She slept only a few hours each night, waking at 4 a.m. to train in the dark living room.
One afternoon, while secretly practicing in the empty school gym, she was discovered by Coach Powell, the strict physical-education teacher.
Instead of reporting her, the former professional athlete handed Jasmine the key to her office.
“Sometimes winning isn’t the point,” Coach Powell said quietly. “Sometimes the goal is simply making them see you.”
Days before the event, Jasmine received an email from the administration.
Her scholarship review meeting had been suddenly moved to the morning after the talent show.
In the hallway, school counselor Mrs. Bennett delivered the news with a thin smile.
“Scholarship students must respect the culture of Oakridge,” she warned.
It was a threat.
They wanted Jasmine to withdraw so Whitney could win easily.
The night of the talent show arrived in a storm of luxury.
The grand performing-arts theater filled with wealthy families wearing designer suits and evening gowns.
Backstage, Jasmine removed her school uniform and slipped into her crisp white dobok, her Taekwondo training uniform.
As a final touch, she wrapped her late father’s thick gold chain around her wrist.