Chapter 64: Advice
Unlike Lip, who still had choices, many kids living in the Southside, whether boys or girls, didn't have the same opportunities to escape poverty.
For those kids, the highest achievement they might reach in life could be a diploma from a rundown public high school. In the class-stratified society of America, such a diploma is practically worthless, with upward mobility almost completely blocked.
"Even with a lot of financial aid and loans, Lip, you're smart enough to find a way to work the system," Professor Hurst said, patting Lip on the shoulder.
Professor Hurst saw great potential in Lip. He was not only academically gifted but also resourceful. The fact that Lip managed to take exams for others, so many times without getting caught, said a lot.
Taking exams for others isn't easy. It involves procuring exam passes, sneaking into exam halls, and even dealing with the challenge of substituting for people of different races or genders.
"Working the system sounds like a lot of trouble," Lip replied.
"But it's better than the alternative. Is that girl your girlfriend?" Professor Hurst asked, glancing at Karen behind Lip.
"Well, she is... sort of," Lip answered uncertainly.
"Karen is my daughter," Frank chimed in.
"Hmm?" Professor Hurst was puzzled by the complex relationship.
"A goddaughter, no blood relation," Frank clarified with a cough.
"Anyway, you know what often happens during high school, especially in a Southside public school," Professor Hurst continued.
"Getting a girlfriend pregnant, or getting someone else's girlfriend pregnant. She might say it was an accident, but you'll always wonder if it was an 'accidental' accident."
"If she's unable to afford an abortion, the child might be born. If you're heartless, you might disown them and live your life, but most people will have their lives changed."
"You might end up working at a fast-food joint or supermarket, supporting a family. If you're lucky, you might become an assistant manager by thirty. But if you misdirect your pent-up anger, you might get fired and never find stable work again."
"You'll end up in a bar, drinking cheap beer, blaming the world and the government," Professor Hurst's words made Frank think of the folks at the Alibi Bar.
"But you'll know you haven't lived up to your potential. You shouldn't be living this life, but you can't change it. The only way to numb this wasted potential is through alcohol and drugs."
"Of course, who knows what the future holds? You might get a chance encounter, meet someone influential, but that's less likely than winning the lottery ten times in a row."
"Being as smart as you are, you're likely to keep testing the law's limits, like with the exam scam. If you're lucky, you might flee to another country and never return. If not, you might end up in jail."
"Don't think that breaking the law means you'll never get caught. The world is full of smart people and those who think they're smart," Professor Hurst concluded.
His words were realistic and true, reflecting the lives of many at the bottom of society, though he had put it kindly.
"Seems like you're a philosophy professor trying to save troubled youth," Lip commented.
"Professor, how many kids like Lip choose to continue their education?" Frank asked, concerned.
As someone who also reviewed college entrance exams, Professor Hurst had seen many students, especially talented ones like Lip.
"Not enough. I've advised many like Lip, but they arrogantly believe their lives will be different, foolishly staying trapped in a cycle of fate," Professor Hurst replied.
"What do most people like me say?" Lip inquired.
"They tell me to buzz off," Professor Hurst said.
"I have a class soon. If you want, you can sit in. If not, we have the best robotics lab in the country. Feel free to explore," Professor Hurst suggested, checking his watch.
"And remember to use protection, Lip. I'm sure your father has warned you about this many times," he added, patting Lip's shoulder before heading to his class.
Frank, Lip, and Karen wandered around the University of Chicago, even attending one of Professor Hurst's classes, though Frank didn't understand much.
On the way home, Lip and Karen seemed unchanged, chatting and laughing. With Professor Hurst dismissing the exam issue, Lip felt relieved. He didn't think much of the suggestion to skip a grade and start college next semester.
However, Frank was deep in thought about tuition.
If possible, Frank wanted Lip to seize the opportunity to skip a grade and attend the University of Chicago. But the tuition was a significant hurdle.
Frank considered applying for financial aid loans in his name, but such loans required the student themselves to apply and be enrolled.
Even if Frank wanted to take out a loan, he had no stable job or income, no assets, and lived in a house still in the name of Gingy, who had passed away over a decade ago. No bank would lend to him.
"Money, money," Frank sighed heavily.
Even if Lip didn't attend the University of Chicago now, what about later?
Lip had another year and a half of high school. After that, he'd need to attend college unless he decided to work immediately.
Frank wouldn't allow Lip to skip college. Meeting Professor Hurst reinforced how brilliant Lip was.
Professor Hurst was wealthy and reputable, a man of success. He wouldn't waste words on just anyone. His lengthy encouragement to Lip showed he truly believed in Lip's potential.
Frank was determined not to let Lip work after graduation. Lip had to attend college.
But tuition for a prestigious school was exorbitant. Including all the additional costs, it would run tens of thousands annually.
With just a year and a half until Lip's graduation, where would Frank find such a sum?