The short story, “Norma”, by Sonia Sanchez, takes place in the early 1900’s. This story is about two girls who had the same access to education but end up on different paths in life. The main character, Sonia, is a shy girl who considers herself an average learner. The story is her perception of another girl, Norma. When they were at George Washington high school, Sonia sees Norma as a smart girl who aces every class and understands concepts many others don’t. In their math class, Sonia thinks that Norma is a genius, and considers herself a “pip-squeak”. Norma is a part of what Sonia calls the “people”, who are sometimes mean to the “pip-squeaks”. Norma is a girl who Sonia looks up to. Norma wore white petticoats and is from Mississippi. One