Chapter 7 Planning

After much chatter, the teacher handed out some papers. “Before class starts, fill out these forms,” the teacher instructed. Fox glanced at the paper and knew what it was immediately. It was a future planning form, to decide whether students would work or continue their studies after graduation, and for the school to keep statistics. He glanced at Jennifer sitting next to him, who was calmly filling out her form. Of course, she was going to MIT. MIT was well-known in the US. In movies, if there was a tech genius, they were often labeled as an MIT graduate. Fox looked away, unsure of what to fill in for himself. He knew what the exam questions would be and had been studying hard. His scores would definitely be good. His plan was to get into a good university, deepen his studies, make friends, build a team, and then find ways to make money. Last night, he thought about it and chose the State University of New York as his first choice. It was a prestigious school with strong faculty, and the tuition wasn’t exorbitant. Most importantly, it was close to home, allowing him to spend more time with his family. But now, he hesitated. MIT’s tuition was about twice that of SUNY, and it was far from home. If he wanted to stay close to his family, the travel costs would be significant. But he felt a strong itch to go. “So, MIT it is,” Fox smiled and filled out the form. Was he influenced by Jennifer? There was rational thinking behind it too. MIT was highly advanced in the field of computer science. Having been reborn, he knew the future lay in computers and the internet. Jennifer, munching on a cookie, glanced at Fox’s form and smiled. “Wow, Jenny, you’re going to SUNY! That’s a tough school to get into,” Rocco suddenly exclaimed, sounding exaggerated. “Who was it that said they’d follow Jenny and dream of a wonderful future?” “That university is out of his league. He can keep dreaming,” Rocco added, clearly still upset about the earlier incident. Fox raised an eyebrow, surprised to be dragged into this. Didn’t Rocco remember his dramatic confession? Wasn’t she afraid he might do it again? “Stop it, Rocco. It’s my father’s plan. It’s close to home and suitable for developing in New York,” Jenny said, explaining on her own. Fox’s sudden decision to avoid SUNY was also partly because of Jenny. With her there, who knew what trouble might arise? Better to go to a different school and avoid it all. Fox didn’t get angry at Rocco. It was just a childish prank. He’d remember it for now and get back at her later. After collecting the forms, the teacher began the lesson. Fox listened intently, his expression serious, absorbing all the knowledge. “Alright, alright, I won’t say much more.” “For the remaining time, you can study on your own,” the teacher said, knocking on the desk before sitting down to review the forms. Fox blinked and pulled out the quiz Jennifer had given him. He started working on it. Jennifer wasn’t attending the lesson. Instead, she had switched to a book on the in-depth analysis of relativity. Fox quickly finished the quiz. Jennifer glanced up at him, put down her book, and began to grade his quiz. She finished quickly, marking all answers correct. She had made the quiz herself, a habit she enjoyed from a young age. How could Fox cheat? The answers were in her head. Fox’s grades had been poor, making it unlikely he’d get into a top university. He might end up in a “simple” major, easy to pass but of little use. But now, he had aced the quiz. Jennifer thought she might need to reassess her view of Fox. “Well done. I think I can give you more advanced material next time,” Jennifer said, adjusting her glasses and acknowledging Fox’s effort. They exchanged a few quiet words. The teacher noticed and frowned. Fox, always causing trouble, now “bothering” Jennifer. The teacher flipped through the forms and found Fox’s. “Ha, Fox, you must be joking.” “Even though this form is for school statistics, you can’t just write anything. If you plan to attend college, write a realistic choice.” “MIT? You’re reaching too high,” the teacher said, tapping the desk. Everyone in the class looked over. “MIT? Not SUNY?” Jenny blinked, surprised. Rocco had loudly announced her choice earlier, expecting Fox to choose the same. “No way, bro. SUNY, maybe. But MIT? Think it over,” even Peterson, supportive as ever, voiced his doubt. “Fox at MIT? That’s hilarious. Don’t write your dreams on official forms.” “I think Fox’s career should be in the circus. He’d make a great clown, he’s so funny,” classmates laughed. It seemed impossible, like pigs flying. “Not everyone can be like Jennifer. Fox, face reality sooner,” the teacher said, looking at Fox meaningfully. Fox didn’t respond, instead jotting down new notes. He didn’t care about the laughter. Actions speak louder than words. When he got into MIT, those voices would disappear. Jennifer tried to read, but the noise was too much. She slammed her book on the desk, catching everyone’s attention. She stood up and took off her glasses, her large eyes showing authority.