Describes the experiences of the author as she tries to transfigure her students enrolled in freshman writing and college preparatory writing classes at Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton, Oregon (located in the “dry side” of the state). Addresses students' racism, homophobia, and distrust of their own skills in writing.

Discusses how by accepting the metaphor of education as product and the corporate-bureaucratic definition of “quality,” community colleges fail to help students transform their lives and may foster America’s class system. Considers the humanities’ definition and the corporate definition of quality. Exhibits concerns about the political structures of the educational systems.