Aerthysia (Book 1)

Prologue

Isabella

I sat in the reception area, fidgeting with my folder full of resumes and references, trying to calm my racing thoughts. Why did I choose to wear these stupid heels? I'm a scientist, not a fashion model. And why did I agree to meet the CEO for this interview? I'm a introverted hermit, not a people person.

As I waited, my mind began to wander. How did I end up here, anyway? From foster care to grad school, it's been a wild ride. I thought back to my childhood, bouncing from home to home, never quite fitting in. But I always had my books, my science experiments, and my imagination.

I remembered the time I tried to create a volcano in my foster parents' garage. Let's just say it didn't end well. Or the time I spent an entire weekend watching documentaries on NASA and decided I wanted to be an astronaut. My foster mom was not amused when I tried to build a spaceship in our backyard.

Despite the chaos, I found solace in learning. I devoured books on physics, biology, and chemistry. I even convinced one of my foster dads to take me to a real lab for a tour. That's when I knew I wanted to be a scientist.

My mind wandered back to my childhood on the farm. I remembered the smell of fresh soil, the sound of birds chirping, and the feel of the sun on my face. My first foster parents, the Watsons, had taken me in when I was 8, and for the first time, I felt like I belonged. They encouraged my curiosity, letting me explore the fields and forests surrounding our property.

I thought about my part-time job at the mechanic shop in high school as a cleaner, where I learned how cars where fixed and motorcycles. Who would have thought that a farm girl like me would become a science nerd? But Mr. Jenkins, the owner, saw something in me and mentored me in the ways of problem-solving.

After high school, the scholarship came as a surprise. I was accepted into the university's environmental science program, and my world expanded. I devoured courses in botany, zoology, and geology, earning my Bachelor's degree in four years. The honors degree that followed deepened my knowledge of sustainable agriculture and conservation.

But it was my Master's program that truly challenged me. Combining environmental science, biology, and engineering, I delved into ecological restoration. The part time research assistant position at the university's environmental science department when I was doing my postgraduate studies, was the perfect complement to my studies and work experience.

Fast-forward to today, and here I am, waiting to interview for a job at a prestigious research institution. I'm both thrilled and terrified. What if they ask me something I don't know? What if I trip on my own feet?

Now, as I sat in this reception area, I couldn't help but think about the journey that brought me here. From farm girl to scientist, with a few detours along the way. I straightened my shoulders, ready to face whatever this interview might bring.

The receptionist called my name, and I stood up, smoothing my dress and trying to channel my inner confidence. Time to put on a show.

As I walked into the interview room, I was greeted by a panel of three individuals, each with a kind smile and a stern expression. The CEO, a middle-aged woman with a firm handshake, introduced herself as Dr. Maria Rodriguez. The other two panel members, Dr. John Taylor and Dr. Sophia Patel, were renowned scientists in their respective fields.

The interview began, and I was hit with a barrage of questions. From explaining my research on ecological restoration to discussing my thoughts on sustainable agriculture, I tried to keep up. But when Dr. Taylor asked me to elaborate on my views on conservation, I felt a surge of passion take over.

"Conservation isn't just about protecting the environment; it's about preserving our very existence," I said, my voice growing stronger. "We need to adopt a holistic approach, one that balances human needs with the needs of the planet. It's not just about saving the polar bears; it's about saving ourselves."

The room fell silent, and for a moment, I worried I'd said too much. But then, Dr. Rodriguez nodded, a hint of a smile on her face. "Tell me, Isabella, what makes you think you're the right fit for our research team?"

I took a deep breath and launched into my pitch, highlighting my interdisciplinary background, my research experience, and my passion for environmental science. As I spoke, I could feel the room's energy shift, the panel members leaning forward, their eyes engaged.

When the interview finally ended, I left the room feeling drained but hopeful. As I waited for the elevator, I couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, I'd found my purpose.