Dux 2007
Mood: Sleepy (as always), satisfaction mixed with stress and disbelief
Music: Paul Potts, 'Nessun Dorma'
Latest book finished: When the Emperor was Divine by Julie Otsuka
Excuse for being online: emailing my most recent design assignment - oh yeah. :)
Top of my inbox: 'Oat & Herb Encrusted Turkey', Daily Dish #1300 from allrecipes.com
*deep breath* Okay. I got Dux!
My principal told me six days ago, in unthinkably warm Dunedin heat (must have been over 20 degrees celcius - this happens maybe ten times a year if we're lucky :P) and the bliss of a sunny period spent outdoors during my one study break for the week. I bathed in the sunlight, painted, still borne high by a morning birthday party and cake - I know, I know, utopian: sometimes life really is wonderful.
Ms Johnson appeared, caught my eye, drifted over; she sat, all matter-of-fact, and drew a breath in that business-like way she has. "Virginia, I'm glad I caught you." I must have nodded, smiled, though I remember she didn't seem all that excited - perhaps it was the sun, dulling any perception I may have had beyond 'Ahh... this is nice.' There were a few seconds more, filled with light chatter, and then: "You and Rosa have both been named Dux."
Breathe.
I was giddy, laughing, ecstatic, overcome by the brilliance of the moment: euphoric, though still with a vague curiosity about her self-control - how is this a time to be calm? This is fantastic!!! A $5000 scholarship to Otago University next year, to go toward tuition or residence fees, and a medal! (If Rosa is to be believed.) Yes! *dances* Even better, we both get scholarships! Our marks were impossible to separate, as we came first-equal in both subjects we share and achieved three firsts and a second each elsewhere: perfect!!! Yes, oh yes, a dream come true... This allows three of us to get awards, two co-duxes and a Proxima Accessit (Ginny needs google that word to check spelling). This means that Walker can be named, and he deserves it. I don't want to say 'honestly' when explaining myself, because it sounds too much like justification - more, like justification for something you need to defend. So, simply, I thought he would beat me in English this year. He is a brilliant writer: his essays are magic; and not only that, but he can speak. His Hamlet last year was wonderful, the kind of intense, dramatic, confident wonderful that makes next door's class applaud as well as his own. Even remembering now, that sense of wonder still washes over me. Deserved Excellence!
It proved too much not to tell Rosa. I saw her that afternoon as we waited for scholarship classes, and attempted to casually ask if she'd seen Ms Johnson lately... Apparently I don't do subtle. It took me 15 minutes to give in, though! Argh. (Am squashing guilt about not being able to share her joy with her Dad: Mr. Tobin had a plan all worked out. Damn, I wish I'd had the ability to keep my mouth shut!) She was... well, just like me. In disbelief, breaking out into random bouts of laughter, skipping, grinning, questioning me constantly. It's a wonderful memory.
Co-Dux 2007. Wow. I'm shaking my head still, unable to believe. YES!
Labels: english, friends, plans, school
posted by Anonymous @ 11:07 PM
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