I just can't figure out why Nevada Mareno isn't leading her life EXACTLY the way I think she should be leading it! A Stanford degree is more important than any other college degree in the country (and the universe, actually). I know that's true because I read it on LetsRun.com. Being on the other side of the country, far from her family, should be vastly more important to Nevada's happiness and personal development than being able to enjoy a home-cooked meal from time to time back east.
I just don't get these pampered superkids! How dare Nevada have her own life, her own will, her own sensibilities, her own convictions, her own dreams! Doesn't she know that she is just a puppet on a string? Her frailties are supposed to be her ticket to greatness, when molded by her manipulative, genius Stanford coaches who know exactly how to exploit her personality. I mean, they must be geniuses, because, hey, it's Stanford -- the only university to go to in order to succeed as a female distance runner in America.
So sad...so utterly sad...that a woman smart enough to have been a Stanford student won't earn the only degree worth living for in America. So sad...so utterly sad...that a woman talented enough to have been a Stanford athlete won't earn the only varsity letters worth earning in America. She's DOOMED to a life of menial labor...maybe in a coal mine or a tobacco field even...because her degree might say "North Carolina State" on it.
I hope you have a good cry, Nevada -- with those tears being from laughter -- after reaching a decision to move in the direction of YOUR CHOICE.