Why does Melinda dislike the school mascot the hornet?

Melinda dislikes the school mascot, the hornet, because it symbolizes her feelings of isolation and frustration. The hornet represents the aggressive and confrontational atmosphere at her school, which mirrors her own struggles with bullying and trauma. Additionally, she feels that the mascot's stinging nature reflects her emotional pain and the challenges she faces in connecting with her peers. Overall, the hornet becomes a representation of her internal conflicts and dissatisfaction with her environment.