The Scholarship

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----------=BigCloset Retro Classic!=----------
The Scholarship

by Julie O.

A transfer student discovers his new high school's scholarship program and its unusual rules.

Admin Note: Originally published on BigCloset TopShelf on Wednesday 5-18-2005 at 4:01 pm, this retro classic was pulled out of the closet, and re-presented for our newer readers. ~Sephrena

Comments

This was among the first TG fiction stories I ever read

And one thing I always liked about it is that it presented a plot device that really wouldn't happen in a "plausible enough" format that you could suspend disbelief. Too many stories want you to suspend disbelief without explaining why you should.

I can add little

to what Scott has said. I heartily endorse this story as one of the few where a young person shows such resilience, as to overcome trials that would destroy lesser mortals.

Again, I have read this several times, and never fail to be moved by it.

Believeable characters, a not-unreasonable plot, and excellent story-telling.

Susie

Excellent story

Julie has written a wonderful story. I have read it several times and it always brings out powerful emotions. Having grown up in north central Pennsylvania, I so many times wished that my school had the wonderful scholarship program. I have gotten so jealous. Julie, thanks for this great story.
Hugs, Wendy Marie

Wendy Marie

the scholarship story

sonai67's picture

this is a very good story, and i feel that it deals with an issue that should be applied to all school systems, not only in the US, but in all school systems. Diversity and tolerance should be taught earlier in any childs education, so that things like the attacks that happened to Eric/Erika, would occur a lot less, and also for women in general, as it would cause a lot less attacks based on difference not only sexual, but personal and emotional as well. and that comunities would also rally around the positive acts of persons, and not ad to the rape of a victim, that would also be better for all persons as well. I give you great credit to think through these types of issues and greatly appreciate the insight of both the legal system, and the mental health healing systems surrounding a victim of Rape, and Biggtery.

i personally thank you for writing this story, as it has ment a whole lot to me, and i wish something like this was available to me when i was younger, it would have helped me to see what i am sooner than when i had been able to discover what i am. the support of friends and family is very important to TS persons, whom feel that we are not right in body as we are in mind and soul.

thank you for this inspirational story of perserverance, determination, and success.

sincerely
sonai67

Sonai67

The Scholarship

Breanna Ramsey's picture

I have read this story at least three times now, and I was shocked to see that I had never commented on it anywhere. In part I think it's because no matter how many times you read this epic, it always strikes a very poignant emotional chord, and doing justice to it in a comment seems impossible. Well, I'm going to try.

Inspirational is the first word that comes to mind. Julie has woven a masterpiece of inspiration here. The gradual, persistent awaking of true self; the indomitable, courageous heart of Erika, who despite suffering a brutal violation refuses to be crushed by it; the wonderful love and support of family and friends - all of this and more create a tale that is truly inspirational.

It doesn't come easy, either. Our heroine doesn't just pick up the pieces and move on. She fights, she struggles and yes she falls down - but she never gives up.

The almost day by day account of Erika's senior year at Central High is never slow or ponderous, and very quickly she becomes so much more than a character in a story - she becomes a beloved friend and without question a role model worthy of emulation.

The town of Golden Hill itself is an inspiration; it's not perfect, but it comes damn close. If I knew of such a place I would move there in a heartbeat, as I'm sure pretty much anyone here would as well.

If you haven't read The Scholarship - do it! I can't say this strongly enough - you are missing something great here. I know some people have been put off by the rating and the disclaimer regarding the assault depicted in this story. Don't let that stop you - there is nothing gratuitous here. And don't let the size and scope of the story daunt you, you will quickly find yourself drawn into it.

If you have read it, it never hurts to revisit an old friend. I find myself turning to this story when I feel especially down, because it takes me away from my pain and shows me hope. It touches my heart and restores my soul, and in the end I guess that's about the best endorsement I could give to any author.

Scott

The more you love, the more you can love — and the more intensely you love. Nor is there any limit on how many you can love. If a person had time enough, he could love all of that majority who are decent and just.

Lazarus Long
Robert A. Heinlein's 'Time Enoough for Love'

Bree

The difference between fiction and reality? Fiction has to make sense.
-- Tom Clancy

http://genomorph.tglibrary.com/ (Currently broken)
http://bree-ramsey314.livejournal.com/
Twitter: @genomorph

One of the best stories ever!

One of the things alot of people don't know is that this is one of Julie's first stories, if not *the* first!

She's a dear friend, and I helped her out with a little editing and proofreading, and in thanks, she included me in the story, for which I'm forever humbled.

Julie's hoping to have a few of her epics professionally published, and I hope they are, because she deserves it!