Palmer 3: Round 20

Last round, Starburst continued to baffle her family with her eccentric behavior-this time by wearing a bear costume in the heat of summer, much to the embarrassment of her older sister, Nestle. Meanwhile, Riley and Candy prepared to host a party for Splash Fest. By the end of the week, Starburst had joined her sister in high school.

Hi, Riley!

Riley: Oh, um...hi mysterious voice. Didn't see you there.

Yeah, the whole disembodied thing will do that. Were you practicing for some kind of cooking show?

Riley: No, just practicing some tricks for the New Year's party tomorrow night.

Hey, a week with no birthdays. We haven't seen that around here lately.

Looks like Riley's not the only one practicing her cooking...um, Nestle? Most people tend to grill outside during the summer.

Nestle: I know, but this is the last thing I have to do before I'm finally done...

Done with what?

Nestle: Done with Scouts! That was my last badge.

Oh, well congratulations!

Looks like Madison came by to congratulate you...

Madison: Um, no...I mean, sure, congratulations, but I'm actually here to see if you got these same weird letters that we did...

Nestle: What letter?

Madison: This one...

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To Our Distinguished Neighbors:

               We at the University of Britechester and the Foxbury Institute would like to formally announce that we are approaching the registration season for the upcoming academic year. We are excited to be extending this opportunity to Tranquility Creek residents for the first time. Enclosed is a brochure for each institution, as well as an enrollment application for each.

               Enrollment is open to all high school graduates. We encourage parents of current high school students to review the enclosed materials with them to help them decide which school is right for their aspirations and interests. Scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid are also available. Those with previous employment should contact their employers to learn about any education incentives they may offer.

               We look forward to seeing you or your children among our student population at the start of the year. 

Sincerely,

Tranquility Creek Higher Education Commission

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Oh...well, that's certainly more formal than I was expecting...

Madison: Ha! I knew it! So you do know about this!

Well, kind of...

Nestle: Wait...I'm confused. Why would we sign up for another school after we finish school? Isn't the whole point to...you know, finish?

It's called college. It gives you a chance to learn more before you start in a career. 

Well, I guess now we know what the topic will be at the New Year's Party....

Nestle: Can you not blow that thing now? It's not even 8AM yet...

Starburst: But it's New Year's Eve...

Nestle: Yeah, but the party's not for another 10 hours!

Who's coming?

Nestle: Just our cousins and Aunt Jessie.

Nestle: So you guys got the same letter?

Moat: Yup. Are your moms freaking out too?

Nestle: Not really, but I don't think they really get this whole college thing any more than I do. What about you guys?

Moat: Well, my dad just kind of shrugged it off. But then my mom actually read the little pamphlet they sent around. Now she's been making us take all these personality tests and stuff to find out which one of these places we should go to. Plus, this college thing apparently costs a ton of money so she keeps bugging us to get our skills up so we can get something called a scholarship...

Nestle: Wait...so not only do we have to do more school, but we also have to pay for it?

Moat: Yeah, I know. This is crazy! But apparently, if you're like, a really good at something you don't have to pay as much.

Let's hope there's one for dancing...you'll be all set.

Or winter grilling...that could work too. Um, Starburst? You may not want to lean into the grill...

So now you're done with Scouts too?

Starburst: Yes! Hey, do you think that will get me one of those scholarship things?

Maybe, but I don't think you guys will really need it. Your moms are fine with money. But I guess that means you're more excited about college than your sister?

Starburst: I think it sounds like fun. I like school.

Ah, who is this?

Nestle: (sigh) This is Lucian. He's in my class at school.

I see...I take it he got the same letter, then?

Lucian: Yeah...I don't know. I mean, it sounds kind of cool, but...

Nestle: What? No it doesn't! I've already been in school since...well, since forever! Why should I do more?

There are some benefits to it. You can learn new skills, get a better job, and promotions will be much easier...

Speaking of promotions...

Um...what are you doing?

Candy:  Shoveling the snow...

In a random corner of the yard?

Candy: Yeah...this is where the pile is.

But now the pile is two feet to your left...

Starburst: Hey, so I was reading through that pamphlet last night and I think we should totally request a room in Beesley Hall.

Nestle: What are you talking about?

Starburst: You know, when we go to UBrite...we want to make sure we get one of the best rooms. 

Nestle: You're kidding, right? Even if I do go to this stupid college thing, there's no way I'm going with you! Besides, I bet they don't even let aliens into college.

Starburst: Why wouldn't they?

Nestle: You saw that stupid letter. They're all like, stuffy and formal. There's no way a place like that would let an alien in.

Starburst: Do you think Nestle is right?

I don't think so. In fact, there might be some benefit to being an alien at college.

Starburst: Really?

Maybe...but you know, Nestle was right about one thing-you two probably won't go at the same time. You've got a bit to get your skills up before you're ready to go...

Which is more than I can say for Nestle...

Riley: Nestle, did you take a look at that aptitude test I left on your desk?

Nestle: Ugh...no, Mom. I'll look at it later. I promise.

Well, I guess I'll come and check in on you guys next round. Good luck, Nestle...

A Message From the Mysterious Voice: And the lead-up to University begins! Just an FYI, it's going to be quite awhile before any university content shows up. Right now, I'm planning on playing uni students between the Newcrest lots and the Oasis Springs lots, so we've got a lot of ground to cover before we get there. I'll go more in-depth about my plans for handling the university posts once we get closer to them. Buckle up!