (more)
If I were in that school I would never be able to get that jacket because i’m not good at getting strait A for eight years.
New Conversation
Hide Full Comment
The details that i see in this paragraph is that her sister has won a jacket a few back.
This is important to me because i feel the same way as Marta ,when my brother won something that i what i would be sad and jealous.
This relate to me because I was jealous at my brother because he won something that i what which was the honor roll
New Conversation
Hide Full Comment
New Conversation
Hide Thread Detail
but other than that was a good answer
New Conversation
Hide Full Comment
New Conversation
New Conversation
THIS IS INTERESTING BECAUSE HE WAS A STRAIGHT A STUDENT FOR 4 YEARS THEN HE DIDNT EARN THE JACKET,THATS DISAPONTED
New Conversation
Hide Full Comment
i think that this a good story and a life lesson because you have to be grateful for what you have because some people don’t have what we do
New Conversation
Hide Full Comment
What do I see in this paragraph is that the graduation was close and some people got a fever from spring.
This is important to me because I know how was like I got a fever from spring to and i think i had to go with a fever because I did not what to miss something so big
This relate to me because I think i had a fever from spring once and I had to go with my fever .
New Conversation
Hide Full Comment
THEY WASNT PAYING ATTENTION BECAUSE IT WAS ABOUT TO BE THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR SO THEY STARED AT WINDOWS AND DID NOTHING
New Conversation
Hide Full Comment
New Conversation
New Conversation
New Conversation
What i see in this paragraph is that this is mean because the teachers said that she is Mexican not she can not get the jacket.
This is important is because you can be like that that is so mean if some one said something like that to you would you like it?no
This relate to me because i remember that some body said that insist i am not Dominican that made me feel bad
New Conversation
Hide Full Comment
New Conversation
What do I see In this paragraph is that the principal is calling you t his offices that is crazy.
This is important because if you are going to the principal office you did something bad.
New Conversation
Hide Full Comment Hide Thread Detail
New Conversation
New Conversation
New Conversation
New Conversation
New Conversation
New Conversation
How do I explain this figurative language? I need an explanation pls help.
New Conversation
Hide Full Comment
New Conversation
Hide Thread Detail
New Conversation
New Conversation
Hide Thread Detail
New Conversation
New Conversation
Hide Thread Detail
What would you be happy about here? Why?
New Conversation
Hide Full Comment Hide Thread Detail
I would be happy because he is going to pay the jacket for her.
New Conversation
Hide Full Comment
Are you a teacher?
New Conversation
Hide Full Comment
General Document Comments 0
New Conversation
She earned the jacket, but because she was of a different race, and because a white girl had a father with a big business, she was going to have to pay for something that would normally be free! This kind of reminds me of the poll tax, when blacks had to pay to vote for a president!
New Conversation
Hide Full Comment Hide Thread Detail
New Conversation