A Persons Character

"How was school today sweetheart?" My mother was in the kitchen reading another one of her sci-fi fantasy novels and nursing a steaming cup of green tea. I knew she would ask the usual questions before returning to her previous activities. "It was fine." I replied. I wanted to end the daily quizzing routine quickly so that I could retreat into my room before my mother could ask more detailed questions. "I see you failed you math test." My heart sunk, of course she already knew, she always knew. "Anthony I thought you said you studied, remember what your dad always says. Character is who you are when no one is looking."

I didn't reply, instead I hurried away into the seclusion of my room. I knew they were right, I've had a long problem with procrastination and the continuous lack of effort had been showing through me like a light bulb behind a lampshade. Math has never been a strong subject for me to grasp, the numbers and calculations would swirl in a meaningless mass through the depths of my mind. It was true, I was struggling greatly this year with my geometry class; my grades were taking a major hit that if left unchecked would cause serious damage to my transcript. My midterms were fast approaching and I knew that I was nowhere near prepared for my math exam. I looked at the review sheet that my teacher had handed to the class today, the formulas and laws seemed to taunt me; daring me to attempt to solve them. I soon tossed the review onto my desk and out of my mind, knowing that I would only stare blankly at the paper until deciding to give up for the day.

"Wake up you're going to be late!" My eyes snapped open, it was three days before the exam and nothing had been done on my part to prepare for the coming task. School was slow and dull, the hours ticked away while I delved into the cavities of my mind looking for an easy way out. "Mr. Capra." It was my teacher, "Yes sir." I replied. "How is your review coming along?" He asked. "To be honest I haven't actually started it." I knew that wasn't what he wanted to hear by the pained look on his face. "Mr. Capra you do know how important this test is, especially in your situation. Remember I am always here to help you whenever you need it. Character Mr. Capra, it is who you are when no one is watching." Hearing my teacher say the same words as my father struck home harder