“The committee has made their decision on the Patterson Fellowship,” Dr Fleming said, her expression carefully neutral. I held my breath.
“They’ve selected you,” she said, breaking into a broad smile. “Congratulations, Doctor Audrey Collins. You’re Going to Baltimore.”
Joy, disbelief, and validation crashed Over Me In Waves. The Patterson Fellowship. The Pinnacle achievement for any neuro researcher. Mine.
“I… I don’t know what to say,” I stammered.
“You earned this,” Doctor Fleming said firmly. “Your research on neurovascular Regen generation after traumatic injury was groundbreaking. The committee was particularly impressed with your dual approach, combining surgical Innovation with pharmacological intervention.”
The fellowship included a generous stipend, housing allowance, and—most importantly—complete loan forgiveness. I would be debt-free, just like Jessica, but through my own Merit rather than parental favoritism.
“There’s more,” doctor Fleming continued, her eyes twinkling. “I’ve been invited to Jessica’s celebration tonight. Your parents extended an invitation as a courtesy to faculty, not knowing about our mentorship. I’d like to announce the fellowship news there, if you’re comfortable with that.”
My stomach dropped. “I don’t know, Dr Fleming. It’s supposed to be Jessica’s night, and my parents might see it as me trying to steal her Spotlight.”
Dr Fleming’s expression hardened slightly. “Audrey, I’ve observed your family Dynamic over the past 2 years. I’ve seen your parents at hospital functions, heard how they speak about both you and your sister. I understand your hesitation, but sometimes recognition needs to be public to be acknowledged at all.”
She was right, of course. If my parents heard about the fellowship privately, they’d find a way to minimize it or attribute it to luck rather than achievement.
“Okay,” I nodded slowly. “You can announce it.”
As I left her office, my phone buzzed with a text from Jessica: “Mom’s going overboard for tonight. It’s embarrassing. Wish she’d put this much effort into celebrating both of us graduating. See you there.” Har.