Maya grabbed the mail out of the mailbox and headed up the stairs of the apartment building that she'd lived in for almost her entire life. She tossed the mail on the counter, like always, and started towards the refrigerator when a big white envelope caught her eye. It wasn't even really the size that had got Maya's attention though, it was the colorful logo on the top left corner of the envelope. The logo of a place she had grown to adore the moment her art teacher had mentioned the name. The School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, the only college she wanted to get into, the only college she cared about. Sure her mom, Shawn, Corey, and Topanga had warned her not to put all her eggs in one basket. They knew she was smart, they knew she was committed, and they knew that more than anything in life, she wanted to succeed, but only ever looking at one college was a very risky move.
As soon as she saw the logo, Maya ran over to the counter, grabbed the envelope, dashed out the door, back down the stairs, and back onto the streets of New York, and she didn't stop running until she had reached the door of the Matthew's apartment. She flung it open, marched to the couch, and sat down staring intensely at the envelope before anyone in the Matthews Family had any time to process what was happening.
Riley had been studying for a big math test when she heard the door slam in the other room. She marched down the hall to the living room yelling, "Could you PLEASE keep it down in here i'm trying to study" when she noticed Maya sitting in the couch.
"Peaches, what are you doing here?"
"Yah, we'd like to know the same thing" Mr. Matthews chimed in.
Ignoring her father's comment, she turned back to her friend,
"Is everything ok? Is something wrong? You usually come through the bay window."
Without saying a word, Maya passed Riley the envelope she had been holding.
"School of Visual Arts, Maya, this is your dream school. What does the letter say?"
"I don't know Riley. I saw the envelope on the counter, freaked out, and ran here. I just submitted my portfolio like, last week. They couldn't have possibly made a decision already. I bet it's a letter of rejection. I bet they took one look at my artwork and threw it aside."
"Woah, Maya, slow down. It's only been a week. They probably have tons of applications and portfolios to sort through but they most definitely would not throw yours aside."
"You're right, it's probably just one of those stupid brochures colleges hand out to try to get people interested in their school."
"Or a confirmation that they have received your work?"
"Yah, I guess that could be it too."
"See Maya, there's no reason to worry. Besides, you're the greatest artist I know. No school in the entire world would be able to pass you up."
"Thanks Riles, but i'm pretty sure you're inclined to say that since you're my best friend."
"No Maya, I'm serious. Now open that envelope before I open it for you."
Everyone gathered around the couch as Maya carefully tore open the top of the envelope and pulled a piece of paper out. She read the letter over a couple times and then announced,
"It's a scam, this has to be a scam. There's just no way."
Riley grabbed the letter from Maya's hand and began reading it outloud
"Dear Maya, it is with great pleasure, the School of Visual Art, due to your great talent depicted in your portfolio and your impressive grades, would like to grant you a full ride scholarship starting at the beginning of the next school year. This will include, class costs, room and board, meal plans, books, and anything else related to school costs. We look forward to your reply and anxiously await your acceptance of this offer."
All jaws dropped as Topanga pulled the letter from Riley's hand, inspected it, and then announced
"Maya, this is real honey. You did it!"
"No way, there has to be a mistake, this has to be a misunderstanding or joke or something."
"Maya, why is this so hard for you to accept?" Riley asked, placing her hands on her shoulders "You did it Maya, YOU did it!"
It was now Corey's turn to read through the letter but still sensing that Maya was unsure of the whole thing, and understanding her lack of belief, he handed her back the letter
"Here Maya, there's a number on the bottom. Call it. I bet they can answer all the questions you have. We'll be right here if you need us and we can take over at anytime if you question the validity of this letter at all while you're talking to them."
Looking at him unsure, Maya grabbed the letter from his hands and began to dial the number, looking up right before she hit the call button.
"Promise" Mr. Matthews added, giving Maya just enough comfort to hit the button.
Maya held the phone up to her ear and listened to the ringing. Just as she was about to chicken out and hang up, someone answered the phone.
"School of Visual Arts Manhattan, how can I help you?"
"Um, hi, my name is Maya Hart-Hunter and I'm calling about a letter I received in the mail today about an Full ride scholarship offer?"
"Awe, yes hold on a second and I'll transfer you to your admissions counselor. He should be able to answer all of your question for you."
"Yes, that would be great, thank you"
And with that, the phone was ringing again.
"School of Visual Arts Manhattan, Ben speaking."
"Um, hi, my name is Maya Hart-Hunter and I'm calling about a letter I received in the mail today about an Full ride scholarship offer?"
"Yes! Maya! I'm so glad to hear from you! I was going to call you this week for that very reason."
"You messed up right? You sent it to the wrong person?"
"What? No, I was calling to congratulate you, and confirm that you got the letter."
"Really? So it's true? I got it?"
"You did more than just got it, your whole college is being paid for."
Trying hard to not let her excitement slip through, Maya took a deep breathe.
"Can I maybe call you back tomorrow please?"
"Sure, Maya, I know it's a lot to take in. I'll be in the office all day tomorrow, just ask for Ben at the front desk and they'll send you through to me. I'm so glad you called. Talk to you later."
"Yes, thank you so much. Talk to you later."
As soon as Maya had confirmed the call had ended and the phone was completely hung up, she let out a scream and began jumping up and down in excitement.
"I did it, I really did it."
"I always knew you would" Riley replied with the proudest, most radiant smile Maya and ever seen.
They embraced, and began jumping up and down again, together.