Master of the Five Paragraph Essay According to a Teen Girl

Mom,

I have so much to say to you that I almost went with Gran to visit you, but I still can’t stand to see your face. I’m not doing well, thanks for asking, but I got an A+ on my five paragraph essay in English class. Therefore, I’m going to write to you about the ways you have ruined my life. As a result of your imprisonment, my life has been uprooted, put on hold, and has no future.

Gran wanted to move closer to the prison, so we now live in an apartment complex in a town where I don’t know anyone. Did you know that I made the debate team and started soccer? I also got a role in the school play. All of which I had to give up because you went to prison. Now I’m in a rinky dink school that’s so small the junior high and high school are one building. They don’t have debate or theater and their soccer team is JV and varsity together. What’s the point of all those years with a trainer to earn a varsity spot if everyone automatically gets a spot? Everything I have worked for means nothing now.

Speaking of things that mean nothing now. My life has been put on hold. Did you know Gran can’t afford driving school much less a car? All my friends have already gotten their learner’s permits, but I can’t even take the class. Gran says I can get a job to save up for a car. Do you know how long that’s going to take? I thought I’d at least be able to get my license and drive home to visit my friends, but it’s never going to happen. Gran found an online drivers class, but she said she’s rather spend that hundred dollars on your commissary. When I complained that using that money on a prisoner is like rewarding the prisoner and punishing me, she told me to stop whining. That it’s important for you to have some money for your commissary wsurvive. So I, the one who isn’t a convicted prisoner, has to do without because you decided to confess.

Finally, state university is out of the question. Gran says I’ll have to go to community college. So now, I have to get a job, which I have plenty of time for now that I can’t be on the debate team, be in the school play, or play soccer on a level I’m used to, I have to get a job to buy my clothes and school supplies because Gran can’t afford it, save up for drivers ed, and then a car, and college. I’m sure I could’ve gotten a scholarship for my extracurriculars if I could still do them, but my whole future is ruined because of you.

In conclusion, I hope you’re happy now. All that money you wasted on a lawyer, could’ve been used for my benefit since you ended up confessing and getting a deal. Now, I have to live in this podunk town with no friends or future and most of all no happiness. Gran is super strict, but who cares when your life is ruined anyway. I hope your happy, not.

Sincerely,

Your daughter

My darling Poppy,

Thank you for writing to me. I hope getting that all out and venting was very therapeutic for you. I understand that this is all very unfair to you. I didn’t want Gran to move here and take everything away from you, but mothers will do anything for their children.

I love you more than anything else in the world, and your future is very important to me. I do wish you’d come visit, so we could discuss all of this in person. Please come at least once. I would love to see you.

I’ve asked Gran not to add anything more to my commissary. That first $100 was necessary. I need to have something to be able to trade with other inmates. It makes day-to-day life easier. From now on though, she doesn’t need to add anything more. I want it all to go to you.

I do think getting a job would be good for you. I’m sorry you can continue with your extracurriculars. I know how hard you worked for them but getting a job is a great way to build character and experience and still looks good on college applications. State university might still be on the table. I’m sure there are scholarships for students of your level who live with their grandmother because their mom is in prison. You should qualify for grants too. Don’t give up on your future.

I really think it’s for the best if you come visit. Please come with your grandmother next time.

Love,

Mom

Mom,

No, I’m not coming. I have a job now, and I’m reconstructing my life. I’m not writing a full on essay this time. Here are my main points.

I work at the KFC by our apartments because it’s close enough to walk and Gran can’t drive me. I go home smelling like chicken every day.
I no longer play soccer. I felt like an outsider because they have all known each other forever. Even though I’m their best player, the coach won’t start me because seniors are given priority even if they suck.
Wtf is FAFSA? Gran said you told her to tell me to look into it.
Idc what you say, my future is ruined. I’ll probably become a manager at KFC and work there forever.
If I was really as important to you as you claim, you wouldn’t have confessed. You didn’t do it. You wouldn’t have been found guilty. We’d still be living at home, and my life would be like it’s supposed to.

Your daughter with the ruined life,

Penelope

Dear Poppy,

I’m sorry for what you’re going through. My intention was always to protect you and your future. Times are tough for you right now, but it won’t always be this way. Change is always a difficult adjustment especially when a move is involved. Let me address your points one-by-one.

My first job was at a Dairy Queen around your age. I know what it’s like leaving work smelling that way. I’m glad you found a job close enough to walk to. Is it safe walking home after dark? I’ll make sure Gran meets you after work and walks home with you.
That must be so aggravating to not be able to start when you have worked so hard. You are an amazing player, and I hope you get a chance to play again soon. Gran says there’s a local league you can join. It’s not a travel team, but you’ll have fun and be able to continue honing your skills.
FAFSA is a federal program that helps students pay for school. Gran mentioned that you were looking in to dual credit classes. FAFSA can pay for them. You fill out what you can on your end, then I have to fill in mine based on my income tax from last year.
Being a manager at KFC wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. Think about it, you could transfer to another location like back home or wherever you want to go to college. That experience will help you succeed in whatever you choose.
You know that everything I’ve done, I’ve done for you. If you were the one in prison, you’d really have a hard time obtaining the future you want. The lawyer warned that if I didn’t accept this deal, I’d likely end up with 30 years to life. Or worse, if I were found not guilty, that wouldn’t be the end. The police would continue investigating. You know where that could lead. I couldn’t let that happen. I’d gladly trade my life for yours, but it’s important for you to stop living in denial. You have to accept accountability and consequences or you’ll keep making the same mistakes.

Please come see me in person. It’s very important that we talk. I love you. I love you more than my own life. Please, come to me.

Yours truly,

Mom

Mom,

You just don’t get it.

No!

This is my last letter.

The end,

Your daughter