Squeaky has a lot of dreams. In fact, she is constantly imagining who she will become and mediating between her reality growing up in Harlem and her aspirations to be the best. Her assertion that she has "a big rep as the baddest thing around" is an example of how she imaginatively constructs her sense of self.
The redeeming thing about Squeaky, however, is that she is not self-centered. She does care for her brother and invests as much energy in imagining a future for him as she does for herself. It's telling that at the end of the race, after she has vindicated herself and beaten her rival, Gretchen, she is more concerned with Raymond's potential as a runner than her own victory.
Her dream that she could become Raymond's coach is another aspect of her care for her brother, but it also includes the possibility that Gretchen might...
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help her. This dream becomes a way of changing how she thinks about herself. She no longer has to be the best; in coaching Raymond, she can nurture her brother and (potentially) gain the sort of female friendship that has always seemed impossible to her before. This is what she means at the end of the story when she contrasts the expectation that girls be "flowers" with her dream of being worthy of respect.
What does Squeaky enjoy doing in "Raymond's Run"?
Squeaky enjoys running more than anything else.
Squeaky spends her time taking care of her brother and running. Running is more than a hobby for her. She is very serious about it. Squeaky’s brother has special needs, and she has to look out for him. Even though he is her older brother, she cares for him like a younger brother. Running is like a release for Squeaky.
I much rather just knock you down and take my chances even if I am a little girl with skinny arms and a squeaky voice, which is how I got the name Squeaky. And if things get too rough, I run. And as anybody can tell you, I’m the fastest thing on two feet.
Squeaky believes in hard work. She never pretends that she does not have to practice or study, and she can’t stand people who do. Being genuine is important to her. Squeaky would rather that everyone else were genuine too. She has a hard time getting along with girls her age, because she considers them insincere.
The highlight of Squeaky’s year is the May Day race. Her mother always wants her to dress up and do the Maypole Dance, but Squeaky likes to race.
Every time, just before I take off in a race, I always feel like I’m in a dream, the kind of dream you have when you’re sick with fever and feel all hot and weightless.
For Squeaky, racing helps her deal with the pressures of life. It gives her a goal, and something to be proud of. She also enjoys preparing for the race. On the day of this race, Squeaky is worried about Gretchen. She is a girl Squeaky’s age who also thinks she can win the race. When Gretchen comes in second, Squeaky gets a new respect for her and decides they can become friends.