Portia is reading the admissions essay of Jeremiah, a student at an alternative high school. Jeremiah describes how he used books to feel connected to other people.

Malcolm writes a powerful and inspiring essay in order to be admitted into Harvard.

Over dinner, Bartleby tries to explain to his parents why it's not necessary for him to go to college. He argues that it's fiscally irresponsible to do so. His parents don't understand and tell him that he has to attend college in order to succeed in life. Bartleby gives examples of successful people who didn't attend college, but it doesn't change his parents' mind.

With the scale and cost of college increasing, the current trend is not sustainable.

Barry B. Benson is given an orientation of his future career choices as a bee worker. He is disillusioned at the thought of working the same job for his entire life.