help Think about the novel or short story you read for Module Five. What does the resolution tell you about the future of the protagonist? Cite quotations and page numbers from your novel or short story that support your ideas. (10 points)

Erika’s Story: Pressure to Pass by Regina Rinaldi (Part 1)

The life of a high school athlete is filled with pressure. Pressure to do well in class. Pressure to win games. Pressure to fit in with friends. The combination of all three led Erika Fleet into a tough situation during her junior year at Weston High School. The choice she made hurt her relationship with a teacher she admired. It prevented her from playing for the county basketball championship. It left her wondering who her true friends really were. A freshman basketball star in college now, Erika looks back at the events and explains how they unfolded.

Erika’s story begins with science teacher, Leon Kelp. Mr. Kelp was not the most likeable teacher among many at Weston high. Interviews with former students revealed why. Mr. Kelp gave homework every night, even on the weekends. He graded the homework for correctness rather than just completion. He gave a quiz every Friday - no exceptions! Students never referred to Mr. Kelp as mean or unfair. He was just too serious and too difficult. He was particularly disliked by several girls on the Erika’s basketball team.

That year, the WHS basketball team’s chance to win the championship was in jeopardy. No one was worried that they might be beaten. Their on-court abilities were beyond compare. Their back-up players could have started for other schools. The danger was that they might get disqualified. Six of the eight players on the team had Mr. Kelp for science. Five of them were close to failing his class. Anyone who received an F on the mid-term exam would be ineligible to play. If they lost four players, the team would not be able to participate in the tournament.

In "Erika’s Story: Pressure to Pass" by Regina Rinaldi, the resolution reveals a significant transformation in Erika's understanding of personal integrity, the consequences of her actions, and the true nature of her relationships. The climax of the story occurs when Erika faces a critical decision: to cheat on Mr. Kelp's mid-term exam to ensure her team's eligibility for the county basketball championship or to uphold her academic integrity.

Erika's initial thoughts about cheating are influenced by the pressure she feels from her teammates and the fear of letting them down. She reflects on the situation, saying, "I thought about my teammates, about how hard we had worked all season. I thought about the championship game. We were good enough to win it. We deserved to be there. Wasn't it okay to cheat just this once, if it was for a good cause?" (Rinaldi, Part 1). This quote highlights the moral dilemma Erika faces and the external pressures that push her towards unethical behavior.

However, the resolution of the story shows Erika making a difficult decision to refuse to cheat. She confides in her father, saying, "I can't cheat, Dad. I know it means we might not make it to the championship, but I can't do it. I'd rather lose fair and square than win by cheating" (Rinaldi, Part 1). This decision marks a pivotal moment in Erika's character development, demonstrating her commitment to personal integrity over short-term gains.

The aftermath of Erika's decision reveals the true colors of her relationships. While some teammates initially react negatively, others, like her best friend Jamie, show support. Jamie tells Erika, "I'm proud of you, Erika. You did the right thing. And you know what? Even if we don't make it to the championship, I'm still glad we're on this team together" (Rinaldi, Part 1). This exchange underscores the importance of integrity and the lasting value of honest relationships over fleeting victories.

In conclusion, the resolution of "Erika’s Story: Pressure to Pass" teaches us that making difficult decisions based on personal values can have lasting positive effects. Erika's choice to not cheat not only preserves her integrity but also strengthens her relationships with those who truly value her character. The story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of staying true to oneself, even under immense pressure.