Ep 22. All by Herself

All by Herself is the twenty-second episode of the fifth season of Facts of Life. As the title suggests, the episode revolves around one of the main characters, Tootie Ramsey, who is left to fend for herself when her roommates leave for spring break and she can't afford to go with them.

Tootie is devastated when she realizes that she won't be able to join her friends on their spring break trip due to financial constraints. She tries to hide her disappointment and tells her friends that she would stay behind and catch up on her studies, but deep inside she feels lonely and left out. Her friends, however, seem sympathetic to her situation and try to help her out by offering her various ideas and suggestions that might cheer her up.

Despite her initial reluctance, Tootie finally agrees to spend her spring break at Eastland Academy, the private boarding school where she and her friends attend high school. At first, Tootie feels a little awkward and out of place, especially when she sees other students who are spending their spring break with their families or going on exciting trips. However, she soon realizes that staying back at Eastland doesn't have to be a boring and lonely experience.

With the help of Mrs. Garrett, the girls' housemother, Tootie embarks on a week-long adventure that involves exploring new interests, learning new skills, and meeting new people. She takes up photography and spends long hours taking pictures of the gardens, the classrooms, and the dormitories. She also helps out in the kitchen and learns how to cook different recipes under the watchful eye of Mrs. Garrett, who is a seasoned chef.

In addition, Tootie meets a group of students who are also spending their spring break at Eastland and discovers that they share many common interests. They form a close bond and spend their days exploring the school's surroundings, playing games, and sharing stories about their lives and aspirations.

As the week progresses, Tootie begins to realize that being alone doesn't always mean being lonely. She discovers that she is capable of making new friends and having new experiences, despite being away from her old friends. She learns to appreciate the beautiful and serene environment of Eastland and the many opportunities it offers her to grow and learn.

All by Herself is a heartwarming episode that highlights the importance of self-reliance, resilience, and friendship. It shows how Tootie, despite facing a tough situation, is able to find strength and comfort in her own abilities and the support of her friends and mentors. The episode is a testament to the power of positive thinking and the resilience of the human spirit, and it is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a good, wholesome family show.