"Tomorrow she will come to school, proudly, laughingly, without lipstick, with her brown hair straight and shoulder length" (7).

Within the first scenes, Millicent explains to her friend Tracy that a sorority will not demolish their friendship; and even if it were to, change was a fortunate event. Millicent's perception of changing equated to growth. Unlike the doggedness others hold for change, Millicent sought it as an opportunity. Her thoughts on this matter as well as her ability to overlook sorority pessimism (like how Tracy thought it'd break their friendship) express Millicent as a sensible person.

Another obvious depiction of Millicent's independence is when she decides to not join the sorority. She has an epiphany: she does not want to conform to the group's standards. She realizes she will not become submissive through the social club's rulings and that she is her own person. "Moving out of the soft darkness into the glare of light," (13) Millicent decides that she will not be reliant on anyone but herself. Therefore it can also be said that she is levelheaded and maturely composed, for she does not take negativity from anyone.

Although only four words, this quote from Millicent in response to the Heather Bird Man strangely explains her character. Instead of being disturbed by such an absurd answer involving fictional objects, Millicent laughs it off, revealing that she herself is different. The other sorority sisters would not have replied to the small man, but Millicent took the chance to be curious. She is spontaneous and seeks small, joyous things in life, a unique trait when compared to the other elects. Her dialogue sets her a part from everyone else, portraying her as someone with a personality, not a bland sparrow.

For the longest time, Millicent had yearned for the possibility to fit in with the crowd. She wanted to be accepted into what she thought she could belong in, instead of feeling like a lonely outcast. Her vivid thoughts sell her as an imaginative young girl with hopes and dreams. It becomes evident that she holds intense passions for herself. Later once she realizes her true identity and fully comes to terms with her interests, we as readers begin to acknowledge her change in mentality. These come of events allow us to experience her growth and development; she becomes rational.

by Emma D. & Kassidy D.

by Maria Kitano