Page 285 - The Life of A Teenage Girl (Stories About Finding Your Way)

SHAUNA’S STAND–UP

and that I couldn’t answer most questions about them. So when I asked
her if I could redo the test, she already had a face full of doubt.

“Shauna,” Mrs. Stanley stopped marking. “Did you just say you

want to do the test again?”
“Yes. I know you’re a little surprised about this, but I want to prove

to my parents that I’m worthy of something. And if a higher grade on
a math test is going to help, I’ll do it.”

Mrs. Stanley stammered a little and looked down at the papers.
This time, it seemed like she was going to say no.

“Um, Shauna,” she uttered. “I already started marking the tests and

putting them on the report cards. I did most of them, and
unfortunately… you’re one of them.”

I sighed, feeling a bit hurt that there was no way I could make my
parents proud of me. ‘I’m such a sore loser,’ my brother would say to

me. And it’s true—a loser is someone who’s kind of dumb at things,
can’t win or achieve anything in life, nor can they be successful. Just

like me.

“But…” Mrs. Stanley thought for a moment. “I could make an
exception.”

I felt hope again.

“You redo the test tomorrow, and if you pass with an 85 or above, I’ll
change the mark and put it on your report card.”

I smiled with gladness.
“But if you fail again… unfortunately, you’ll be getting an official F

on your card and won’t be able to get another chance.”

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