Chapter 7: With a Single Step

In the morning daylight, Andrew felt more optimistic. He recalled reading the Chinese maxim, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” And there was so much to do! After everyone else had dressed, eaten, and left for school, Andrew took his last report card and went directly to the principal’s office at his high school.

“Dr. Cortez, thank you for seeing me this morning.”

“Of course, Mr. Bailey. I’m so sorry for your loss. What can I do for you?”

“I need to stop coming here every day. I need to find work and support my family. I’m asking you, sir, to help me graduate in spite of my absences. Otherwise, I guess, I need to take that test, uh, the GED?”

During their discussion, Cortez learned all about Andrew’s family situation and how there were no other relatives to step in. After some discussion, the he offered a plan which Andrew readily accepted. Since his grades in his senior year were so high and there were only a limited number of remaining weeks before summer break, he would take (at home) and likely pass final exams in his core subjects. His records would document that he completed high school normally. His diploma would arrive in the mail as usual.

“This is very irregular, but your prior performance justifies flexibility on our part. But what about college? I thought you were already accepted at three universities and were committed to the best one of them.”

“Like I said, I need to support my family. There are four of my siblings younger than 16 who are now my responsibility. Probably, I’ll never go to college. Ah, maybe my sister (who’s now 17) and my other four brothers and sisters might go. But not me.”

“Oh, no, that’s not right. Mr. Bailey, Andrew, please try to be hopeful. I think there will be lots of options for a kid like you who has so much potential, shows maturity, and behaves so responsibly. And, no, I don’t mean you taking loans that leave you in debt for life.”

Andrew’s mood, so dark when he thought about missing college, had lifted as they talked. The principal gave him his business card, with his private number written on the back.

“Listen, you call me whenever you need help or advice. In the evening is fine. I’m not in this job because of the high salary, you must know. (That wretched compact car rusting in my parking spot is twelve years older than you are.) Your success is important to me, Andrew. And I know you will overcome this terrible setback. Your family, your siblings will be proud of you, I’m sure of it.”

“Dr. Cortez, you surprise me. Principals are supposed to be mean. You can’t be my princi-PAL. You’ll get in trouble with the union if you’re caught being nice to students. I’d better leave before word gets out about you.”

“Get the fuck out of my office, Bailey.”

But Cortez was grinning like a fool.

“That’s better!” Andrew cried out as he fled.

“Worse every year. Damn kids.”

That remark was also insincere.