During the Great Depression a young woman struggles to overcome social expectations and poverty to obtain a college education. A true story told in part through letters between the woman and her mother.

(This script is making a strong early showing on the festival circuit taking Best Screenplay at the 2018 Headline International Film Festival, 2^nd place in the Feb/Mar 2018 The Monthly Film Festival, a Finalist in the 2018 Bucharest ShortCut CineFest, and a is 2018 Finalist in the Christian Family Film Festival.)

SYNOPSIS:

In 1925 Michigan, DOROTHY HILL, 17, dreams of becoming a teacher, despite her family’s dire financial circumstances.

JOHN HILL, 30s, struggles to sell insurance in an increasingly depressed economy. BLANCHE HILL, 30s, takes in laundry and makes the best of frequent moves.

The Hills rent a room to a school teacher who encourages Dorothy to attend Albion College. After graduating from high school, Dorothy works and takes correspondence and community college classes while saving to attend Albion.

Once at Albion, she balances classes, work, and a social life. She draws the attention of a quiet student but develops a crush on HENRY, a popular boy. Dorothy enters an oration contest for the prize money but freezes on stage.

The climate at school becomes uneasy on Black Thursday 1929 when the stock market plummets. In need of distraction, Dorothy accepts a date with Henry. They go to a speakeasy where he acts like a jerk. After walking home in the snow, Dorothy learns her beloved dog has died. Days later the stock market crashes. Rushing to withdraw money from her bank, she forgets to pay a library fine.

Dorothy arrives home at Christmas, knowing she will be unable to return in January due to the financial collapse. Working two jobs, she cannot raise enough money for the fall semester either. She writes to Albion’s president, persuasively stating her desire to continue her education. Impressed by her determination, he arranges a scholarship.

The new school year leads to success in oration contests and more part-time work. She notices WALTER, the quiet boy who’s been interested in her.

Over the next summer, Dorothy is unable to find work. She can afford room and board but not tuition. She resolves to wait another year before she can finish her degree.

When AUNT MINNIE falls and breaks her arm, Dorothy moves in and nurses her for two months. Grateful, Aunt Minnie pays Dorothy’s tuition for her senior year.

Before returning to Albion, a fire ravages their home. Escaping with their lives, the family must split up and stay with extended family. John insists Dorothy return to college since everything has been paid. Heartbroken, Dorothy agrees to leave them at this difficult time.

Dorothy’s senior year brings accolades for her achievements. Preparing for graduation ceremonies, she learns that she can’t graduate unless her library fine is paid. She stays up all night shining shoes and ironing clothes for classmates, allowing her to pay the fine and graduate.

While celebrating with her family, she notices Walter watching her and learns he came to see her graduate.

Unable to get a teaching job Dorothy returns home. She takes a class locally, while looking for a teaching position. On campus she runs into Walter, now a law student.

She finally secures a teaching position and rents a room to be closer to the school.

She attends Walter’s graduation and he asks her out for ice cream. He admits he’s wanted to get to know her but had to focus on school. He asks to see her again and she agrees.