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fanfictionismyaddiction · 1 year ago

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Threes a Formula

Word count: 3.7k

Summary: Y/n Müller, a Media Design graduate from Stuttgart, accepts a live-in nanny position with the prestigious Wolff family in Monaco. She moves to care for their young son, Jack, and quickly adapts to the fast-paced lifestyle of the Formula One world.

Pairing: Toto Wolff x Susie Wolff x Nanny!reader

Masterlist

Warnings: fluff in the beginning. Later; 18+, cursing, age gap relationship, smut, Daddy kink, Mommy kink.

Ch.2 Ch.3 Ch.4 Ch.5

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Chapter 1: Welcome to the Wolffs

Y/n Müller had always been driven by a deep sense of creativity and a desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. Growing up in a bilingual household in Stuttgart, she had developed a passion for languages and cultures, seamlessly switching between German and English. This dual heritage had given her a unique perspective and a love for connecting with people from diverse backgrounds.

When it came time to choose a field of study, Y/n followed her heart and enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts program, majoring in Media Design. She was drawn to the world of visual storytelling, believing that design could shape perceptions and inspire change. Her coursework was rigorous, covering everything from graphic design to video production, but Y/n thrived in the academic environment.

However, as graduation approached, Y/n found herself at a crossroads. While she loved the theoretical aspects of her studies, she longed for a more hands-on role where she could apply her knowledge in real-life situations. She had worked part-time as a nanny throughout her university years, discovering a natural talent for engaging with children and creating enriching experiences for them.

One evening, while scrolling through job postings, Y/n stumbled upon an advertisement that caught her eye:

______________________________________________________________

WE ARE HIRING

a live-in nanny position for a family in Monaco. bilingual background (German and English)

Job description: A high-profile family deeply embedded in motorsports is looking for a bilingual nanny who can travel with them fully and adjust to a dynamic lifestyle.

Required skills: Background in early childhood care.

Job Location: Monaco (base)

______________________________________________________________

It didn't say who that family was, but since she was a new motorsports fan, she had recently started watching "Drive to Survive" on Netflix, it only had 2 Seasons and she just started on episode 3 of season 1. All that she knew about motorsports she got from Drive to Survive but there are so many different categories, not only Formula 1. So she decided she may not know who they were anyway.

But that docuseries had piqued her interest, offering a glimpse into the thrilling and often dramatic world of F1 racing, full of fascinating stories, personalities, and grown men that could be so petty and childish sometimes. Between the drama and the drivers, she felt like watching an episode of "The Real Housewives" shows. Not to forget the lifestyle that comes with motorsports.

She felt an instant connection with the Mercedes team, even though they were hardly spoken about in the first season, since she was born in Stuttgart and everyone knows how interconnected that city is with the brand.

That's why her heart raced so fast as she read the listing. It seemed too good to be true! The chances that I really was anything remotely connected with the Show was slim but she still had a good feeling about it.

It also was just a chance to combine her creative background, passion for nurturing children, and newfound love for motorsports while experiencing life in an entirely new and glamorous setting, knowing that the family had wealth seeing as they live in Monaco.

The more she thought about it, the more it seemed like the perfect opportunity. All those factors drove her to apply for the job.

Working for that prominent family would allow her to make a significant impact on a kid's life, providing him or her as nanny a stable and loving presence amidst their busy lives.

The role also offered her professional and personal growth, which a traditional design job might not provide. At least not in that capacity.

And the opportunity to travel with the family in their fast-paced world and manage the challenges of a high-profile household would push her out of her comfort zone and help her develop a diverse skill set.

Plus, the exciting idea of living in Monaco, a city known for its beauty and sophistication, was too tempting to pass up.

She could immerse herself in a new culture, build a global network, and create unforgettable memories. Her twenties were here so she could explore herself and the world so what better way than to travel and make friends.

She could always go back to her design background if she was getting tired of childcare. With her, you would never know.

Being highly interested in the job opening Y/n sent out her resume and a cover letter. Still not knowing who the family is. But she really didn't care who those people were as long as they were nice.

______________________________________________________________

I am writing to express my interest in the nanny position for your family. With a strong background in Media Design and over five years of experience in childcare, I am confident in my ability to provide a nurturing and enriching environment for your child. My bilingual skills and creative approach to education make me uniquely suited to support your family’s needs.

My experience includes designing engaging, educational activities that support children’s cognitive and emotional development. I am adept at managing busy schedules, coordinating travel, and maintaining the highest standards of discretion and professionalism. I believe my dedication and adaptability align well with the high standards you seek in a nanny.

I was born in Stuttgart, Germany, to a German mother and an American father, which afforded me the advantage of being raised bilingual in German and English. This multicultural background has not only enhanced my communication skills but also instilled in me a deep appreciation for diverse cultures. I am passionate about traveling and eager to learn from new environments, which I believe will enrich my role as a nanny.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your family’s well-being.

Kind regards,

Y/n Müller

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When Y/n sent off her application, she felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. She had poured her heart into the cover letter, hoping her passion and experience would shine through. The following days were a whirlwind of emotions and activities as she waited for a response.

During those two weeks, Y/n kept herself busy to manage the anticipation. She continued her part-time nanny job, investing extra effort into creating engaging activities for the children she looked after. She also worked on freelance design projects, hoping to bolster her portfolio in case she needed to pivot back to her design career.

Y/n spent time with friends and family, sharing her hopes about the potential job in Monaco. They encouraged her, but the waiting was still nerve-wracking. Every time her phone buzzed, her heart raced, thinking it might be an email from the Wolff family.

To prepare herself for a possible interview, Y/n researched more about Monaco and the world of motorsports. She watched documentaries, read articles, and familiarized herself with the different sports leagues and key figures, hoping to impress the family with her knowledge if given the chance.

When the invitation for a video interview finally arrived, Y/n was both nervous and hopeful. The email's subject line made her heart skip a beat. She quickly opened it and read through the details, feeling a surge of excitement. She was thrilled to finally meet the family and get to know them, but also anxious about making a good impression.

______________________________________________________________

Dear Y/n,

We hope this email finds you well. Thank you for your interest in the nanny position with our family. We were delighted to receive your application and are impressed by your qualifications and enthusiasm.

Allow us to introduce ourselves. We are Toto and Susie Wolff, deeply involved in the world of motorsport. Toto serves as the Team Principal and CEO of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, while Susie is a former racing driver and currently the CEO of ROKiT Venturi Racing in Formula E. Our careers require a significant amount of travel and flexibility, which is why we are seeking a reliable, creative, and adaptable nanny to assist in caring for our son, Jack.

Jack is a lively and curious three-year-old who loves exploring new things and learning through play. We are seeking someone who can not only care for him but also foster his love for learning and creativity. Your background in Media Design caught our attention, as we believe your creative skills can help make Jack’s experiences both fun and educational. Your bilingual ability is also a big plus, knowing you can speak both English and German with him.

We have scheduled a video interview with you to further discuss this opportunity. The interview will take place on January 12th at 3 PM. You can join the call using the following link: [Video Call Link].

During the interview, we would like to discuss your experience, your approach to childcare, and how you envision supporting Jack’s development. Additionally, we welcome any questions you may have about our family and Jack’s routine.

We hope you are as excited about this opportunity as we are about the prospect of having you join our family. Please let us know if you have any questions or need further information before the interview.

We look forward to speaking with you soon.

Warm regards,

Toto and Susie Wolff

______________________________________________________________

When Y/n received the email, her eyes widened in surprise and excitement as she read through it. She had been anxiously awaiting a response, but she never imagined that the family she had applied to work for was as prestigious as the Wolffs. She quickly reread the introduction, her heart racing.

"Wow," she whispered to herself. "Toto and Susie Wolff? This is incredible."

The significance of the opportunity began to sink in. Toto Wolff, the Team Principal and CEO of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, and Susie Wolff, a former racing driver and the CEO of ROKiT Venturi Racing in Formula E, were offering her a chance to be part of their world. She felt a mixture of awe and determination.

Y/n couldn't help but smile as she thought about little Jack, imagining the lively and curious three-year-old they described. She was thrilled that her background in Media Design had caught their attention and that they saw the potential for her creative skills to enrich Jack’s experiences. Knowing they appreciated her bilingual ability gave her an added boost of confidence.

"January 12th at 3 PM," she murmured, making a mental note of the interview date and time. She clicked the video call link to ensure it worked, not wanting to leave anything to chance.

Her mind buzzed with a hundred thoughts at once. She needed to prepare thoroughly for the interview, making sure she could articulate her experience and vision for supporting Jack's development. She also wanted to prepare insightful questions to show her genuine interest in their family and lifestyle.

Y/n felt a surge of excitement mixed with a hint of nerves. This opportunity was bigger than she had anticipated, but she was determined to make the most of it. She took a deep breath, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over her.

"This is it," she thought. "This could be the start of something truly amazing."

She immediately set to work, planning her preparations for the interview. She wanted to be ready to impress Toto and Susie Wolff, knowing that this was a chance to combine her passions for childcare, creativity, and cultural exploration in an extraordinary way.

The night before the interview, Y/n rehearsed her answers to potential questions and prepared thoughtful questions of her own. She set up her laptop in her parents' house in Stuttgart, double-checked her internet connection, and ensured her surroundings were neat and professional. If this interview didn’t work out, she reminded herself, she could always fall back on her design background. But deep down, she knew how much she wanted this opportunity.

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She took a deep breath and clicked the link to join the video call.

The screen flickered, and soon she found herself face-to-face with Toto and Susie Wolff. Y/n had done a quick search on them prior to the interview, discovering their significant influence in the motorsports world, but she still didn’t know the full extent of their prominence.

“Hello, Y/n. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Susie said with a warm smile.

“Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Wolff. Thank you for this opportunity. Es freut mich sehr, dass wir die Möglichkeit haben, so miteinander zu kommunizieren (I am very pleased that we have the opportunity to communicate with each other like this),” Y/n replied, trying to keep her nerves in check.

“Please, call us Toto and Susie,” Toto said, his tone friendly and welcoming. “We’ve read through your application and were very impressed. Why don’t you tell us a bit more about yourself?”

Y/n began to explain her background in Media Design, her passion for working with children, and how she believed her creative skills would be beneficial in engaging and educating their son, Jack. She also mentioned her bilingual abilities and her experience growing up in Stuttgart.

Susie nodded thoughtfully. “We think your background is quite unique and would bring a fresh perspective to Jack’s upbringing. How do you feel about traveling frequently and adapting to different environments?”

“I’m very excited about the opportunity to travel,” Y/n said. “I think it would be an amazing experience for both Jack and me. I’m adaptable and eager to learn about new cultures and environments. Traveling has always been a passion of mine, although I haven’t had the opportunity to see and learn as much as I would like to until now.”

Toto leaned forward slightly. “One thing to consider is the nature of our lifestyle. It can be fast-paced and demanding. How comfortable are you with managing stress and maintaining flexibility?”

“I’m confident in my ability to handle stress and stay organized,” Y/n replied. “My studies and previous nanny jobs have taught me how to manage my time effectively and stay calm under pressure. Zudem möchte ich auch nochmal anführen, dass ich eben deutsch bin. Es liegt mir also eigentlich im Blut immer pünktlich zu sein und mein Leben gut zu managen. (I would also like to mention again that I am German. So it's actually in my blood to always be punctual and to manage my life well.)”

The last part was meant as a joke, but Toto and Susie knew she fully meant it.

Y/N paused before she asked a question she was eager to get an answer to. “I am very sorry to tell you I don’t really know about your work background and I was not comfortable googling the both of you so if you don’t mind what exactly do you do? Also, you spoke about traveling how often would that be and when would you like to have Jack with you guys?” It was a long question but she was confident they would answer her fully.

Susie and Toto exchanged a quick glance, their smiles warm and understanding. They appreciated her directness and respect for their privacy.

Susie spoke first, her tone friendly. "No worries at all, Y/n. I’m a former racing driver and currently the CEO of ROKiT Venturi Racing in Formula E. My role involves overseeing the team’s operations, strategy, and ensuring we’re competitive in the championship. It’s a dynamic and demanding job, but one I’m very passionate about."

Toto nodded, adding with a hint of enthusiasm, "And I’m the team principal and CEO of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. It’s an intense job, managing the team and ensuring we perform at our best during the racing season. So, as you can imagine, our schedules can be quite demanding and involve a fair bit of travel."

Susie continued, "Regarding travel, we do move around quite a bit, especially during the racing season, which runs from March to December. There are races almost every other week, and they happen all over the world. We'd love to have Jack with us during these travels, but it depends on the location and the duration of our stay."

Toto chimed in, "Ideally, we'd like him to join us for the major races and during the summer break when the schedule is a bit lighter. It's important to us that he experiences different cultures and environments, but we also want to ensure he has stability in his education and routine. We’re looking for someone who can help maintain that balance for him."

Susie nodded, "Exactly. We want Jack to feel secure and supported, no matter where we are. Your role would be crucial in providing that stability while also making the experience enjoyable and enriching for him."

Y/n listened carefully, nodding as Susie and Toto explained their busy schedules and travel needs. When they finished, she smiled confidently, ready to reassure them of her capabilities.

"Thank you both for sharing that with me. Your careers sound incredibly exciting and demanding, and I can see how important it is to you that Jack has stability amidst all the travel."

She paused for a moment, collecting her thoughts. "I have extensive experience working with children in various environments, including situations where parents have high-profile, busy careers. I understand the importance of creating a stable, nurturing environment for Jack, no matter where we are. I am skilled at maintaining routines and providing the educational support he needs to thrive."

Y/n continued, her voice steady and reassuring. "I’m very adaptable and have handled travel with families before. I’m organized and proactive, ensuring that everything Jack needs is prepared and that he feels secure and happy in each new location. I also love finding creative ways to make travel educational and fun for children, turning each new place into a learning opportunity."

She smiled warmly, looking between Susie and Toto. "I’m confident that I can provide the balance you’re looking for—supporting Jack’s growth and education while also making sure he enjoys the unique experiences your lifestyle offers. I’m excited about the possibility of being a part of your family and contributing to Jack’s development in such a dynamic and enriching environment. That of course is if you would have me.” She smiles at them.

After a few more questions about her approach to childcare and her thoughts on integrating educational activities with play, the interview began to wrap up.

“We’re very impressed with you, Y/n,” Susie said, glancing at Toto, who nodded in agreement. “We think you’d be a wonderful fit for our family.”

Y/n’s heart soared. “Thank you so much. I’m really excited about the possibility of working with you and getting to know Jack.”

“We’ll be in touch soon with more details,” Toto said, smiling. “Thank you for your time today.”

As the call ended, Y/n felt a rush of exhilaration. The interview had gone better than she could have imagined, and she felt a sense of validation in her choices and aspirations. The Wolff family represented a new path, one filled with opportunities for growth, adventure, and meaningful connections.

Two days later, Y/n received another email from the Wolffs.

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Dear Y/n,

We are thrilled to inform you that after careful consideration, we would like to offer you the position of nanny for our son, Jack. We believe that your skills, experience, and personality make you the perfect fit for our family, and we are excited about the prospect of having you join us.

As mentioned during the interview process, we would like to start with a trial period to ensure that there is a good connection between all of us. Therefore, we propose a trial run of three months, during which we can assess how well we work together and whether this arrangement meets everyone's needs.

We are genuinely excited to welcome you into the Wolff family. We believe that your background in Media Design, your bilingual abilities, and your passion for childcare will make a positive impact on Jack's life and development. We are confident that you will create a nurturing and stimulating environment for him, allowing him to thrive and grow.

Regarding logistics, we understand that relocating to Monaco is a significant step, and we want to make the transition as smooth as possible for you. If you are able to join us by the 1st of February, it would give us ample time to settle in and get acquainted before the busy racing season begins.

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. We are here to support you and ensure that you have all the information you need.

Once again, congratulations, Y/n. We are looking forward to embarking on this exciting journey together.

Warm regards,

Toto and Susie Wolff

______________________________________________________________

As Y/n sat amidst the flurry of emotions, her mind drifted to the impressions she had formed of Toto and Susie Wolff during the interview process. Toto, with his focused demeanor and stern yet approachable presence, exuded a sense of determination and drive that commanded respect. She couldn't help but admire his unwavering commitment to excellence, balanced by an underlying charm that shone through in the occasional dad joke or lighthearted quip.

In contrast, Susie embodied elegance and grace in every aspect of her being. Y/n admired the way Susie carried herself with poise and sophistication, radiating warmth and sincerity in her interactions. Behind her poised exterior, Y/n sensed a deep well of motivation, care, and love for others, driven by her passion for making a positive impact in the world.

As Y/n pondered these thoughts, she felt a sense of gratitude wash over her. To be welcomed into the lives of such remarkable individuals, to work alongside them in nurturing and shaping the life of their son, Jack, was an honor beyond measure. She knew that under their guidance and with their support, she would not only thrive but also contribute to creating a loving and enriching environment for Jack to grow and flourish.

With a renewed sense of purpose and excitement, Y/n turned her attention back to the task at hand—preparing for the journey ahead. As she packed her belongings, her heart swelled with anticipation for the adventures that awaited her in Monaco, where she would embark on a new chapter of her life filled with love, laughter, and endless possibilities.

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@pand-de-pandora-blog @wonderwolffs @laura-naruto-fan1998 @strangegirl974 @totothewolff

#fanfiction #reader insert #fanfic #f1 #f1 x reader #susie wolff #susien wolff x reader #toto wolff x reader #toto wolff #f1 fanfic #f1 imagine #f1 fic #torger christian wolff #totowolff

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feminist-space · 1 month ago

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Excerpts:

"The convenience of instant answers that LLMs provide can encourage passive consumption of information, which may lead to superficial engagement, weakened critical thinking skills, less deep understanding of the materials, and less long-term memory formation [8]. The reduced level of cognitive engagement could also contribute to a decrease in decision-making skills and in turn, foster habits of procrastination and "laziness" in both students and educators [13].

Additionally, due to the instant availability of the response to almost any question, LLMs can possibly make a learning process feel effortless, and prevent users from attempting any independent problem solving. By simplifying the process of obtaining answers, LLMs could decrease student motivation to perform independent research and generate solutions [15]. Lack of mental stimulation could lead to a decrease in cognitive development and negatively impact memory [15]. The use of LLMs can lead to fewer opportunities for direct human-to-human interaction or social learning, which plays a pivotal role in learning and memory formation [16].

Collaborative learning as well as discussions with other peers, colleagues, teachers are critical for the comprehension and retention of learning materials. With the use of LLMs for learning also come privacy and security issues, as well as plagiarism concerns (7]. Yang et al. [17] conducted a study with high school students in a programming course. The experimental group used ChatGPT to assist with learning programming, while the control group was only exposed to traditional teaching methods. The results showed that the experimental group had lower flow experience, self-efficacy, and learning performance compared to the control group.

Academic self-efficacy, a student's belief in their "ability to effectively plan, organize, and execute academic tasks"

', also contributes to how LLMs are used for learning [18]. Students with

low self-efficacy are more inclined to rely on Al, especially when influenced by academic stress

[18]. This leads students to prioritize immediate Al solutions over the development of cognitive and creative skills. Similarly, students with lower confidence in their writing skills, lower

"self-efficacy for writing" (SEWS), tended to use ChatGPT more extensively, while higher-efficacy students were more selective in Al reliance [19]. We refer the reader to the meta-analysis [20] on the effect of ChatGPT on students' learning performance, learning perception, and higher-order thinking."

"Recent empirical studies reveal concerning patterns in how LLM-powered conversational search systems exacerbate selective exposure compared to conventional search methods. Participants engaged in more biased information querying with LLM-powered conversational search, and an opinionated LLM reinforcing their views exacerbated this bias [63]. This occurs because LLMS are in essence "next token predictors" that optimize for most probable outputs, and thus can potentially be more inclined to provide consonant information than traditional information system algorithms [63]. The conversational nature of LLM interactions compounds this effect, as users can engage in multi-turn conversations that progressively narrow their information exposure. In LLM systems, the synthesis of information from multiple sources may appear to provide diverse perspectives but can actually reinforce existing biases through algorithmic selection and presentation mechanisms.

The implications for educational environments are particularly significant, as echo chambers can fundamentally compromise the development of critical thinking skills that form the foundation of quality academic discourse. When students rely on search systems or language models that systematically filter information to align with their existing viewpoints, they might miss opportunities to engage with challenging perspectives that would strengthen their analytical capabilities and broaden their intellectual horizons. Furthermore, the sophisticated nature of these algorithmic biases means that a lot of users often remain unaware of the information gaps in their research, leading to overconfident conclusions based on incomplete evidence. This creates a cascade effect where poorly informed arguments become normalized in academic and other settings, ultimately degrading the standards of scholarly debate and undermining the educational mission of fostering independent, evidence-based reasoning."

"In summary, the Brain-only group's connectivity suggests a state of increased internal coordination, engaging memory and creative thinking (manifested as theta and delta coherence across cortical regions). The Engine group, while still cognitively active, showed a tendency toward more focal connectivity associated with handling external information (e.g. beta band links to visual-parietal areas) and comparatively less activation of the brain's long-range memory circuits. These findings are in line with literature: tasks requiring internal memory amplify low-frequency brain synchrony in frontoparietal networks [77], whereas outsourcing information (via internet search) can reduce the load on these networks and alter attentional dynamics. Notably, prior studies have found that practicing internet search can reduce activation in memory-related brain areas [831, which dovetails with our observation of weaker connectivity in those regions for Search Engine group. Conversely, the richer connectivity of Brain-only group may reflect a cognitive state akin to that of high performers in creative or memory tasks, for instance, high creativity has been associated with increased fronto-occipital theta connectivity and intra-hemispheric synchronization in frontal-temporal circuits [81], patterns we see echoed in the Brain-only condition."

"This correlation between neural connectivity and behavioral quoting failure in LLM group's participants offers evidence that:

1. Early Al reliance may result in shallow encoding.

LLM group's poor recall and incorrect quoting is a possible indicator that their earlier essays were not internally integrated, likely due to outsourced cognitive processing to the LLM.

2. Withholding LLM tools during early stages might support memory formation.

Brain-only group's stronger behavioral recall, supported by more robust EEG connectivity, suggests that initial unaided effort promoted durable memory traces, enabling more effective reactivation even when LLM tools were introduced later.

Metacognitive engagement is higher in the Brain-to-LLM group.

Brain-only group might have mentally compared their past unaided efforts with tool-generated suggestions (as supported by their comments during the interviews), engaging in self-reflection and elaborative rehearsal, a process linked to executive control and semantic integration, as seen in their EEG profile.

The significant gap in quoting accuracy between reassigned LLM and Brain-only groups was not merely a behavioral artifact; it is mirrored in the structure and strength of their neural connectivity. The LLM-to-Brain group's early dependence on LLM tools appeared to have impaired long-term semantic retention and contextual memory, limiting their ability to reconstruct content without assistance. In contrast, Brain-to-LLM participants could leverage tools more strategically, resulting in stronger performance and more cohesive neural signatures."

#anti ai #chat gpt #enshittification #brain rot #ai garbage #it's too bad that the people who need to read this the most already don't read for themselves anymore

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justinspoliticalcorner · 5 months ago

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Sam Gustin at The Nation:

President Trump’s suggestion last month that the tragic Potomac air crash was somehow the fault of disabled federal air traffic controllers was appalling—but it should have come as no surprise. Trump’s contempt for people with disabilities has been well documented, and it’s that animus, combined with the accelerating MAGA assault on diversity throughout the United States, that has disability rights advocates preparing to defend decades worth of hard-won protections. One month into his presidency, Trump has unleashed a government-wide attack on people with disabilities, from anti-diversity executive orders to proposed special-education rollbacks to threats to slash programs like Medicaid that are lifelines for disabled people across the country. If successful, these actions could have catastrophic consequences for millions of Americans, according to disability rights experts. “This is a crisis for the disability community, and the threat is extremely serious,” Maria Town, president and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities, told The Nation. “These changes have the potential to erode decades of progress that the disability community has fought tooth and nail to achieve.”

Within 48 hours of taking office, Trump signed two executive orders targeting what he called “illegal” diversity programs—commonly referred to as DEI or DEIA—in both the federal government and the private sector. Trump and his MAGA minions claim that these programs, which promote the worthy goals of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility throughout American society, discriminate against, well, them, and so they should be abolished. At a time when Elon Musk and his DOGE henchmen are racing to “delete” entire federal agencies and fire thousands of government workers, diversity programs have become a convenient target for the drastic budget reductions that Trump seeks—under the bogus guise of “waste, fraud, and abuse”—in order to cut more taxes for rich people and corporations. Hence the MAGA/DOGE crusade to demonize and scapegoat diversity programs for all kinds of calamities, from plane crashes to wildfires to train derailments. Thus far, most of the focus on Trump’s diversity rollback has been on “DEI,” but it’s the “A”—for “accessibility”—that has alarmed disability rights advocates.

“The hard-fought-for acceptance of people with disabilities in society is compromised every time Trump uses DEIA as a bogeyman for everything that’s wrong in society,” said Michael Rembis, a professor of history at the University of Buffalo and director of its Center for Disability Studies. “This purge of federal employees is in part designed to remove people who are perceived to be unproductive for both racist and ableist reasons from the federal government.”

The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush in 1990. Trump’s anti-diversity executive orders roll back more than three decades of US policy since then——including executive orders signed by Clinton, Obama, George W. Bush and Biden—aimed at bringing more people with disabilities into the federal workforce and the private sector. From hiring and job training to career development and workplace accommodation, these policies have given many disabled people new opportunities to thrive, and a new sense of dignity after generations of mistreatment in American society, from ostracization to institutionalization to forced sterilization. Those advances are now at risk, and the impacts are already being felt nationwide, as funding cuts loom for community organizations that provide crucial services and support systems for disabled people, from home modification to job coaching to transportation and personal attendant services. “We’ve heard from many organizations across the country that are having to think about cutting their staff, reducing their services, or even closing their doors,” said Town. Disability rights advocates warn that Trump’s anti-diversity executive orders are just a prelude to even more draconian attacks. For example, Trump’s avowed goal to eliminate the Department of Education could jeopardize special-education programs for roughly 7.5 million students—15 percent of the US student population. Trump’s plan to cut billions in grants issued by the National Institutes of Health threatens long-term research and development focused on life-saving—and life-improving—treatments for millions of Americans. And, of course, any cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and particularly Medicaid—and let’s face it, the GOP wants to eliminate or privatize these programs altogether—will disproportionately affect millions of disabled people who rely on the programs to survive.

[...] The Trump administration’s assault on government policies and programs that benefit disabled people is not just a scheme hatched in the bowels of The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 anti-government boiler room—although it is that, too. It’s also the natural evolution of Trump’s long-standing prejudice against people with disabilities. Trump’s disdain for disabled people is well known, from mocking reporter Serge Kovaleski and insulting wounded veterans to reportedly telling a relative with a disabled son that “maybe those kinds of people should just die.”

[...] It’s no secret that Trump is obsessed with genetics, as demonstrated by his preoccupation with bloodlines and frequent comments about “good” genes, “bad” genes, “low IQ individuals,” immigrants “poisoning the blood” of America, and other bigoted remarks. In 1988, Trump famously told Oprah Winfrey that people must have “the right genes” to become rich. Since then, he has repeatedly compared his family to purebred “racehorses.” In 2020, Trump again invoked the “racehorse” theory to assure a mostly white Midwestern audience that “you have good genes in Minnesota.” And just last year, he intimated—outrageously—that immigrants commit murder because “it’s in their genes.”

[...] It’s worth noting that disabled people were among the earliest victims of the Holocaust, condemned to death by a Nazi program called Aktion T4, which involved the systematic murder of some 300,000 people in psychiatric hospitals in Germany, Austria, and elsewhere in Europe. Stramondo doesn’t expect anything remotely like that to happen in the United States, but he pointed out that sterilization and murder aren’t the only ways to advance eugenic goals. “You can practice and enforce eugenic ideologies that result in lots of people suffering and even dying just by doing something like eliminating Medicaid,” he said.

The Nation reports on Donald Trump’s attacks on DEIA polices and its impact on persons with disabilities, which goes along with his long record of ableism.

#Donald Trump #Ableism #Disabilities #DEIA #Diversity Equity Inclusion and Accessibilty #DEI #Trump Administration II #Americans With Disabilities Act #Special Education #US Department of Education #Social Security #Medicaid #Medicare #Project 2025 #Serge Kovaleski #Eugenics

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dandelionsresilience · 7 months ago

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Dandelion News - December 15-21

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735 or check out my Dandelion Doodles for 50% off this month!

1. 7 good things humanity did to combat climate change in 2024

“The UK […] closed its final coal power plant in October. [… In India,] the share of power provided by coal dropped below 50% for the first time since the 1960s. [… A non-profit] has provided solar energy to more than 6,000 of the poorest Nigerians.”

2. California Voters Said Yes to Prop 4, a Win for Birds, People, and Our Shared Future

“[…] Prop 4 will direct millions of dollars for water conservation and habitat restoration [… and] includes a requirement that at least 40% of its funding go to lower-income and climate-vulnerable communities.”

3. This Pennsylvania school is saving big with solar and EV school buses

“Steelton-Highspire’s solar arrangement will save it about $3.6 million over the next 20 years. As for the electric school buses, Steelton-Highspire is one of thousands of districts able to access federal rebates from a $5 billion program created by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”

4. Autism Speaks Canada shuts down in January. Good.

“As Canada’s autistic-led advocacy group […] we are relieved that Autism Speaks Canada will be shutting down in January of 2025. This is an opportunity for autistics and our families to collaborate locally to build new, neuro-affirming spaces and projects.” [If you don’t know why this is a good thing, please click here]

5. LA Zoo hatches first-ever perentie lizards, one of largest lizard species in the world

“The LA Zoo is one of only three institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums that have successfully reproduced them[….] Adult perentie lizards can reach more than 8 feet (2.4 meters) in length and can weigh more than 40 pounds (18 kilograms), the zoo said.”

6. Research reveals an inexpensive fix for California's struggling wildflowers

“[… R]aking [“dead, invasive grasses”] is decidedly less labor-intensive and more ecologically friendly [than other management techniques…, but doing so] increased plant diversity overall, reducing invasive grasses […] while increasing both native and exotic wildflowers[….]”

7. A new EV battery could last more than 8 times longer, travel farther

“[… A] typical battery lasts 2,400 cycles, while the new battery lasted more than 20,000 cycles. [… Used batteries could be repurposed] for grid storage on wind and solar farms, the study notes.”

8. Women who are homeless in Boston find safe space and care at 'HER Saturday'

“Women can get lots of other care on the spot — from sick visits and basic health screenings to Pap smears and contraception. [… They also come for] "The makeup, the snacking and the girl talks. And ... picking out a new outfit," said Pinky Valentine [“a homeless transgender woman”].”

9. ‘It absolutely took off’: five UK biodiversity success stories

“[…N]ew methods are emerging to preserve, improve and generate new habitat and, in many cases, attract back or reintroduce species not seen for decades. After a nudge, ecosystems are often doing much of the heavy work themselves.“

10. Personalized gifts really do mean that little bit more to your loved ones, says research

“Research has also shown that receivers of personalized gifts are more likely to take care of them. […] In this sense, gift-giving can be not just an emotional exchange, but also a more sustainable one. A carefully preserved [personalised] gift avoids waste and brings long-term satisfaction.”

December 8-14 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

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mbari-blog · 1 year ago

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Serving up the tiniest cuteness 🥰

Zooplankton can be subdivided into two major groups. Holoplankton (copepods and krill) spend their entire lives as plankton and thus provide major food sources for pelagic fisheries. Meroplankton (larvae of animals like barnacles, mussels, annelids, and fish) spend only part of their lives as plankton.

Copepods like the one in this video can be found in massive numbers across the world ocean. They play an important role in ocean food webs as predators—they eat even smaller diatoms and phytoplankton—and prey on animals like jellies, fish, and filter feeders.

Zooplankton are notoriously difficult to sample. Despite opportunities for mixing, individual zooplankton are tiny, and species are often patchily distributed. Coastal oceans are physically dynamic, high-energy environments. Winds, currents, and upwelling fronts affect the availability of nutrients and distribution of food that control zooplankton growth and dispersal. To tackle these challenges, the MBARI team developed the SIMZ program to explore more efficient zooplankton sampling and identification methods.

Traditionally, tow-nets are used to sample plankton along paths through the water. Because these paths often cross smaller environmental patches, they frequently lack the precision to associate zooplankton species' distribution and abundance with particular physical and biological processes. MBARI engineers have equipped an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) with gulpers—bottles that rapidly inhale discrete water samples—to better understand the spatial patchiness in zooplankton abundance. The AUV is equipped with sensors that measure things like temperature and salinity, and onboard computer software that instructs the Gulper AUV to recognize and autonomously sample specific environmental patches, such as upwelling fronts or chlorophyll layers. This "surgical" approach to ocean sampling allows SIMZ researchers to study the effects of specific physical processes on zooplankton distribution and diversity.

#mbari #deepsea #ocean #sealife #science

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darkmaga-returns · 5 months ago

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President Trump has recently taken decisive action against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government by signing executive orders that dismantle these initiatives. His actions include revoking an order by Lyndon B. Johnson on affirmative action for federal contractors and placing all federal DEI staff on paid administrative leave with plans for their eventual layoff. These moves have sparked significant controversy, with critics arguing that they undo decades of progress toward racial and gender equity in federal employment, while supporters believe they restore merit-based governance.

This fulfills Trump’s campaign promise to eliminate what he describes as “radical and wasteful” DEI programs, aligning with his commitment to a colorblind, merit-based society. The controversy reflects a broader debate on the role of government in promoting diversity versus ensuring equal opportunity based solely on merit. But what does the evidence show?

The Rise of Woke Indoctrination

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives have become increasingly prevalent in workplaces, educational institutions, and other organizations across the United States. These programs’ stated goals are to foster more inclusive environments, reduce bias, and promote equity for all individuals. A key component of many DEI programs is diversity pedagogy, which often includes lectures, trainings, and educational resources designed to educate participants about their own biases and the ‘systemic nature of oppression.’

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richarlotte · 6 months ago

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Hi Charlotte,

How do you choose a good school?

Love you!

Personality.

Is the location of your school desirable? Does the student body fit your image of where you’d like to spend the next few years of your life? What are the activities like on campus and in the surrounding areas? What’s the general look of campus? Is campus diverse in terms of race, religion, and ethnicity? Do you party and if so, does campus allow for that? Does it seem easy to make friends on campus? Are there sporting events? How do people talk about their school?

Price.

Is the price right? What percentage of need do they meet? What do the merit scholarships look like for entering students? Do you qualify for any scholarships? Are there scholarships available for transfers and upperclassmen? What is the minimum GPA needed to keep a scholarship? What are the jobs on/off campus? Is work study quality and are there opportunities for that? What does your financial aid package look like?

Program.

Does this school offer your degree program? If so, how is the quality of instruction? Does the school offer any professors of note? What’s the teaching like? Is your degree program ranked? Will earning your degree from this school be worth the time and the money you’ll spend? How do the students in your degree program talk about it? What opportunities does your degree path usually lead to? How will attending this school help push you towards your future and career goals?

Potential.

Is the potential for you to succeed there? How do they support their students and alumnae? Have any alums gone on to do great things? What’s the job placement rate? Are there any study abroad opportunities or internships? What are jobs like on and around campus? What would going there mean for your future plans?

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cintailed · 8 months ago

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Hey Fabulous Queer Folks!!

A friend of mine is leading an amazing study of queer health in relation to disordered eating as a part of her Psy.D. program! It’s about 10 minutes long and you need to be 18 or over and in the USA to be eligible. Please take the survey or share to help us learn more about this topic!

Check below for additional details! The link is here: https://form.jotform.com/240354859067060

Thank you all so much!

——————

Hi friends,

If you're like a lot of folks, you might have experiences of struggling with eating habits or navigating your sexuality. Anonymously share your experiences via a brief ~10 minute survey and help contribute to more LGBTQ+ affirmative mental healthcare practices. Participating in this research study will enter you into a drawing for one of three $25 gift cards.

This survey aims to help reduce preventable barriers to health equity among diverse communities, so all people have the opportunity to achieve a healthy, vibrant, and personally satisfying life. You must be 18 years of age or older; be English-speaking; and a U.S. resident to participate. You do not have to identify as LGBTQ+ to participate.

Please click the following link to determine eligibility: https://form.jotform.com/240354859067060

If you are eligible to participate, you'll receive a link to the survey via the email you provide. More details about the survey will be provided in Informed Consent.

Thank you! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

#queer #transgender #lgbt #lgbtq #lgbtqia+#health study #disordered eating #study

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o-wild-west-wind · 5 months ago

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So...what's going on with the NIH?

A (very reductive) breakdown

With the current “flood the zone” agenda overwhelming our feeds, I’m sure that all this news about the NIH feels like just another drop in the bucket. I figured I'd try to write out what's going on and why it matters, since this is all HUGELY impactful, despite getting pretty buried in the news cycles (my explanation is under the cut—the article above is a helpful reference).

TL;DR: The NIH funds most medical research in the US; this medical research funding is being slowed and cut effective immediately; and we need to contact our representatives about this ASAP.

You can say that you "urge them to oppose all funding cuts and DEI-related restrictions in the NIH." Stick this onto your other phone/email/letter scripts, and feel free to add more specifics and personalization!

What happened, and why does it matter:

As of 2/8/25, the Trump administration has:

Indefinitely halted NIH study sections, which are how research gets reviewed and approved, as well as travel and communications (some of all this is just now restarting, but this has been selective/on a delay)

Planned to flag and possibly reject grant renewals and any new proposals with "DEI" and "DEI-related" terms, ranging from obvious keywords like "LGBT" and "transgender" to standard technical terms like "race, "gender," "health disparities," and "bias" (source on terms is re: the NSF, but I can confirm as an NIH funded researcher that we have similar directives)

Ended "DEI" programs in the NIH and removed multiple webpages on diversity-related grants and funding

Frozen hiring and rescinded job offers starting on 2/8/25

Capped the indirect cost funds of grants at 15%, effective immediately (from an average of 30%)

(NOTE: This is a non-comprehensive list—and while I'm an NIH-funded researcher, I'm not high up enough on the food chain to be a total authority on this. Please feel free to add more details if you know them.)

What does this all mean?

The NIH is the largest funder of health/medical research in the United States, which is usually conducted at universities and hospitals (public AND private). This includes research on everything from cancer, heart disease, dementia, addiction, depression, HIV, and the flu to—in my specific case—co-occurring conditions of autism (so basically, anything at all health related? That's probably being studied via NIH funds).

Funding includes things like:

Direct costs of supplies, tools, machinery, etc.

Research team salaries, from lead scientists to administrative staff

Fellowships (i.e. how PhD students typically get paid)

Indirect costs (utilities of lab operation, etc.)

Basically, what all these directives do is slow and/or cut health research funding. What this means is slowing "non-DEI" research funding and entirely cutting "DEI" research funding (which we don't have solid definitions for yet!).

What does this all look like?

At this rate, and if unchanged, this could likely result in:

Months-long (or longer) delays on "non-DEI" medical research (i.e. for the average population)

Unknown cuts to health disparities research (i.e. research on health differences between specific demographics of people)

A near-complete loss of "DEI" research in most US institutions (e.g. BIPOC health, LGBTQ+ health, disability health)

Fewer proposals of new/novel research ideas

Fewer PhD acceptances and hiring opportunities for new researchers (possibly shrinking an entire generation of scientists)

Mass layoffs of research staff

Breakdown of international research collaborations

Huge tuition increases for college students (including undergrads)

Closures of research institutions/universities

Privatization of research funding (possibly creating a bias towards "profitable" research interests/health conditions more common to wealthy populations)

Potential brain drain of American scientists to other countries

USA's loss of status as a scientific leader and powerhouse

For the average American, this all translates to things like:

Fewer medical breakthroughs and "weaker" medical research

Fewer medical/health experts

Increased drug/treatment costs

Lower quality of life

Stagnant (or lower) average life expectancy

(Plus economic repercussions I don't have the expertise to predict).

So what do we do about this???

I hate to sound like a broken record, but...CONTACT YOUR REPS! Call daily if possible, but send emails/letters at the very least! Use the language in the TL;DR at the top of this post if that gives you a framework.

If you want, include personal reasons as to why this will impact you, or just mention that it will slow life-saving medical research (bonus points if you tell them to block all cabinet picks until Elon is no longer interfering in the government)!

This is dire and immediate, but it isn't all doom and gloom. With enough pressure, we can (and have!) gotten things reversed.

Take care of each other, stay alive, and keep fighting back 💛

#time sensitive #please spread the word!!#again feel free to correct me on anything if you know more!#everything is changing so rapidly and no one has the full picture right now (and that's by design)#and like I said. reductive #us politics #stem #nih #public health #news

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jaijeijayjei · 2 months ago

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For @echoingvoids 🫶🏼

Jayce’s Uni Crush

Rating: G

Summary:

Jayce is an engineering student at Piltover University, eager to bring his dreams to life. An elegant and mysterious young woman catches his eye, will their paths cross?

The Kiramman’s gala to celebrate the winners of their talent outreach program was as lavish as always. Jayce almost couldn’t believe it—a full-ride scholarship to study engineering at Piltover University with his best friend Viktor. An opportunity to conduct the research they both knew would change the world for the better. This was just the first step in their journey.

Jayce glanced around at the other winners, most of whom were students from prestigious private schools, as well as the foundation’s many donors, talent scouts, and a melange of guests from Piltover’s elite. He pulled at the collar of his rented suit and straightened his posture, hoping the smile on his face read as confidence and not the creeping self-doubt he felt washed over him.

“And now,” Ms. Kiramman announced from the stage, “it is my honor to invite one of our most illustrious scholars to the stage for a few words. Valedictorian of her class, Student Bar Association president, and soon-to-be law student at Piltover University. Please welcome Ms. Mel Medarda!”

A stunning young woman walked to the platform, draped in an elegant gold dress that cascaded over her lithe form. Gold jewelry was tastefully arranged in her elaborate hairdo contrasting beautifully with her vibrant green eyes and deep skin. She sparkled radiantly in the light of the chandelier.

“It is a privilege to stand before such a diverse collection of talented individuals,” Ms. Medarda began, with the commanding tone of a queen. “To behold so many, joined together not by birth or dictum but by all that we share. Our hope. Our curiosity. Our compulsion to leave behind us a world better than that before.”

Jayce listened to her intently, enthralled by her confidence and poise. Viktor glanced over at him and rolled his eyes affectionately at his partner’s sudden focus.

“... To conclude, as my mother once said to me, there is no shame in coming from humble beginnings. The dedication put forth by each and every candidate here today is a testament. You belong here. You deserve to be here. And I have every confidence that with courage and determination, you will find success. Thank you.”

It felt like she was speaking directly to him. He felt butterflies tingling in his stomach. Mel Medarda. Grace, intellect, strength. Would she ever look his way? “Focus Jayce! No time for daydreaming,” he chastised himself in his mind. “But maybe… just maybe our paths will cross one day.”

—

Jayce never expected him and Viktor would ever apply to the Ferros Clinic for Law, Technology, and Public Policy. But as Professor Heimerdinger reminded him, being a well-rounded student would expand their research opportunities. “Besides, young man,” he advised, “As a wise man once said, it has been appallingly clear that our technology has exceeded our humanity. If you wish to be a successful inventor, you must learn how to navigate the world in which we live."

He and Viktor rarely explored the campus aside from the science and technology department buildings. They made their way to the swanky building where their first meeting was scheduled. And beyond the glass doors, there she was.

Her. Jayce felt a blush creeping up his face. Aside from admiring her from afar at House Kiramman’s seasonal social events (and occasionally looking through her social media accounts, in a completely non-creepy way) this would be his first real interaction with Mel Medarda. Whenever he felt insecure and self-conscious amongst his peers, he thought back to her words “You belong here. You deserve to be here.” Would she ever know how much those words meant to him?

“And that is our proposal for the use of bionics in Zaun’s mining sector. This technology would allow miners to work faster and without fatigue. We believe scientific advancement should solve real problems, not just trade disputes or increasing shareholder value. These inventions have the potential to improve lives for the better for those who need it most.” Jayce stated passionately.

Their program director had requested that they present their current research project as a case study. Viktor covered a simple technical introduction to the engineering principles behind what they dubbed the Hexclaw and Atlas Gauntlets. Jayce took over and discussed the applications of their work and what inspired them to create them. Their presentation was seamless, and the extra push to make a good first impression on Mel didn’t hurt.

“Are there any questions?” Viktor prompted the room.

A graceful hand arose and they both felt the energy in the room shift. Ms. Medarda had made quite a reputation for herself in recent years and easily commanded respect in any room she was in. His breath caught, wondering what she was about to say.

“While I admire your enthusiasm, gentlemen, it appears there are several factors you have failed to consider. You intend to release this for commercial use, yes?” she prodded. Jayce and Viktor glanced at each other questioningly.

“Yes, we do,” Viktor said after a pause. “We are very close to producing a suitable finished design. We wish to put Hextech in the hands of the masses, Ms. Medarda.”

“You claim this will improve lives. But if you are not careful, this could exacerbate the economic disparity in Zaun tenfold,” she intoned, standing up from her seat.

“Say you release this technology to the public. Mining magnates purchase it, and there is an unprecedented boom in the mining industry. With the documented history of workers' rights violations in the undercity and a renewed incentive to compete with other mining companies, what might they do? Picture this, gentlemen. Impossible quotas, justified by the introduction of this technology. Massive layoffs to save on labor costs, and pressure to increase working hours for those who remain-”

“But what else could happen?” Jayce blurted out. The group stared at him agape for daring to interrupt. He took a deep breath in.

“What if these aids make the lives of miners easier and safer? What if, with Hextech, the need for miners decreases and Zaun can expand their other sectors? Think of how many artists, entrepreneurs, and scientists have no choice but to work in the mines all their lives. Your concerns are valid. But Viktor and I will work to make sure that our inventions are used for good.”

Mel’s demeanor relaxed, and he thought he caught a glint of amusement flash across her face. He continued, looking directly into her eyes, “With all due respect, Ms. Medarda, I won’t let fear of what can go wrong stop us from trying to leave the world better than it once was,” he concluded.

There was silence as everyone absorbed the shock of Jayce’s outburst. Mel stepped forward and paused in front of him.

“I wholeheartedly agree Mr. Talis. If you had let me continue, I was about to say this is an excellent case study for our cohort to discuss,” she looked softly at him.

“You and Mr. Reveck have brilliant minds. It would be criminal to allow such talent to go to waste. Now, may we continue?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Yes ma’am,” Jayce said with a light flush staining his cheeks.

The group, aided by their mentors, discussed the logistics of introducing Hextech to the world in an ethical, socially aware manner. Jayce was of course enthusiastically engaged with the discussion. Yet he couldn’t help but pay especially close attention to Ms. Medarda. She was like an enigma to be solved, a mysterious phenomenon to study and research. She intrigued him. Who was she? And like the excellent researcher Jayce was, he decided he would just have to find out for himself.

—-

Jayce’s part-time job at the local cafe was a decent setup. He mostly worked weekends and Fridays, to build up his savings and support his mother every bit he could now that he wasn’t working for the family business. It was a quaint shop where haggard students would come to treat themselves for a job well done or a change of scenery in their study marathons. Ambient jazz filled the room and various houseplants and fresh flowers for sale livened up the place.

He was wiping down the counter on a slow, rainy Saturday, chatting quietly with Viktor when the bell rang. “What can I get you- Ms. Medarda!”

Mel walked in and her eyes widened for a moment in recognition. “Mr. Talis. Mr. Reveck. I didn’t realize you worked here.”

“Ah yes- it’s a nice place, and it pays the bills! I mean, not that we have bills since we got a scholarship -which you know-, but it’s a decent job... What can I get started for you?”

“Very smooth,” Viktor chuckled under his breath. Jayce glanced at him pointedly.

Mel laughed softly like. Jayce immediately wanted to hear it again. “Relax, Jayce. Just be yourself. You’ve got this!” he thought.

“What would you recommend?” she asked.

“Our seasonal drinks are always excellent,” he said, handing her a menu. “My favorite is the brown sugar latte.”

“Then that’s what I’ll have,” Mel said. She took a seat after paying for her drink and pulled out a sketchbook. Jayce didn’t know she had an interest in art. “What does she like to draw? What else does she like?” Jayce wondered as he prepared her drink. He hesitated before preparing her drink. Would a heart-shaped latte art be too much? Would she read into it? Damn it- what has he got to lose? He made the heart and brought the drink to her table.

“Here you are, Ms. Medarda.”

“Thank you, Mr. Talis,” she said, reaching for the cup. Her hands brushed over his fingers and his heart leaped in his chest.

“Please, call me Jayce,” he said with a warm smile. Mel smiled back at him. “In that case, please call me Mel.” He felt a jolt of electricity between them. He realized he was still holding onto her hand and quickly pulled back after setting the drink on the table.

“Please let me know if you need anything.” His partner watched smugly as Jayce walked back to the counter. Viktor crept up behind him as he was reorganizing their tea selection.

“This is your chance, you know. Ask her out already, for god’s sake. She won’t bite you,” he said, nudging his foot with his cane.

“Don’t you have inventory to count?” Jayce hissed.

Viktor gave him a flat look over his glasses. “Hm, I seem to recall someone telling me ‘It’s never too late to take a chance on love!’”

Jayce rolled his eyes at Viktor’s bad impression of him. “Hey, you and Sky are doing great now!”

“Exactly my point. Ask her to dinner tonight. Sky and I like that Italian place down the street. I can get you a table.”

Viktor walked away to organize the storage room, leaving Jayce with his thoughts.

“Should I? What’s the worst that can happen… What if she refuses to work with us anymore? No, Mel wouldn’t do that…” He ruminated over his options.

“Thank you for the recommendation,” Mel said, standing behind the counter, breaking him from his reverie. “It was exquisite.”

“I’m glad you liked it, Mel.” Mel. Her name tasted like honey on his tongue. Mel, Mel, Mel. He liked it.

“Also… are you busy tonight?” she asked. His pulse quickened, “No, Viktor and I are all caught up on the safety tests Professor Heimerdinger requested so we’re free this weekend.”

“Would you like to have dinner with me tonight?”

“I would love that.” He answered immediately. “Is… there something you’d like to discuss about our research?” Maybe she was only about business.

“Not quite. Is there something unusual about wishing to get to know a fascinating young man?” she teased lightly. He smiled brightly.

“What about the Italian restaurant down the street? I’ve heard good things about that place, maybe at 6?” he suggested.

“That sounds perfect. I’ll see you then.”

Jayce looked at her wistfully as she left the cafe, in disbelief at what just happened. Excitement bubbled in his chest... he has a date!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/66034267

#arcane #meljay #mel medarda #jayce talis #onlymeljayficexchange #only Meljay

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