In Some People Realize Things Later On, Veronica is arguing with her father who doesn’t seem to believe in her ambition to become a schoolteacher.

Veronica:  You’re always laughing and making fun of me.  Why don’t you take me seriously?  (beat)  I’m serious right now!  I am looking to figure out what school I want to go to and I know we don’t have money to send me but you leave me out on my own with everything.  Everything!

I want to be a school teacher, why is that so funny?  Why is that so hard to believe?  You don’t think I’m smart enough to teach English?  It’s always been my best subject and I love to read and write.  So, why do you judge me so much?

(beat)

I know my grades aren’t the greatest.  It doesn’t mean I can’t work hard now and make something of myself.  It’s not too late.

Some people realize things later on and I’m trying to make a change.  It’s taken me time and I think I know what I want to do and you should be there for me.

At least give me the support as my father, I’ll do the rest.

• Teen Monologues from Plays