I was tired but excited the next morning at school as I told my project advisor about the phone call last night. I couldn't believe that people like Ocean Ramsey, Doctor Martinez, and Director Kettering not just LISTENED, but were actively encouraging me. I could see a path forward where I'd make a real difference in the world, and it felt amazing.

Amy was just as excited, and we spent lunch figuring out what we would have to do to get to Hawaii on Spring Break. It was going to be tough; we both had worked as lifeguards the previous summer, but our savings were earmarked for college. "We need...