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‘NYC Prep’: Extracurricular activities

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Since we’ll probably never catch a glimpse inside the actual school walls of ‘NYC Prep,’ we’ll have to settle with following the kids to their after-school activities. With the exception of certain moments (Kelli auditioning voice coaches in her living room alone and PC’s session at the shrink, namely), last night’s episode thankfully showed real, ambitious high schoolers rather than the wannabe grown-ups we’re used to seeing.

The most relatable storyline of the night was Taylor’s. An aspiring superstar, she fills her after-school schedule with gymnastics and dance classes. On top of that, she’s reunited with her ex-boyfriend Cole. This leaves very little time for homework and her grades suffer because of it. After viewing Taylor’s dismal report card, her divorced mom suggests she sacrifices one of her activities, and Taylor, holding back tears, insists she can juggle it all. She’s the closest thing to normal on the show, and I’m glad the show gave us some down-to-earth scenarios for a change.

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While Taylor’s situation could have taken place in Anytown, U.S.A., Jessie’s aspirations clearly derive from her big-city upbringing. She wants to work in fashion PR, and while she awaits acceptance to the Fashion Institute of Technology, she is determined to get a job in her chosen field. After drafting a resume (which she oddly sends out via snail mail), Jessie scores a group interview with designer Charlotte Ronson’s PR rep. Nestled among other stone-faced, self-professed perfectionists, Jessie seemed slightly intimidated and more restrained than usual. She does, however, stand out by having the foresight to wear one of Ronson’s dresses to the interview. High-five to Jessie for that detail.

Meanwhile, PC tries his hand at being a photographer’s assistant. It’s painfully obvious that his interest in photography doesn’t lie in the craft (he can barely connect the camera to the tripod) but rather with the job’s proximity to hot models and hard-partying stylists. We can see right through you, PC!

Kelli attempts to kick-start her singing career by finding the right voice coach. After meeting with some weirdos, she finds Badiene, a voice teacher who’s worked with Natalie Cole and Michael Jackson. Kelli’s voice is pretty good, and though I’m skeptical of successful careers stemming from a reality TV show appearance, it will be interesting to see how far she goes to achieve her dream.

What pleased me most about this episode was the presence of Taylor’s and Jessie’s mothers. They probed and worried like all mothers would, and their brief appearances gave the two girls more context and dimension. We see where Jessie gets her commanding, highly articulate personality, and we begin to understand how Taylor’s yearning for independence can be a result of her life in a divorced household. Most important, it reminds us that though certain parts of these teenagers’ realities are heightened, they’re still someone’s children.

What are your thoughts on the episode?

-- Enid Portuguez

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