Gemotions

The failing grade in the Spanish class was a bitter pill to swallow for Maria. She had always excelled in language. But here she was, staring at the dreaded "F" on her report card. She slumped in her chair, the weight of the world on her shoulders. She wanted to disappear.

Then she thought of her grandmother, who had immigrated to this country with nothing but the clothes on her back. She thought of her own privilege, her own opportunities. She was able to learn, to read, to travel.

Maria took a deep breath.

She reached for her Spanish textbook. She would start fresh.