Charming as a Verb

by Ben Philippe

The first hustle, if you want to call it that, is also the simplest: Smiling. Now, please don’t be one of those douche-nozzles that go around telling women to smile more or anything, but as far as the daily life of a seventeen-year-old Black guy of above-average height goes in this city, I learned a long time ago that smiling goes a very long way.

That is another mistake people make: giving the same smile to everyone they come across, regardless of circumstances. There is no such thing as a universal smile.

It’s established knowledge that all the effort you put into being the perfect college applicant should in turn also look effortless. The great catch-22 of Higher Education. Be perfect and make it look easy.

The constant notion to prove yourself as truly exceptional to shake off the affirmative action cloud floating over your head, that unfun and constant fear that other people think you’re only where you are because of lowered expectations.

The dogs help my mood because dogs were designed by a benevolent universe to help with moods.

“Man, small talk is not your forte, huh?” “I don’t believe in it as a lifestyle choice, no.”

“I don’t have to do a damn thing except stay Black, pay my taxes, and die, honey.”

Just be yourself.” “People love saying that.” I sigh. “That’s like screaming at someone having a panic attack not to panic. What if I don’t know what that means?”