"Be more like her!"
She's all students' nightmare
She's all parents' dream;
None quite like her out there

Teacher's assistant
Straight As, gold medals
Endless pats on the back
Glowing recommendations

Through the school gates
With a big smile
Laughing with friends
In a cloud she glides

Leader of this,
President of that,
Tutor these kids,
They've cut too much slack

Medals around her neck
Glistening bright and bold
No one notices
When she begins to choke

Her mind over loaded,
She lies in bed alone
The valuable papers in her files
Can't keep out the cold

No one sees
Her worn shoulders and back
Or take notice
Of her halo's cracks

As each day passes
"Only a few more days"
She tells herself,
"Then I'll be on my way."

High school passes
She breathes in relief
About to cut the cords,
From her shoulders, screaming to be free

But wait! You can't yet!
She's pulled up from the floor,
She looks up wearily;
Her eyes fall on a college door.