Gemotions

The email shimmered on Maya’s phone screen. She nearly dropped the device, heart leaping against her ribs. Scrolling down, she recognized the familiar, slightly purple prose of her own application essay – the one about the stubborn, one-legged pigeon she’d nursed back to health. It was *there*, nestled between other examples, under the heading "Exceptional Essays That Worked." A giggle bubbled up, threatening to burst out. Maya ran a hand through her hair, a wide, goofy grin plastered across her face. This was it! She grabbed her laptop and practically galloped to the kitchen, eager to show her parents.