He Still Earned an Education

Story Submitted by Francesca:

I had a work study job in a college admissions office during my senior year.  One day, a guy around my age came in and introduced himself.

He said, "I'm Kevin, and I'm a senior here. I never do this, but I'd like to invite you to dinner with me."

We chatted for a bit.  I asked him about professors he had and classes he had taken.  I liked how confident he was, and I also liked his sense of humor, so after a little bit, I felt comfortable enough to accept his offer for a date that evening after work.

At dinner, at an on-campus restaurant, he talked for a while about himself primarily information about things he had done in high school, then asked me questions.  He seemed particularly interested in my work at the admissions office.

Finally, he came out and said, "What if I told you that I'm a high school senior who really wants in to your school?"

I took a moment to go over his statement, swallowed the wave of disappointment, and said, "I'd probably call you a liar."

He said, "I never lied.  I told you that I was a senior, here," he pointed down to the floor, "As in right here.  Not a senior here, at this school."

I said, "Then you lied and misled me about classes you've taken and professors you've had."

It was then his turn to think for a little bit.  He said, "Yeah.  I guess I kind of did.  Anyway, do you think I could get into your school?"

I said, "If even half of what you told me about your high school accomplishments is true, then I'd say you had a decent shot.  But since I'm not in a position that makes those decisions, and I'll probably be telling the admissions officers about this chat, then I'd have to say probably not."

"Oh, come on!" he shouted.

I nodded.  "Sorry.  I don't like being tricked."

He said, "But I'm paying for dinner!"

I said, "I can't in good conscience let someone who tried to trick his way into my good graces just get away with it."

He said, "But you just said that you're not in the position that makes these decisions, so it looks like we're both wasting our time.  I'll get in."

"I'm sure you will," I said.

Good as his word, he paid for the meal, and good as mine, I told the dean of admissions all about it.

He didn't get in.