Thats the Stanford admissions prompt that valedictorian shoo-in Aisha Agarwal cant answer. Comfort zone? Her lifes been homework and junk food for as long as she can remember. Not exactly the thing college essays are written about. So, when her crush, Brian, asks her to winter formal, Aisha thinks her fate is changing . . .

. . . until Brian stands her up.

As if on cue, a banged-up Volkswagen arrives outside the dance; the drivera guy her ageprofusely apologizing for being late to pick her up. Does Aisha know him or what he’s talking about? No. Does the Stanford essay convince her to take him up on the ride? Absolutely.

To Aishas relief, seventeen-year-old Quentin Santos isnt a kidnapper, but heisfailing math. So, they strike a deal: If Aisha helps Quentin pass math, hell help push her out of her comfort zone, using a series of sticky note to-dosdaresthat will not only give Aisha content for her essay but will turn her into the confident person shes always wanted to be.

From New Years Eve kisses to high school parties, Aishas sticky note manifesto is taking off. But when she falls for the wrong guy, hurts her best friend, and still cant finish her essay, victory feels far from reach. Is winning worth it if you end up losing yourself in the process?