I graduated as valedictorian in 1967. I was backward in everything but academics. I was not even aware of available scholarships or that I needed to apply. My guidance counselor had made a move to have someone else from “the right side of the tracks” named in my place, based on the “quality” of my band class grades, but the school superintendent (actually the girl’s grandfather!) stood by me, and I kept the title. The counselor told me I could get a $1,000 scholarship to the local state community college, and that was it. I refused it and went on to the University of Kentucky, worked my way through school in 4 years, and graduated with a B.S. in Engineering. And I was married the entire 4th year. Also, I carried absolutely no student debt. So don’t blame this girl for being unaware.
Thank you for your post. I was in the same position. However, I had teachers who would absolutely ruin a great weekend by expending their own time and energy dragging me off to Latin competitions and special examinations on Saturdays. My teachers were annoying, too, by expecting a great deal of my time and attention. I had no idea why I was the recipient of this unwelcome treatment which interfered with my social life. Kids....