Hollister shirt,

mini skirt and Ugg Boots.

I can’t believe that

I look this cute.

Braces shiny

with blue rubber bands

perfectly matching my

eyeshadow and

it’s my turn

to sit on the X.

Back straighter, chin out,

turn my face, cock my head.

I glance back at the mirror

showing the zits I need to pop

and say a quick prayer

that the picture lady uses Photoshop

She snaps, tired of our

hormone overload, but lady

my picture’s gotta be good

so the cool kids talk to me, maybe.

And then it’s over.

The lady points to the next in line

displays my picture and I think:

this can’t be happening.

I blinked.

Listen to Talia Potochny read Picture Day:

Talia Potochny is a geography major and writing enthusiast planning to graduate in 2021. She is heavily involved in The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) student council and serves as the fundraising outreach director for EMS THON. She also works with Teaching and Learning with Technology (TLT) to bring students, faculty and staff together by teaching them how to use technologies like artificial intelligence and 3D printing. She enjoys creative writing and embellishing stories and poetry to have a quirky twist.