Professional or Not Professional? (transcript)

"Professional or Not Professional" is the fourth episode of the series "My School Life."
==Episode Information==
Professional or Not Professional?
Episode # 	Series 13, Season 1, Episode 4
Previous​ Episode	"The Case of the 'Voice Changing-Itis'"
Next Episode 	"Living with Ms. Carolyn"
==Description==
One Thursday, when Maraya's teacher, Ms. Sherrit, is out, she has to work at the grocery store with a lot of noise around her. And because she has autism, she gets in trouble because of her "sensory overload". So Maraya's bus driver, Ms. Carolyn, tries to think of an idea in order for Maraya to not get so oversensitive but focus on her job better.
==Transcript==
(The episode starts by taking place outside of the grocery store where a bus drops Maraya and her friends off. While they are getting off the bus, Ms. Ryan tells them to be professional)
Ms. Ryan: Okay, class. Remember. We have a big group of students here, so you better be professional. You understand?
Students: Yes, Ms. Ryan.
Ms. Ryan: Good. Then let's go.
(The students follow Ms. Ryan in the grocery store. When they get in, Ms. Ryan tells them something)
Ms. Ryan: Okay. Since we have a big group of students here, we're going to split into two groups. Carmen, Ashley, Novalee, and Nicki, you go with Ms. Jackson, and Erin, Maraya, and Clayton, you go with me. Come on.
(While Maraya is walking away from her best friends, she wonders to herself)
Maraya (in her own head): I wonder why Ms. Ryan doesn't want me to work with my friends. Oh, well. Maybe everything will go alright.
(The scene changes to where Maraya starts working. But in the meantime, she finds it really noisy as she covers her ears)
Ms. Ryan (not seen): Maraya! Stop covering your ears and work!
Maraya (sadly): Yes, ma'am.
(While she continues working, Ms. Ryan encourages Erin)
Ms. Ryan: Great job, Erin.
Erin: Thanks.
Maraya (in her own head): Erin did a great job because she isn't oversensitive. But for me, I am.
Erin: Maraya! You need to stop covering your ears and get to work!
Maraya: Erin! You don't tell me what to do, bossy.
Erin: Ms. Ryan, Maraya called me bossy.
Maraya: Well, that's what you get for telling me not to cover my ears at a noisy workplace.
Ms. Ryan: Maraya. Did you call Erin bossy?
Maraya: It wasn't my fault. I know it wasn't. It wasn't!
(Suddenly, she starts crying and running away as the scene changes to where they are back on the bus)
Carmen: Maraya, don't cry. Everything will be alright. 
Maraya (crying): No, it won't.
Carmen: Yes, it will. Just try to take deep breaths while you're at it.
(Maraya starts taking deep breaths in and out, a clock appears in the middle of the screen until later back at school, she tells Carmen that she's calm)
Maraya: Carmen, I'm calm now.
Carmen: Good. I told you that taking deep breaths would help.
Maraya: Yeah. Guess you're right, Carmen, but it took me a long time to calm down.
Carmen: Why?
Maraya: Because I don't like noise.
Carmen: Oh. That explains why.
Maraya: Yeah.
(A bubble pops up above Maraya's head as Maraya tells Carmen what it would be like if Ms. Carolyn was there with her)
Maraya (not seen): If Ms. Carolyn was there with me, she would know how to make the problem go away.
Ms. Carolyn: Here, Maraya. I want you to have these.
Maraya: What are they?
Ms. Carolyn: They are special sound-blocking headphones that you wear to block out all loud noise.
Maraya: Wow, thanks, Ms. Carolyn.
Ms. Carolyn (not seen): You're welcome.
Maraya (not seen): And if I had them on, they would help me focus better without getting oversensitive.
Carmen: Yeah. That would help you focus better.
Ms. Ryan (not seen): Maraya, Carmen. We're at school, so get off the bus.
Maraya and Carmen: Okay.
(They get off the bus together and then the scene changes again to where they are at the cafeteria)
Carmen: Maraya, maybe you can sit with me at the cafeteria.
Maraya: Yeah. I want to.
Carmen: Okay, then. Take a seat.
(Maraya sits down)
Maraya: Carmen, I'm so glad I'm with you. It makes me better when I'm with you.
Carmen: I'm glad.
Ms. Martin (not seen): Maraya, come here.
Carmen: Oh, I hope you come back.
(Maraya comes up to Ms. Martin)
Ms. Martin: Did you cover your ears while you were at the grocery store?
Maraya (sad): Yes..
Ms. Martin (not seen): And did you call Erin a name?
Maraya (becoming sadder): Yes...
Ms. Martin (not seen): And did you cry and run out of the store without a grown-up?
Maraya (crying): Yes!
Ms. Martin: Maraya, that's not professional behavior. And because of what you've done, I don't think you deserve sitting with your friends.
Maraya (crying): What? But it's not my fault. It was Erin's!
Ms. Martin: Maraya, no buts. Now, go sit with those teachers over there!
(Maraya goes to the teachers' table to sit down and think about what she'd done)
Maraya (in her own head): I can't believe it. I have to sit with all the teachers for a dumb reason. (sighs) I wish Ms. Carolyn were here. That way, she'll be able to help me with this situation.
(The scene changes to where it is a few hours later and Ms. Sherrit tells them to do their afternoon jobs)
Ms. Sherrit (claps hands): Okay, class. Let's do our afternoon jobs.
(The students get up from their seats to do their afternoon jobs. While Maraya is straightening the books from the bookshelf, Ms. Sherrit walks over to her)
Ms. Sherrit: Maraya, I want to talk to you about what you've done today.
Maraya: Okay.
Ms. Sherrit: I just want to let you know that your behavior at the grocery store today was inappropriate for work, so you need to apologize.
Maraya: I'm sorry.
Ms. Sherrit: I think you need to apologize to Ms. Ryan.
Maraya: Okay.
(As Maraya is walking up to Ms. Ryan, she wonders in her head again)
Maraya (in her own head): Man, I'm so afraid to do this. I don't even know if I can do this. Oh, well. We'll see for ourselves.
(But Maraya just stands there beside Ms. Ryan's desk and Ms. Sherrit tells her to go ahead)
Ms. Sherrit (not seen): Go ahead, Maraya. You can do it.
Maraya (sighs): Okay…
(Then she starts to apologize to Ms. Ryan)
Maraya: I'm sorry.
Ms. Ryan: Thank you, Maraya.
(Then they hug each other and it changes again to where Maraya is going to the bus loading zone a few hours later. When she got out, Carmen and Novalee say goodbye to her)
Carmen and Novalee: Bye, Maraya. See you tomorrow!
Maraya (in her own head): I'm not going to say goodbye to Carmen and Novalee, because I got in trouble for such a dumb reason. Oh, whatever. I'm going to cry anyway. (crying)
Carmen and Novalee: Maraya!
(Maraya continues running to her bus, but in the meantime, the setting changes to the inside of Maraya's bus. Ms. Carolyn, her bus driver, is looking out for Maraya until she hears her crying)
Ms. Carolyn: Aw, Maraya. What's the matter?
Maraya (crying): I had a bad day today.
Ms. Carolyn: Oh, that's bad. Can you tell me what happened?
Maraya: I got in trouble for covering my ears at the grocery store.
Ms. Carolyn: Oh. So you don't like loud noise?
(Maraya shakes her head)
Ms. Carolyn: Well, don't worry. I know how to solve the problem.
Maraya: Really? How?
Ms. Carolyn: You can wear these while you're working at the grocery store.
Maraya: Wow! My own pair of sound-blocking headphones! Thanks, Ms. Carolyn.
Ms. Carolyn: You're welcome, Maraya. Now you'll be able to work better without even being oversensitive.
Maraya: Oh, boy! I can't wait!
Carmen and Novalee (not seen): Maraya!
Maraya: Huh?
(When she turns around, she sees her friends Carmen and Novalee behind her)
Ms. Carolyn: Hey! What on Earth are you two girls doing here on my bus?
Carmen: We're here to calm Maraya down.
Novalee: Yeah, because she's ours!
Ms. Carolyn: Oh, no, she isn't! She's mine!
Carmen and Novalee: No, she's ours!
(Then they start arguing over to see if she's Carmen and Novalee's or if it's Ms. Carolyn's)
Ms. Carolyn: No, she's mine!
Carmen and Novalee: She's ours!
Ms. Carolyn: She's mine!
Carmen and Novalee: She's ours!
Ms. Carolyn: She's mine!
Carmen and Novalee: She's ours!
Ms. Carolyn: She's mine!
(They keep pulling Maraya like a tug of war rope until she flies swiftly and falls into the back of the bus. Then they run over to Maraya)
Ms. Carolyn: Oh, dear, Maraya. Are you okay?
Maraya: Yeah.
Ms. Carolyn: That's good. Now, let's get you to your seat.
(Ms. Carolyn helps Maraya up and gets her to her seat)
Ms. Carolyn: Carmen, Novalee. I heard that your friend Maraya had a rough day today.
Carmen: Yeah. She got in trouble for doing a lot of bad things in the grocery store.
Ms. Carolyn: I heard that too. Well, anyway, thanks for helping Maraya out a little. I really appreciate it.
Carmen and Novalee: You're welcome, Ms. Carolyn. (They get off the bus) Bye, Maraya. See you tomorrow!
Maraya: Bye, Carmen. Bye, Novalee. See you tomorrow! (to herself) Oh, boy. I can't wait to try these out next week. (laughing)
(The scene changes to where Maraya is tossing and turning in her bed that night as her bad dream starts to happen)
Ms. Ryan (not seen): Maraya, you better stop covering your ears and begin working!
Maraya: But, but I don't like loud noise.
Ms. Ryan (not seen): I don't care, Maraya. Now, get to work!
Maraya: Yes, ma'am.
(Maraya tries to continue working, but she keeps covering her ears because of all the loud noise around her. But Ms. Ryan catches her covering her ears instead of working)
Ms. Ryan (not seen): Maraya! What did I tell you about covering your ears?
Maraya: Uh, you told me to stop covering them and start working?
Ms. Ryan (not seen): Yes! And since you kept covering your ears, you are in big trouble right now, Maraya Star Adams.
Maraya (yelling): Nooooooooooooooooo!
(Suddenly, the bad dream ends as Maraya screams)
Maraya (startled): Ah! 
(A moment of silence occurs as Maraya looks around her bedroom)
Maraya: Oh. It was just a nightmare. (sighs)
(When she lays back down to sleep, a calendar appears in the middle of the screen. Then nearly a week later, Ms. Sherrit claps her hands to tell everyone to get ready for job sites)
Ms. Sherrit (claps hands): Okay, class. Let's get ready for job sites and lunch. Let's go!
(As Maraya is getting herself​ ready for job sites, Carmen tells her something)
Carmen: Maraya, I hope you'll be professional today at the grocery store, cause remember what happened Thursday when you got in trouble?
Maraya: I remember, Carmen. And it won't happen ever again now that I have these to wear on my head.
Carmen: Maraya, I'm not sure if you're allowed to wear those while you're working.
Maraya: But, Carmen. These are just a pair of sound-blocking headphones that Ms. Carolyn gave me on Thursday. 
Carmen: Oh.
Maraya: Ms. Carolyn says that if I put these on, I won't get so oversensitive and plus, I'll be able to focus on my job better.
Carmen: Oh, okay. I just hope that you won't get caught from Ms. Ryan, because if you do, then you'll be in bigger trouble than you were on Thursday.
Maraya: Oh...
Ms. Sherrit (not seen): Okay, class. Let's go to room 209 and then the bus.
(Maraya and Carmen walk out of the classroom to get on the bus. Then the scene changes to where they get on the bus. And as soon as they are seated, Ms. Ryan asks Carmen to do the bus safety)
Ms. Ryan: Carmen, can you do the bus safety for us?
Carmen: Yes. (clears throat) We got the front and back door, the four emergency windows, the two roof hatches, and the first aid kit is above the door. The fire extinguisher is under Ms. Cheryl's seat. Click it or ticket, and listen to the bus driver and teachers at all times to get on and off the bus safely.
Ms. Ryan: Great job, Carmen. Okay, Ms. Cheryl. You may crank up the bus now.
(Ms. Cheryl cranks up the bus and then she begins driving. The scene changes to where they reach to the grocery store as Ms. Ryan, Maraya, Ashley, and Carmen get off the bus)
Ms. Ryan: Thank you, Ms. Cheryl. See you later!
(After Ms. Ryan waves at Ms. Cheryl, she takes the students into the grocery store)
Ms. Ryan: Okay, girls. Let's go to this side so we can straighten some things over there.
Students: Okay.
(They walk over to an aisle and when they get there, Ms. Ryan tells them what to do)
Ms. Ryan: Okay, Maraya. You and Carmen straighten this side, and Ashley, you straighten this side.
Maraya (in her own head): Okay. Now that we're beginning to work, I can wear my special sound-blocking headphones that Ms. Carolyn gave me.
(Maraya puts them on and then she begins working. But in the meantime, she wonders to herself how great it is to not get oversensitive)
Maraya (in her own head): Aaah, it's great to not hear those loud noises now that Ms. Carolyn gave me these special sound-blocking headphones. And when it comes to Ms. Carolyn solving my problems with a plan, life is good.
(But all of a sudden, Maraya felt a tap on her shoulder as she turns around and sees Ms. Ryan behind her)
Ms. Ryan: Maraya, you need to take off those headphones and get to work.
Maraya: But I am working. See?
Ms. Ryan: I see that, Maraya. But rules are rules, and one of them is no wearing headphones or anything in your ears.
Maraya (sighs): Okay. Here are my headphones.
Ms. Ryan: Thanks, Maraya. Now you may continue working.
Maraya (in her own head): Oh, no! I just got caught wearing my special sound-blocking headphones in the grocery store. That means that I'm going to cover my ears once again.
(Then as the scene zooms out, a clock appears in the middle of the screen. When it was 11:00, the scene changes again to where they get back on the bus)
Ms. Ryan: Ashley and Carmen, you did a great job today. But, Maraya, you did terrible.
(Maraya feels shocked)
Ms. Ryan: So, Maraya, what do you have to say for yourself?
Maraya (standing up): I'm sorry.
Ms. Ryan (not seen): For what?
Maraya: For wearing my headphones while I'm working.
Ms. Ryan: Thank you. Now you may get them back. (she gives her the headphones) And, Maraya, when we get back to school, you're sitting with the teachers again at lunch.
Maraya: Aw...
(The scene changes once again to where Maraya is at the lunchroom, becoming sad)
Maraya (sad): Oh... I wish I knew how to be more professional at work. That way, I'll be able to sit with my friends. (sighs)
(The scene changes to when it is a few hours later. Suddenly, Maraya becomes nervous about telling Ms. Carolyn about the special sound-blocking headphones that she gave her)
Maraya (in her own head): Oh, boy. I'm so nervous about telling Ms. Carolyn about my headphones. Oh, well. Let's do this.
(She gets on the bus and then she tells Ms. Carolyn about the headphones)
Maraya: Ms. Carolyn, I want to tell you something.
Ms. Carolyn: Okay. Tell me anything.
Maraya (mad): These headphones you gave me are so useless, so here, you can have them back. Hmpt!
Ms. Carolyn: Um, Maraya, I gave them to you, so they are yours to keep.
Maraya (mad): Well, whatever. Your plan didn't work and I don't think you have another one up your sleeve.
Ms. Carolyn: Actually, I do have another plan.
Maraya: Really? What is it this time?
Ms. Carolyn: Well, that's for you to answer, Maraya.
Maraya: Huh?
Ms. Carolyn: I got a question: Who lets you wear earplugs or anything like that at job sites?
Maraya: Um, Ms. Martin does?
Ms. Carolyn: Aha! Then I have another plan for you.
Maraya: What is it?
Ms. Carolyn: How about if you can dress Ms. Ryan as Ms. Martin? That way, she'll let you wear those headphones and work better at the same time!
Maraya (gasps): Great idea, Ms. Carolyn!
Ms. Carolyn (laughs): I'm so glad that you liked my plan. Now, do you have a picture of Ms. Martin so I'll be able to help you?
Maraya: Yes, I have one right here.
(Maraya gives the picture of Ms. Martin to Ms. Carolyn so she'll be able to help her)
Ms. Carolyn: Oh. I've got the things you're looking for. Just let me look for them on my bus.
(Ms. Carolyn starts looking for the things for her next plan. Then she gives them to her)
Ms. Carolyn: Here we go. I found everything for my next plan.
Maraya: Wow, thanks, Ms. Carolyn! I hope this'll work for next week.
Ms. Carolyn: You're welcome. And I hope that my plan will work for next week, too.
(They hug each other and then after that, the scene changes to where Ms. Carolyn gets them to school a week later)
Ms. Carolyn: Why, good morning, Ms. Ryan.
Ms. Ryan: Good morning, Ms. Carolyn.
Ms. Carolyn: Maraya wanted you to have these clothes.
Ms. Ryan: Uh, thanks. But what are they for?
Ms. Carolyn: Those clothes are for my next plan for Maraya. (winks)
Ms. Ryan: Oh, okay. Thanks, Ms. Carolyn.
Ms. Carolyn: You're welcome. (she turns to the students) Okay, students. You can get off the bus now.
(All of the students get off the bus, but Maraya says goodbye to Ms. Carolyn first)
Maraya: Bye, Ms. Carolyn. See you later!
Ms. Carolyn: Bye, Maraya. I wish you luck.
Maraya: Thanks, Ms. Carolyn. I wish you luck too.
Ms. Carolyn: Thank you. Now, have a great day at school.
Maraya: You too.
(When Maraya gets off the bus, Ms. Ryan tells her good morning)
Ms. Ryan: Good morning, Maraya.
Maraya: Good morning.
(After that, she walks into the school and sits down with Anie)
Maraya (in her own head): Oh, I hope Ms. Carolyn's plan works, because if it doesn't, then I'm screwed up.
(The scene changes to where Ms. Sherrit tells the class to get ready for job sites and lunch)
Ms. Sherrit (claps hands): Okay, class. Let's get ready for job sites and lunch.
(While Maraya is getting herself ready again, her friend, Carmen, asks her what her plan is)
Carmen: So, Maraya, what's your plan now?
Maraya: I decided to make Ms. Ryan wear a Ms. Martin disguise so she'll let me wear those headphones.
Carmen: Oh, Maraya. You're always trying to think of a plan to make everything better.
Maraya: Yeah, because I'm autistic, duh!
Carmen: (sighs)
(The scene changes again to where they reach the grocery store)
Ms. Ryan: Okay, Maraya. You can wear those headphones now.
Maraya: Thank you.
(Maraya puts her headphones on and continues walking. Then it changes once again to where Maraya starts working)
Maraya (in her own head): I'm so glad that this plan is working because look, Ms. Ryan is still Ms. Martin and I hadn't been told to take off those silly headphones. So that definitely means that life is good.
(While Maraya is working, Ms. Ryan comes up to her and taps her on the shoulder, which causes her to turn)
Ms. Ryan: Maraya, take off those headphones and continue working, please.
Maraya: But you're supposed to be like Ms. Martin, remember?
Ms. Ryan: Not really, cause look!
(She takes off her wig and shows her that she's not Ms. Martin)
Maraya: Ahhh! It's you!
Ms. Ryan: That's right. Now, give, me, the, headphones.
(Maraya takes off her headphones and gives them to Ms. Ryan)
Ms. Ryan (not seen): Thank you, Maraya. Now, you may continue working.
Maraya: (sighs)
(The scene changes again to where Maraya is sitting with the teachers again)
Maraya: Oh, man. I can't believe I'm in trouble again.
(She turns around and sees that her friends are having fun without her. Then she turns back around) 
Maraya: Man, I wish this can stop right now. (sighs)
(It changes to when it is a few hours later and Ms. Carolyn is looking out for Maraya until she gets on the bus)
Ms. Carolyn: Why, hello there, Maraya. Did my plan work?
Maraya (sighs): No. It didn't.
Ms. Carolyn: What's wrong with my plans? The first one didn't work and now the second one didn't work either. I suppose that my one and only plan is to tell Ms. Ryan that you're afraid of noise. (clears throat) Ms. Ryan, come here this instant!
Ms. Ryan: What is it, Ms. Carolyn? And why are you so mad?
Ms. Carolyn (mad): Ms. Ryan, why don't you let Maraya wear those silly headphones?
Ms. Ryan: Well, it's because we want Maraya to not be autistic, that's why.
Ms. Carolyn (mad): But, Ms. Ryan. Maraya has autism, so that means that she's oversensitive with noise.
Ms. Ryan: Oh.
Ms. Carolyn: So now, will you let Maraya wear those special sound-blocking headphones?
Ms. Ryan (thinking): Well...
(While Ms. Ryan is thinking, Ms. Carolyn and Maraya are hoping that Ms. Ryan will answer yes)
Ms. Ryan: Yes, I will let Maraya wear those headphones.
Maraya and Ms. Carolyn: Yay! Thanks, Ms. Ryan!
Ms. Ryan: You're welcome, y'all. Now, Maraya, remember. If you're professional next Wednesday, then we'll have a big surprise planned for you.
Maraya: Okay, I can't wait for it to come!
Ms. Ryan: I'm glad to hear that, Maraya. I'm so glad. (she turns to Ms. Carolyn) Well, Ms. Carolyn, it was nice talking to you and Maraya. Goodbye!
Maraya: Bye!
Ms. Carolyn: Bye bye!
Maraya: See you tomorrow! (winks)
(They give each other a high five)
Maraya and Ms. Carolyn: (laughing)
(After that, they hug each other until the scene changes to where it is a week later)
Ms. Sherrit (claps hands): Okay, class. Get ready for job sites and lunch.
(While Maraya is getting ready, her friend, Carmen, talks to her)
Carmen: Hey, Maraya. Are you going to be professional this time?
Maraya: Yes, and plus, Ms. Ryan gave me permission to wear my headphones at the grocery store.
Carmen: That's great. That probably means that you'll get a big surprise later.
Maraya: Oh, boy! I'm so excited, Carmen. I hope it's something great!
(The scene changes to where they reach the grocery store again)
Ms. Ryan: Okay, Maraya. After I tell you what to do, then you can wear your headphones. (clears throat) Maraya and Carmen, you go straighten this side and Ashley, you straighten this side. Okay, you may begin.
(Then Maraya starts working with Carmen and it starts to speed up. Then the scene changes to where they are on the bus)
Ms. Ryan: Girls, you all did a great job today, and especially you, Maraya. I'm so proud of you for being professional.
Maraya (laughing): Thanks!
Ms. Ryan: And since you did a great job today, that means that you'll be able to sit with your friends again.
Maraya: Yay! Thanks so much!
Ms. Ryan: You're welcome. Now let's rock and roll!
Maraya: (laughing)
(The scene changes to where Maraya is sitting with her friends again)
Maraya (as narrator): Well, there you have it, guys. We solved the problem and I became professional for once. I did so great that I was able to sit with my friends again. And then, a few hours later at 3:10, I found a really big surprise in front of my bus. I was so surprised when it actually happened in front of my eyes.
All: Congratulations, Maraya! (cheering)
Maraya (as narrator): I couldn't believe it! My really big surprise was a congratulations party, and for real, I was surprised. Really surprised!
Carmen: We wanted to throw this party for you because you succeeded on your professionalism for the very first time!
Novalee: Yeah, and I think you did a great job!
Maraya: (laughing)
Carmen: Here's a piece of cake for you, Maraya. You have really deserved it for doing such a great job.
Maraya: Yay!
(Then she starts to eat her piece of cake while the scene fades out and comes to a complete end)
==Characters==
*Maraya
*Anie
*Clayton
*Blake
*Dylan
*Jonathan
*Cody
*Connor
*John
*Ms. Carolyn
*Ms. Brenda
*Ms. Ryan
*Ms. Martin
*Erin
*Novalee
*Ashley
*Carmen
*Ms. Sherrit
*Ms. Cheryl (non-speaking)
*Ms. Jackson (non-speaking)
*Nicki 
==Trivia==
*These are the first appearances of Ms. Cheryl, Ms. Jackson, Nicki, and Ms. Martin
*The characters Ms. Cheryl and Ms. Jackson did not speak at all in this episode.
*The characters Nicki, Ms. Brenda, Erin, Ms. Martin, Ashley, and many others did not speak very much in this episode.
*This is the third episode that has this many characters.
*This is the second episode that Maraya cries in this series.
*This is the first episode where Maraya gets a nightmare. The next episode that Maraya would get a nightmare is the episode "Where's Ms. Carolyn?"
Category:List of Episodes
Category:Episodes
Category:Transcripts
Category:My School Life (Season 1)