Olivia stood in front of a class of disinterested participants. The program was a requirement for a community housing program. Marcus was teaching another class. She researched the neighborhood before they arrived at the community center. It was very different from her luxury apartment. There weren't any banks or credit unions. There were so many check cashing stores and liquor stores.
"How long we gotta be here?"
"This class meets for one hour. What's your name?"
"Shanice."
"My name is Olivia Pope."
"Why you in this neighborhood?"
"I'm teaching a class. Are you ready to learn?"
"You can't teach me nothing."
"Where do you work?"
"Gettysburger."
"Do you want a better job?"
"Ain't no good jobs around here."
"How old are you?"
"26."
"Do you have children?"
"I got six kids."
Olivia looked around to see most of the class nod.
"I got five."
Olivia smiled at both women. "Do you want better for your children?"
"That's not possible. I ain't got no degree."
"Why not?"
"Who going to keep my kids while I get a degree?"
"I still gotta get my GED." Shanice said.
"Are you an accountant?"
"Yes, a CPA."
"What's that?"
"Certified Public Accountant."
"So, you good at math?" Shanice asked.
"Accounting is a different kind of math. It's mostly reading financial statements."
"So you teaching us that?"
"I can teach you that. I'm here to teach you about budgeting."
"We can't budget when there is no money left."
"How old are you?" Shanice asked.
"26."
"You must have a good family."
"You can't blame anyone for your financial situation. You have to decide to change it."
"You're going to show us how to change it?" Shanice asked.
"I'll give you the tools you need to get started."
Her comment got a lot of groans. There were a few smiles. Maybe there was hope for some of them.