Mike (Fall, 2004) Shorewood’s “Career Center” was a cramped little room in the library made even smaller by the ring of bookshelves lining the walls. There were never enough seats at the six tables crammed inside, so some kids had to stand. The only amenity was one wide tinted window that faced into the library so you could watch the students walking by without them seeing you. I had a seat and was making good use of it by hiding the book I was reading under the table. “Here’s our scholarship binder everyone, over ten years we’ve collected 200 scholarships in this file with tips on what they’re looking for in applicants and keywords to use in your letters.” I looked up to see the Career Center counselor waving around a big file book. I thought back to my mom forcing my brother to write his scholarship letters for college. We’d be watching T.V. when she’d come into the room and stand in front screen while she spent five minutes trying to find the off button. “Alright Carlo, time to write your Italian Club scholarship letter.
