Carpe Diem — Autumn Cornwell

Vassar Spore's Life Goals

1. Graduate valedictorian from Seattle Academy of Academic Excellence (with a minimum of 5.3 GPA).

2. Graduate with honors from Vassar (and receive an honorary certificate because of the whole same name thing) then get PhD in (TBD) from an Ivy league school (TBD).

3. Marry a 6'5" blond surgeon (or judge) for love by age 25; have three children by age 35 (two girls, one boy).

4. Publish the definitive book on (TBD) by age 37.

5. Receive Pulitzer

"I've got my entire life planned out for the next ten years -- including my PhD and Pulitzer prize," claims 16-year-old overachiever Vassar Spore, daughter of overachiever parents, who, in true overachiever fashion, named her after an elite women's college. Vassar expects her sophomore summer to include AP and AAP (Advanced Advanced Placement) classes. Surprise! Enter a world-traveling relative who sends her plans into a tailspin when she blackmails Vassar's parents into forcing their only child to backpack with her through Southeast Asia.

On a journey from Malaysia to Cambodia to the remote jungles of Laos, Vassar sweats, falls in love, hones her outdoor survival skills -- and uncovers a family secret that turns her whole world upside down. Vassar Spore can plan on one thing: She'll never be the same again.