Angela Mapes Turner: On some days, Jessica Krouse feels the eyes of the world on her, the way they were during her proverbial 15 minutes of fame a year earlier.
They're in the occasional double takes of customers at the Angola Wal-Mart, where she works in the photo studio. Her curly mass of red hair, the slight Kentucky twang when she talks – they provoke a vague feeling of familiarity.
Isn't she …? Aren't you …?
On occasion, someone makes the connection: She's "that Pizza Hut waitress" – Jessica Osborne, back then – who made international headlines in July 2007 after she received a $10,000 tip from a customer. The customer had been touched by Osborne's friendliness and wanted to help her succeed at her dream of attending college.
Her 15 minutes of fame included a whirlwind trip to New York City to be featured on "Good Morning America," e-mails from Europe, an interview with the BBC.
Those who make the connection follow with the inevitable question: Are you in college now?
She winces a little when she has to answer.
Not yet.
And follows with a plea for patience.
"I've got big dreams," Krouse said. "I just need to make them reasonable."
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