They said

They told me to excel in school

        But what does it mean to excel?

They told me to keep my grades up

        So I made straight A’s.

Then they told me to challenge myself

        So I took more advanced classes.

They told me to become well-rounded

        But who is privileged enough to define well-rounded?

I divided my time between dance, theatre, newspaper, student congress, volunteer work, interest clubs, work…

When my grades dropped I sacrificed sleep for the sake of rounding the edges of my future application. 

Then they said to be happy and kind even while sleep-deprived

        So I took a couple pills. 

They said to stay beautiful

        So I skipped breakfast to do my hair.

Then they said to attend the most prestigious university that my resume would allow

        But its price tag is much to high. 

Now I cannot hear them anymore. 

I hear the sound of a red solo cup calling my name, 

        and it sounds much sweeter. 

        The cup tells me nothing, 

        but for once gives me the chance to say everything.