By evening we’ve moved state, now in Kansas, staying in Baxter Springs, just over the border with Missouri, but a different accent, a different outlook on the world. We call in to the Veterans Club, when we eventually find it. They’re confused as to why we would want to talk to anyone there, but agree to allow us in. We end up chatting with Mary, who deals with enforcement of child support payments & Mary’s daughter Becca. They play pool, then we all wander out into the evening sunshine. As Mary catalogues the reasons for non-payment, Becca joins in, begins to recount her own story.

Becca’s story unfolds: a straight A student who studied at the University of Pittsburgh, she maintained high grades despite working her way though college. Although graduating with a good degree, Becca failed to find a job that would use her skills, & recalls experiencing serious depression. Last year she completed  over 1000 job applications without success. She finds herself either over qualified, or lacking experience, with few opportunities in a small town like Baxter Springs. She works in a local factory & feels lucky to have a job, her ambitions dimmed, but her longing for something to challenge her still evident.

We agree to keep in touch.

Baxter Springs
Kansas