The St. Ambrose School for Girls Quotes

“To be so close to so many strangers as they twitch like dogs on a rug, separated only by doors that have no locks on them, makes me feel as if I’m an intruder in all of their houses at once.”
― Jessica Ward, The St. Ambrose School for Girls

“He who has a why to live can bear almost any how. —Friedrich Nietzsche”
― Jessica Ward, The St. Ambrose School for Girls

“I’m used to this expression on people. Behind their eyes, they’re wondering about me, connecting dots that, if I could read minds, I suspect would make me defensive and sad, even though they’re probably somewhat close to the truth. “I’m going to give you a piece of advice,” Strots says in a low voice. “Don’t give them what they want.” “Who is they?” “You’ll know who I’m talking about,” Strots mutters as she puts her cigarette between her teeth and unclips the flap on the top of the backpack.”
― Jessica Ward, The St. Ambrose School for Girls

“In that moment, I am desperate for her to tell me she feels differently about me. I want her to give me a gold seal of approval, a stamp on my forehead that announces I have passed quality control. I am my mother, giving my power over to a stranger, all because of a self-created myth of their authority and higher status over me. I am a shadow in my black clothes, looking to conform to another’s contours on the ground, following them wherever they go.”
― Jessica Ward, The St. Ambrose School for Girls

“Just don't give 'em what they're looking for and they'll get bored. They only like chew toys with the squeakers still in 'em.”
― Jessica Ward, The St. Ambrose School for Girls