"A Hope in the Unseen"

In the book, “A Hope in the Unseen,” The main character Cedric Jennings is constantly ridiculed for his love of knowledge. His goals and ambitions are seen as arrogant, and he is left to be an outcast.

At Ballou High School, it’s not “popular” or even socially acceptable to be smart. Intelligence is left at the bottom of the list of most desirable qualities. However, at my high school, that concept is exactly the opposite. 

For his achievements in learning, he would receive awards; countless t-shirts, medals, and certificates. He would be an AP scholar, on the honor roll, an IA assessments top 1% member. His fellow students wouldn’t look down on him for these accomplishments, we would hold him in high regard and strive to be more like him.  

However, perhaps Cedric would only be considered “a brain” at his school. Most likely, Kennedy has a more rigorous and challenging class selection than Cedric’s school, which would put him closer to the middle of the pack, considering all of the academically talented students we already have. 

But to compare his social experience at Ballou to what it would be like at Kennedy, all I can say is that high school is still high school. If Cedric would continue to isolate himself and see himself as better than his classmates, then who’s to say he wouldn’t be bullied here? Not for his intelligence, but for his attitude. From what I know about my classmates, (and myself) a know-it-all is about as annoying as it gets. We’re all just trying to make it through and do our best here; we don’t appreciate those who look down upon those that should be treated as equals.