She also goes to Detroit Edison's Explorers program, which offers classes in computer science. Her parents have been committed to helping Brandy realize her dreams. They prepaid her tuition to a state college through the Michigan Education Trust. They shuttle her between school, home and programs. Her future depends on education.
Brandy hopes for a career designing cars with computers.
She's applying to engineering schools known for their programs in computer-aided design. She worries about getting in because her grades are only slightly above average and her PSAT scores are just below average. But Brandy is hoping to do better on her SATs. When she needs advice on college and life, she turns to her sister, Rhonda, 29. While working as a paralegal, Rhonda is taking courses toward a bachelor's degree and hopes to go to law school.