#Shepherd Internship Program

[wemeetby-accident]

Personnel File: Sunshine E. Davar

Basics Name: Sunshine E. Davar Codename/Callsign: Angel, Sunshine, Eclipse Rank: N/A Role: Intelligence Analyst Eye Color: Brown-Green Hair Color: Brown Height: 5’2” Weight: 124lbs Distinguishing Marks: Freckles across bridge of her nose, across her face. Freckles continue down the chest/neck. Tattoos: Sun on inner left bicep, above arm crease. Floral sleeves on both right and left bicep (shaded black ink with hints of color; eventually covers scarring); large thigh piece with floral design on right thigh. Several ear piercings. Age: 28 Gender: Female Date/Place of Birth: May 16, 1995 - Albany, New York

Skills and Abilities Powers: “Knowledge” (Monster AU: Fae - Seelie) Weapon of Choice: Knife. CQC skills (both learned after joining the Shadows) Languages Known: English, ASL (fluent). Spanish (near fluent). Other Skills and Abilities: Cool head - able to talk panicked peers down. Skilled at organizing and processing information, verbal and physical. Detail-oriented. Good listener. Dedicated to tasks. Weaknesses to be Concerned About: Physical strength is lacking. No formal combat training. Can be easily overwhelmed.

Personality General: Kind, polite, romantic, loving, compassionate, empathetic, genuine, warm, skittish, shy, malleable/submissive, bright Likes: -Flowers, specifically daisies and sunflowers -Gardening (she’d rather be operating her own floral business than whatever job she’s pushed into) -Strawberries (eating and growing) -Small animals (ducks, kittens, and bunnies) -Romance novels (especially the cheap pulpy kind) -Comfy games (not a full-tilt gamer since she was never allowed to play much as a kid, but enjoys things like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing)

Dislikes: -Getting reprimanded/whenever someone angrily raises their voice towards her -Crying in front of others (she gets embarrassed) -Squash (the vegetable. It’s the only one she doesn’t really like!)

Fears: -Severe injuries. -Losing loved ones.

Other: -Very sentimental and affectionate (learned from her grandmother) -Good cook! Had to learn to cook for herself as a teenager as her parents were often out for work. -Can be shy at first but once she is warmed up to someone - very outgoing. -Often does small gestures for others (such as making/offering tea or coffee, etc); often confused with going “above and beyond” in her internships with people who she had considered peers

Relationships Parents: -Joseph Davar (father), Grace Goldman Davar (mother). Government workers. Worked their way up from small local positions to DC. Currently on a committee that benefits Shepherd; Sunshine’s current position with the Shadows was an IOU based on a deal the three managed. -The family has a history of moving: remained in Albany until Sunshine was approx. 11. The family then moved south to White Plains, NY due to promotions and a need to be closer to NYC; Sunshine went to middle and high school in the area. Upon graduation and acceptance into Yale, Sunshine moved to New Haven, CT while her parents moved to NYC for yet another promotion. They then moved from New York City to Washington, DC in the middle of Sunshine’s graduate program without notice.

Siblings: None. Only child. Extended Family: -Grandmother, mother’s side - Elise Goldman, “Nana” - very close and only family member that the Davars keep in touch with. Raised Sunshine for several years when she was young due to her parents taking jobs with busier schedules. -Grandfather, mother’s side - Clark Goldman, “Grandpa” - deceased; d. 2012. -Father’s side - unknown. Little contact; family history suggests a line of politicians. Ex-Partners: None of note. No serious relationships prior to employment with Shadows PMC.

History Education: Loaded high school transcript (6 successful AP credits earned by the end of her high school career.) Attended Yale for both undergraduate and graduate programs. -Undergraduate coursework: AA in Art; Certificate in Data Science; Bachelor’s in Political Science, minor in Business Management; additional coursework in cyber security and risk management -Graduate coursework: Master’s Degree in Asset Management Military Service: N/A. Civilian recruited to Shadows as a favor to the Davar family by Shepherd. Criminal Record: N/A Medical Incidents: Broken tibia, sprained wrist, concussion (27). See note below.

Notes -Regarding medical incidents: see file log dated 23 March 2021 involving Corporal Wolffe. -Previous work experience includes work in political offices and state/county jobs. Interned several times thanks to her parents’ in large offices; not a stranger to office work and overtime without pay.

Additional notes: -Sunshine, 28: slender. Obviously petite but she's clocking in under 130 so she's tiny. Screen fatigue x1000000. She has one of those brightening sticks in her desk drawer and she's tired and pale. She skips meals I think when she's working really really hard to the point where she's had to had an IV but. Those occasions are less frequent? -Sunshine, 32: much softer. She's eating more, eating better. She's got a garden and fruit at her fingertips so she's just enjoying herself all the time. Her hair is longer, but rather than being in two braids she just wears it out? She's not quite got the screen fatigue going on, but she's still got some dark circles. She spends a lot of time reading or working in the garden. She enjoys her time but she's very much trying to use every moment of it all now that she's doing things for herself. Stays up late. Lots of time in the sun, her freckles are much darker but she sort of sunburns - lots of SPF to make up for being inside for so long? She definitely wears hats (all varieties tbh) outside when working, lots of overalls.

[business-businessservice]

Stepping into Service: The Sacred Rite of Minister Ordination

In the tapestry of religious traditions, the ordination of ministers holds a profound significance, marking the transition from layperson to spiritual leader and servant of the divine. This solemn ceremony, steeped in ritual and tradition, symbolizes a commitment to uphold the teachings of faith, guide the faithful, and nurture the spiritual journey of others. As individuals answer the call to ministry, the process of ordination serves as a sacred milestone, affirming their dedication to serve their community and embody the values of their faith.

The Meaning of Minister Ordination:

Minister ordination is more than a mere formality; it is a sacred covenant between the individual being ordained, their faith community, and the divine. Rooted in religious doctrine and tradition, ordination signifies a deep calling to serve as a spiritual leader, teacher, and counselor within the faith community. It is a recognition of the individual's qualifications, character, and readiness to assume the responsibilities of ministry, including preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and administration.

The Ordination Process:

The path to ministerial ordination varies across different religious traditions and denominations, yet certain elements are commonly observed. Prospective ministers typically undergo a period of theological education and spiritual formation to deepen their understanding of scripture, theology, ethics, and pastoral care. This may involve completing a formal degree program at a theological seminary or training institute, as well as practical internships or fieldwork under the guidance of experienced clergy.

Once deemed ready for ordination, candidates undergo a discernment process with their faith community and governing body, which may include interviews, examinations, and approval by ecclesiastical authorities. The ordination ceremony itself is a solemn occasion, often conducted within the context of a worship service or special liturgical celebration. During the ceremony, the candidate makes vows or affirmations of faith, receives the laying on of hands by ordained clergy, and is officially commissioned as a ordained minister license.

The Responsibilities of Ordained Ministers:

Ordained ministers shoulder a weighty responsibility as spiritual shepherds entrusted with the care and nurture of souls. Their role encompasses a wide range of duties and responsibilities, including:

Preaching and Teaching: Ministers deliver sermons, lectures, and religious instruction to convey the teachings of their faith and inspire spiritual growth among the faithful.

Pastoral Care: Ministers provide emotional support, counseling, and spiritual guidance to individuals and families facing life's challenges, including illness, grief, and personal crises.

Sacramental Ministry: Depending on their tradition, ministers may preside over sacramental rites such as baptisms, weddings, funerals, and the celebration of the Eucharist or communion.

Community Leadership: Ministers serve as leaders within their faith community, participating in decision-making, governance, and pastoral planning to foster unity and growth.

Social Justice Advocacy: Many ministers are actively engaged in advocacy and activism, working to address issues of social justice, inequality, and systemic oppression in their communities and society at large.

The Sacred Call to Service:

For those called to ministry, ordination represents not only a formal recognition of their vocation but also a profound spiritual commitment to serve God and humanity. It is a sacred calling that requires humility, integrity, compassion, and a deep sense of purpose. As become a minister online embark on their journey of service, they carry with them the prayers, hopes, and aspirations of their faith community, walking in the footsteps of those who have gone before them and paving the way for future generations of spiritual leaders.

Conclusion:

Minister ordination is a sacred rite of passage that marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of service, devotion, and spiritual leadership. It is a time-honored tradition that transcends cultural and religious boundaries, embodying the universal human quest for meaning, connection, and transcendence. As get ordained onlinetake up the mantle of leadership, they become stewards of faith, custodians of tradition, and beacons of hope in an ever-changing world. Through their words and deeds, they inspire, uplift, and transform lives, embodying the timeless values of love, compassion, and justice that lie at the heart of all religious traditions.

[abbscol]

BBA Aviation Courses in Bangalore

ABBS BBA Aviation Courses in Bangalore

The ABBS BBA aviation courses in Bangalore is a business school that is affiliated to the Bangalore University. It is a privately-held institution. One of the key founders of the institution is Dr. B. Vijaypal Reddy, who is also currently the chairman of the institute. So, if you want to pursue an MBA course in the city, you can apply to the institute.

Qualifications to apply for MBA course in Bangalore

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a two-year postgraduate program that develops business acumen and professional skills. The program is offered in a variety of specializations, allowing students to choose their area of interest. This course is recognized worldwide and is a great gateway to careers in various fields. Its flexibility allows students to complete the programme on a part-time or full-time basis.

The course also includes workshops, guest lectures, corporate discussions, and seminars. Students are trained in practical skills such as time management, analytical reasoning, and communication. Additionally, the course provides a lot of networking opportunities.

Students who are interested in applying for the MBA course can enroll with any of the many colleges in Bangalore. Most colleges have a selective process for admission, so aspiring students should join the best MBA colleges in the city.

ABBS Institute of Management

Aviation is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. It involves air transportation, logistics, airport management, safety, and security. Therefore, companies are looking for managerial candidates with good management skills. There are various aviation courses offered for different qualification levels.

BBA in Aviation is a three-year undergraduate course that provides a comprehensive knowledge of the aviation industry. Students learn about airline operations, management, finance, and marketing. Upon completion, they will be equipped with all the managerial and marketing skills they need to successfully manage and promote an airline company. This program is aimed at preparing students to become ethical managers, entrepreneurs, and business analysts in the aviation sector.

There are many colleges in Bangalore offering BBA Aviation programs. The best one is the Good Shepherd Institutions, which is affiliated to the Bangalore University. The school has a good placement record.

ABBS 

BBA Aviation is a three-year undergraduate program that prepares candidates for managerial positions in the aviation industry. Students study the fundamentals of business, communications, and aviation, which allows them to effectively manage airports and airlines. They also receive training in the basics of economics, security, and airport operations.

Graduates from BBA Aviation programs can also continue to advanced professional studies. For example, students can obtain a commercial pilot license and work as an assistant airport manager. Or they can pursue an MBA in aviation, which can help them build their career as an airport manager or a marketing manager. Depending on their experience and academic record, they can earn an annual salary from around INR 4 lakh to as much as 10 lakh.

Best BBA colleges in Bangalore. This college offers a variety of management courses in various fields, including Aviation. It is approved by the Government of Karnataka and is affiliated to Bangalore University.

Students will be trained on a number of topics such as air transport, airport operations, airline accounting, passenger forecasting and fire safety. Apart from these, the college also provides real-time internships with top organisations. Besides, the campus is designed in a way to enable students to experience a collaborative approach to learning.

Students will gain a sound knowledge of the aviation industry and be prepared to work in any area of the industry. They will also be equipped with the necessary skills to handle a wide range of human resource, marketing and finance functions.

ABBS 

ABBS offers a wide range of bba aviation college in Bangalore. Students can choose between a full time or part time course. The courses offer a strong foundation of management and business skills.

There are numerous employment opportunities in the aviation industry. The demand for these professionals is increasing rapidly. However, to land a job, it is essential to have a thorough knowledge of the aviation industry. A BBA degree in aviation can lead to a fulfilling career in the aviation field.

The BBA in Aviation Management program is a three-year undergraduate course that focuses on airport operations. Students learn how to run an airline company and how to handle passengers and cargo. Other areas covered in this program are corporate law, management principles, and airport and air traffic control.BBA Aviation Courses in Bangalore

[centrecollege]

Name: Dahabo Kerow '20 Major: International Studies Organization: Park Place Outreach (Shepherd Internship Program) Position: Summer Events Coordinator Intern Location: Savannah, GA Term: Summer 2019

"I will forever cherish this internship and the new insight that it provided me with. This internship has made me more committed to my future career plans. As someone who wants to enter the human rights advocacy arena, it has made me strong and more aware."

[hurricanery]

If the Sun Comes Up - pt. 1

Apologies for the long A/N: This is the start of an AU fic inspired by this prompt & this prompt. It follows Amelia & Link, along with many others, in their first year as interns at seattle grace hospital. Thank you for sending character requests about this one! I settled on a few, but other characters are likely to show up later on as residents/attendings. Also, sidenote: this is completely an AU, meaning I just kind of grouped people together based on my interpretation of age (not that age really makes sense in the greys world anyways). This chapter is somewhat boring, basically just a set up for the characters and dynamic of the story. Thank you as always for feedback and prompts <3

In summary, the main interns in focus are: Amelia Shepherd, Atticus Lincoln, Maggie Pierce, Winston Ndugu, Jo Wilson, & Lexie Grey. The ship this focuses on is Amelink <3

_______

That's how it starts

We go back to your house

We check the charts

And start to figure it out

_______

(Hour 1)

“No, no, no,” she mutters impatiently, hastily climbing out of her car, her jacket catching in the door as she slams it shut. “God dammit, son of a-”

She tugs her jacket free and sighs in exasperation as she begins walking at a pace that could quite possibly challenge olympic level speed-walkers.

Amelia Shepherd was a lot of things.

Sharp. Cunning. Confident. Prepared. Most of the time.

But, throughout her lifetime, she’d also been described in less elevating ways. Unpredictable. Impulsive. Irresponsible. She laughs bitterly when her mind settles on the last adjective, as she scurries through the doors of Seattle Grace Hospital.

Because she was a lot of things. And late for the first day of her surgical internship was now getting added to the list.

_______

“Pierce, Lincoln, Wilson, Ndugu, Grey, Shepherd!” Chief Webber’s voice booms through the chaos of the crowded locker room. Interns begin stepping forward as their names are called. “Pierce, Lincoln, Wilson, Ndugu, Grey, and Shepherd,” he beckons again, “Your assigned resident is Dr. Karev.”

Alex scowls intimidatingly as five out of his six interns approach him by the door.

“Let’s move,” he mutters, starting to walk swiftly through the corridor of the hospital while the interns trail behind him.

“I have five rules,” he stops walking suddenly, and the sound of halting sneakers squeaks behind him. “First rule…” He trails off, turning around to look pointedly at each of their faces. “There are five of you here, who’s missing?”

The group looks between each other in confusion, shrugging amongst themselves. Alex peers down at each of their ID badges.

“Where’s Shepherd?”

More shrugs.

“Where’s Shepherd?” He repeats, louder this time.

“I’m here, I’m here!” Amelia’s breathless voice chimes distantly behind the group as she jogs to meet them. She comes to a stop, huffing out a breath as she pushes strands of her long, dark hair out of her face.

Alex glares at her, arms folding across his chest.

“Okay forget the rules, we’re out of time,” He growls. “You five,” He looks between those of his interns that were on time today. “You’ll be joining me in the gallery for a groundbreaking surgery.”

There’s excited murmurs throughout the group.

“I’m serious. The surgery you’re about to witness….you will likely never see anything like it again. You will be silent. You will take notes. And you will not embarrass me.”

The excited murmurs turn to anxious nods.

“Shepherd,” Alex continues, an evil smirk taking over his expression. Amelia gulps. “Your last name is not going to save your ass right now.” He laughs. “I have this dude who’s taking up a bed down in the pit. He won’t stop throwing up. He’s a junkie. You’re gonna go clean him up, give him an IV, and send him home. And then maybe you can come find us.”

Amelia sighs, stepping forward slightly to defend herself. “Are you sure? Don’t you think I should see-”

“I didn’t ask for a response,” he interrupts her. “I asked you to head to the pit.”

Amelia blinks, her hands dropping to her sides in defeat. She watches as the rest of her intern class hurries off to witness a groundbreaking surgery without her.

_______

(Hour 8)

Amelia slowly shuffles through the dimly lit basement of Seattle Grace, following the sounds of her fellow interns’ voices.

“Ugh, Atticus,” Jo laughs loudly. “Call him Link. I have never heard anyone call him Atticus.”

Jo’s laugh echoes through the hallway and Amelia uses it to guide her.

“Sorry,” Lexie giggles in defense. “It’s not like I knew that. Not my fault you all know each other already.”

Amelia finally approaches. And sees everyone sprawled out across the abandoned hospital bed in the hallway. The bed rests against a large window by the vending machines.

“Who all knows each other already?” Amelia huffs as she slides down against the opposite wall, settling herself on the floor and leaning her head back in exhaustion.

“Everyone, apparently,” Lexie responds as she takes a bite of a granola bar. “Maggie and Winston went to Tufts together. Jo and Link did the same undergrad program, and even worked at the same restaurant. I’m the loner here.”

“Well,” Amelia mumbles, eyes closing as her head rests against the wall. “I’m a loner with you, then.”

“Yeah, except for the fact that you’re a Shepherd,” Lexie laughs.

“And you’re a Grey!” Amelia bites back playfully. “We’re in the same boat here.”

“Wait, you’re a Grey?” Maggie gasps, practically choking on the handful of chips she’d just consumed. Winston leans forward, concern crossing his features as he rubs Maggie’s back. She slowly gets a grasp over her coughs. “You’re a Grey, too? Like….Meredith Grey?”

“Yeah….I’m her sister….” Lexie frowns. And Maggie’s eyes go wide. “What’s wrong with being a Grey-”

“Is everyone here somehow related to an attending or resident?” Jo interrupts, rolling her eyes in disbelief. “What in the nepotism….”

Maggie settles back in her seat, her eyes still wide as Winston watches her. Quiet falls between them all and Amelia resumes her previous position, eyes coming to rest as she leans back against the wall. She listens to the voices among the group as the conversation picks back up.

“I heard that every year, they pick the most promising intern on the first day to scrub in on something.” Jo announces. Amelia’s adrenaline kicks in a little bit at this information, but she keeps her eyes shut.

“During our first shift?” Lexie gasps.

“Mhm.”

“No thanks,” Lexie mutters. “I’d definitely screw something up.”

“I might ask Karev about it,” Amelia can hear the smirk in Jo’s voice. “Try and get a leg up on it.”

“Nah,” Link cuts in. “Don’t do that. Whatever happens, happens. You wanna be a shark about it?”

“Okay, Mr. ‘go with the flow.’” Jo laughs. “That kind of attitude is not going to get you anywhere.”

The comfortable silence that fills the hallway again makes sense. It reflects everyone’s current exhaustion.

But then a question gets voiced, and it takes Amelia a moment to realize that the question is directed toward her.

“How’d your patient in the pit go?”

Amelia’s eyes snap open as she searches for the face that voiced the question. Her eyes land on Link’s bright-eyed and sympathetic gaze.

“I….didn’t end up discharging him.” Amelia mutters. And she watches as Link raises his eyebrows at this information.

“Karev is not going to be happy about that.”

“He….uh,” Amelia sits up, bringing her knees to her chest as she explains. “The patient….he’s not a junkie.” She outwardly cringes at the word. “It’s not withdrawal. It’s something else.”

“What makes you think that?” Jo inquires doubtfully.

“His symptoms,” Amelia mumbles, somewhat self-consciously. “They’re not withdrawal symptoms.”

“Maybe Shepherd’s right,” Link offers, a kindness to his voice that surprises Amelia. She expects him to be more arrogant. Or maybe a little full of himself. Just based on his looks. But, everything she’s heard from him so far, has been nothing but positive.

“You going to tell Karev you didn’t discharge the guy?” Jo questions.

“I am,” Amelia responds matter-of-factly. And the hallway grows silent again.

“I could just take a nap right here, right now….” Winston eventually mumbles out.

And there’s a general hum of agreement. Before the quiet moment is interrupted by a chorus of pagers going off.

_______

(Hour 12)

They finally get a lunch break. And by the time it comes around, Amelia isn’t even hungry. After being vomited on in the pit all morning, her appetite is completely diminished.

She walks through the hallway towards the cafeteria and sees Maggie walking a few feet ahead of her.

“Hey!” She catches up to her.

“Hey,” Maggie smiles. “You grabbing lunch?”

Amelia just groans, shaking her head. “Not after the morning I’ve had, no.”

Maggie gives her a sympathetic look before she stops in front of the bulletin board outside of the cafeteria. Amelia watches curiously as Maggie pins a flyer to the board, then she reads the posting.

“You’re looking for roommates?” Amelia inquires, slowly becoming more animated as the idea settles in.

“Yeah, I have three rooms to fill in my apartment. My other roommates moved out but I want to re-sign the lease.”

“Um, wow,” Amelia is stunned by the obviousness of it. “Okay, me? I will be a roommate.”

They continue walking towards the cafeteria and Maggie turns to her, giving her an incredulous stare.

“We’re in the same intern class….” Maggie frowns. “We’re going to be around each other literally 24/7….you wouldn’t actually want to….live together, too?”

“I would,” Amelia persists. “I’m….crashing on my brother’s couch right now,” she mutters, embarrassed by the confession. “I would quite honestly rather live anywhere else.”

“I barely know you.” Maggie exclaims in disbelief.

“So! I’m great. I’m...I’m the best. Best roommate ever. I promise you won’t regret it.” Amelia grins hugely, wiggling her brows, trying to sell herself. And Maggie laughs, shaking her head.

They sit at a table, and Maggie unpacks the lunch she’s brought with her.

“Really,” Amelia tries again. “I’m a clean person. I do the dishes...most of the time. I pay rent on time. Always. And I’m fun, and-”

“Okay!” Maggie laughs. “Okay. You….you’re overselling it now. You can have one of the rooms.”

“Yes!” Amelia loudly squeals, and the outburst makes heads turn throughout the cafeteria. She quickly pipes down. “Sorry….you won’t regret it.”

Maggie just shakes her head, taking a bite of salad.

“So….” Amelia speaks up again after letting Maggie get a few bites in. “What do you have against Meredith Grey?”

And similar to earlier, Maggie almost chokes on her food again. She slowly works on swallowing her bite of salad before she speaks.

“I don’t have anything against Meredith Grey,” she mutters.

“Ha,” Amelia laughs sarcastically. “Your eyes just about burst through your head earlier when you found out Lexie was related to her. What’s up?”

“It’s a long story.”

“Hey, we’re roommates now. Spill.” Amelia folds her arms across her chest, leaning back in her seat.

Maggie glances around the room before she leans in, beginning to speak softly. So softly Amelia almost doesn’t hear her. “I came here….to Seattle Grace….I applied for this internship because my birth mother worked here. She was kind of….like a legend here.”

“Okay….”

“And I didn’t think I’d actually land the internship….”

“Okay….”

“And then I got the internship and….and I didn’t think I’d actually see her, or be working with her-”

“Who? Your mom?” Amelia interrupts.

“No,” Maggie breathes. “No….Meredith.”

Amelia just frowns, still not understanding how this ties together.

“Ellis Grey is my birth mother.”

And now it’s Amelia’s turn to choke on her food. Except she’s not currently eating anything. So, it’s more like she’s choking on air as she grips the edges of the table in shock.

But before she can voice her surprise, Winston approaches the table, sitting down to join them. And Amelia breathes out a huge breath. Glancing at Maggie and miming the motions as if she’s zipping her mouth shut.

Winston definitely notices the strange energy, and he looks between the two in confusion.

“I’m….” Amelia pipes up. “I’m going to go check on my patient in the pit. You two enjoy lunch.”

Amelia stands up, winking at Maggie mischievously, before heading for the door.

_______

(Hour 16)

16 Hours in and Amelia finally decides it’s time to eat something. She’s been on her feet all day, running labs and doing scut work for Karev. The patient she was supposed to have discharged earlier, is currently waiting on the neuro consult she’d ordered. So it feels like the perfect time to take a small break.

She’s been so busy, she’s barely even thought about food. Her stomach rumbles loudly as she makes her way back through the dimly lit basement, seeking out the vending machines she knows are down here. She could have picked any of the vending machines in the hospital, honestly, but she’s chosen this route because she likes the quiet, and hopes to have a moment to herself to unwind.

She rounds the corner, letting the subtle hum of the vending machines bring her comfort. But the moment doesn’t last.

“Hey, Shepherd!”

Amelia jumps, clutching a hand to her chest as her eyes settle on Link, where he’s once again sitting on the abandoned bed in the hallway.

“Shit, you scared me.” She exhales shakily.

“Sorry,” he smiles, then turns back to the textbook in his lap.

Amelia walks past him, continuing towards the vending machines. She considers the options in front of her, before deciding on a granola bar and an energy drink.

“You kind of stole my idea,” she mumbles as she turns around to face him.

“Hm?” he looks up from his book.

“I was going to come down here, and be all quiet and alone for a minute,” she smirks.

“Well, great minds think alike, I guess?” He laughs. “You can sit.”

Amelia gazes up at him through a pointed stare, biting the inside of her cheek as she weighs her options. She truly had been seeking a peaceful moment to herself before she realized Link was down here.

“And I can be quiet,” he adds, watching her think it through.

But she decides. She gives in and climbs onto the mattress, resting her back against the wall. She yawns hugely as she settles in a comfortable seated position, legs outstretched in front of her, mirroring Link’s current position.

“Those aren’t very good for you, you know,” he smirks, nodding towards the energy drink in her lap.

“What are you, a doctor or something?” she bites back sarcastically.

“Trying to be.”

Amelia smiles, popping open the drink and taking an exaggerated first sip. Link just shakes his head at her, turning back to his book.

Amelia sighs a few seconds later. “Is it just me....or do you feel like you have no idea what you’re doing?”

Link turns his head to the side, lifting his eyes from his book to her tired expression.

“I get that.”

“I mean,” Amelia lets her head roll to the side too, in his direction. “I was top of my class at Harvard. I really thought I’d have an impressive first day.”

“You….were late this morning….” Link stifles a laugh, squinting at her.

Amelia rolls her eyes. “Yeah….not off to a great start. You’re right.”

A moment later Link slams his textbook closed, muttering something about trying to squeeze in a nap while he can. He leans his head back against the wall, letting his eyes shut.

“Oh, come on,” Amelia mutters playfully. “Sleep is for the weak.”

“Sleep is extremely important,” Link responds, eyes still closed. “And I’m not sleeping, I’m just resting my eyes.”

Amelia laughs under her breath. “Sure.”

“Really,” he continues. “Resting your eyes? Feels fantastic. You should give it a try.”

Amelia doesn’t respond to this, instead taking another sip of her drink.

“Afraid you’ll fall asleep?” Link inquires a moment later, opening his eyes to glance sideways at her.

“No. I can rest my eyes without falling asleep.”

“Sure.”

Amelia watches as he resumes his previous position, his eyes slipping closed as he rests against the wall.

“Is this some sort of competition?” She mutters.

“I’m not competitive.”

He’s smug, Amelia thinks, as she stares at his restful expression. She sets her drink on the windowsill behind her, and lets her own eyes come to rest. It feels good to close her eyes. Way too good.

A moment later she hears Link whisper “I told you.” At least she thinks that’s what she hears. Her consciousness is beginning to slip away from her. And it’s hard to pull herself out of it, or to even think about separating exhausted imagination from reality.

When Link’s pager goes off several minutes later, his eyes shoot open. The sound of it doesn’t even cause Amelia to stir. He turns to look at her. Her long hair covers half of her face, but he can tell by the pattern of her breathing that she’s fallen asleep. Link smiles to himself, deciding not to wake her. She had initially come down here seeking a moment to herself, and Link was going to let her have it. His pager beeps again and he stands up, quickly on his feet and moving through the hallway.

_______

When Amelia eventually wakes up, she has no idea how much time has passed. The first thing she notices is that she’s alone now. Link’s abandoned textbook sits open next to her. It’s much darker in the basement now, with less light coming in through the window. She frowns, checking her pager.

And that’s when she notices the red blinking light.

Signifying her pager is dying. Or needs new batteries. Or something. She doesn’t know. It’s her goddamn first day and she has no idea how this works.

She curses to herself, springing up from her seat and practically running towards the stairwell.

_______

By the time she reaches the pit, she’s completely out of breath. Her eyes scan the ER, trying to locate her patient from earlier. The patient she was supposed to have discharged. But instead of following Karev’s orders, she had called a neuro consult, because she knew that the case was something more. And now, as she stands in the ER, she completely regrets her decision to venture off to the basement and wait for a confirmation page from neuro. That decision was currently biting her in the ass.

Because now her eyes settle on the current situation.

She watches as Karev begins transport of her patient. Her mouth drops open, stunned as Karev kicks the hospital bed into movement, beginning to transport her patient to the OR. She grows even more stunned as she watches Link grab the rails on the other side of the bed, moving with Karev towards the elevator.

“Wait,” she steps forward. “Wait! That’s my patient, what-”

“Not anymore,” Alex growls. “It’s a tumor, Shepherd. No longer your case.”

“Right,” Amelia keeps pace with them. “I’m the one that called the neuro consult. I knew it! I knew that-”

“Shepherd-”

“That’s my patient!”

She stumbles backwards a bit as they navigate the bed to enter the elevator. She makes eye contact with Link as she watches them step into the elevator.

“Like I said,” Alex mutters, pressing the elevator button to the OR floor once they’re settled inside. “Not anymore. Maybe answer your page, next time.”

Her shock turns to anger as she holds eye contact with Link, and Karev’s words settle in.

“Beds 1-4 need stitches, can you manage that?”

The elevator doors come to a close and irritation flashes through her hot and fast. Because Atticus Lincoln, mr. ‘I'm not competitive,’ had just stolen her patient. Tricked her into falling asleep and then stolen her surgery.

_______

She tries to suppress her anger as she does scut work for the next few hours. As the time passes, she focuses on her bedside manner, and tries to improve her suture technique. Her anger subsides, and it gets replaced with disappointment. Mostly disappointment in herself. Because this was nobody’s fault but her own.

This was a surgical internship at one of the top hospitals in the country. It was allowed to be competitive. They were allowed to be sharks.

By the time she discharges her last patient in the pit, she’s feeling a lot of things. The feeling that stands out the most though, is the exhaustion.

_______

(Hour 24)

Amelia basically moves on autopilot as she exits the locker room, shrugging her jacket on and moving through the hospital’s corridor.

Her eyes feel heavy and all she can think about is going home and immediately going to sleep.

Her anticipation is interrupted, though, when she sees Link walking a few feet ahead of her. She stares at the back of his head, trying to remember any of the angry words she’d had for him earlier. But she’s just so tired, and she’s drawing a blank.

He comes to a stop in front of her, pausing in front of the bulletin board just outside of the cafeteria. Amelia slows her pace as she watches him read something on the board, and then he’s ripping off part of a flyer.

She catches up with him, not managing to walk slowly enough to avoid him completely. He notices her approach and almost instantly, a remorseful expression takes over his face.

They fall into step with each other. And Amelia clears her throat.

“Will you at least tell me how it went? With the tumor?”

Link nods sheepishly. “He’s in recovery now. The other Dr. Shepherd, who I’m guessing is your brother?” Amelia nods. “He removed it all, no problems.”

“That’s good,” Amelia mutters.

They approach the exit, and Link holds the door open as they make their way into the parking lot.

“I didn’t mean to steal your surgery, you know,” Link speaks up again, his tone apologetic. “I just….answered the page.”

Amelia smirks.

“Don’t feel bad. If you want to be a shark, be a shark.”

Link genuinely looks conscious-stricken at her words.

“I’m kidding,” Amelia adds. “It was pretty much my fault.”

Link looks down, crumpling the paper he’d taken from the bulletin board, and twisting it in his palm.

“What’s that?” Amelia inquires.

“Roommates wanted,” Link exclaims, smoothing out the paper and reading the brief description.

Amelia’s face falls.

“No,” she’s laughing now. “No way.”

“What?”

“You can’t be one of our roommates.”

“Who is ‘our’?” Link frowns.

“That’s Maggie’s ad,” she laughs. “And I already claimed a room, so I get a say here.”

“Well I think I’m going to inquire with Maggie,” Link smirks. “I just so happen to be looking for a new place right now. So, I kind of feel like I was meant to see this,” he holds up the paper.

Amelia sighs.

“I’ll get to her first,” she mumbles, beginning to turn towards her parked car. “And give her my input.”

The sun is starting to come up. 24 hours since the last sunrise. 24 hours since the start of their first shift. Amelia gazes up at the sky, grateful that it’s over. But grateful that it happened. Grateful to have the first day under her belt.

“Shepherd,” Link interrupts her thoughts. “I think I’ll be getting to Maggie first.”

“Huh?” She turns to him, and notices how he’s started walking in the opposite direction.

She catches up to him.

“We’re going to Joe’s,” he states, as Amelia steps into pace with him. “The bar across the street. Apparently it’s open 24 hours….but that’s on the down-low.”

Amelia halts, coming to a standstill.

And Link frowns, slowing to a stop when he notices her hesitation. “Jo, Maggie, Winston, Lexie….everyone, I mean. To celebrate a successful first shift?”

Amelia’s heart sinks. She hates this part. Hates having this conversation with anyone her age.

“I don’t drink,” she admits, clawing her palms with her fingernails as her arms drop to her sides.

“Okay,” Link says simply. “They have food there, right?”

She has to question whether she’s heard him right. Because she was waiting for the ‘why not?’ For the confused stare. Or for the uncomfortable chuckle. Which he offers none of. She was so prepared for the interrogation, that his reaction actually stuns her a little.

“Or music?” Link adds, when he realizes that Amelia is stuck inside her head a little. “Food. Or music. Or games? Shepherd, I know I said I’m not competitive, but that’s a whole different story when it comes to darts-”

“Okay,” she finally breathes, trying to hide her smile.

“Okay, you’ll come?”

Amelia nods, starting to walk again. Link catches up with her and she guides them towards Joe’s. They cross the street just as the sun comes up.

//

[freckledacademic]

hello everyone!

i had someone request a breakdown of what my medical school/MSTP application looked like, so here we go!

FIRST - a disclaimer! this is my application, and it worked for me. it doesn’t look like the application of my classmates and other medical school friends who also got in. one of my friends got a below average MCAT, but her clinical experience and extracurriculars meant she got into (and is going to!) a highly-ranked medical school. on the other hand, my application was weighted fairly heavily in the direction of academics, since that’s my strength!

also, keep in mind i was applying to medical scientist training programs with the goal of getting an MD/PhD -- my app is also pretty research heavy

onto the specifics!

general

i went to a small liberal arts college with a focus on research. nearly every student does a senior thesis, and science senior theses usually involve lots of lab work/data generation done by the student.

i double-majored in mathematics and biochemistry & molecular biology, and between those classes, gen eds, and music, i was generally over full-time but just under the credit limit per semester.

i took the MCAT in May of 2018, and applied that summer. my AMCAS was in July 9th, and I got approved ~August 10th. this was between my junior (17-18) and senior (18-19) years. i matriculated at my med school in july of 2019.

numbers

GPA - 3.97 (ish? i got two A-s, and everything else was As)

MCAT - 519 (130 on three sections, 129 on one. i don’t remember which one though whoops)

clinical experience

shadowing - shadowed with two different doctors - an oncologist over the course of a semester, and a clinical pathologist for a day. total # of hours - relatively low, maybe 15-25.

clinical volunteering  - i volunteered at a free clinic near my college for one afternoon every week or so during most of junior spring and senior year. total # of hours - ~60 hrs

medical ethics program - related to the longitudinal oncology shadowing. once a month, throughout the spring semester of my junior year, we would meet to discuss articles we’d been assigned to read on a topic eg: end of life care, malpractice, etc. total # of hours -  ~10 hrs

research experience

research assistant, yeast genetics lab - i worked in this lab during the spring of my first year and during the summer after. it was my first lab/research experience, and it taught me a lot regarding lab techniques and lab mentality. garnered me my one and (still) only publication! total # of hours -  400+ hrs

research assistant, computational biology lab - i worked (and went on to do my senior thesis) in this lab during my junior year. it was partially an excuse to get started with my thesis coding early, because it was going to take a lot of time, but it also helped me get acquainted with my thesis advisor! total # of hours - ?

research intern, cancer research center - this was an internship i applied for that was specifically for students with a year left in college that occurred the summer between my junior and senior year. i worked with a biostatistician on developing a machine-learning model to predict disease risk based off of demographic data. i learned a lot about R, statistics, and regression models. i also learned that i don’t like R, statistics, and machine learning models lmao. note: this didn’t technically go in my AMCAS iirc, because i applied while i was *at* the internship. i did talk about it at interviews!

senior thesis - this was another thing that wasn’t in my app itself, because at the time it hadn’t been written lmao. it was something i was able to talk about at interviews, but it being ~still in progress~ did complicate it

on-campus jobs

peer tutor - got recommended by a professor my first year for a different tutoring program, but my schedule was a mess so i ended up as a one-on-one peer tutor! i really enjoyed it, but i had to drop it with how busy i got junior year, so i only did it for two years (freshman spring --> junior fall). total # of hours - 210 hrs

laboratory course TA, cell biology - again, got asked by a professor to do this. specifically TA’d 2/3 sections junior fall, and then 1/2 or 1/3 sections every semester after that. also held office hours, maintained longitudinal lab experiments, and supervised students performing experiments. total # of hours - 800 hrs (TAing this class was absurd and i did it for four semesters)

extracurriculars

collegiate choir member - i adore singing, and part of the reason i went to the college i did was so i could still partake in music while pursuing a science degree. i was a part of my school’s auditioned choir for all four years at my school, and it involved 1h15m practices 4 days a week, regular concerts, and an annual spring tour. total # of hours - 500 hrs

chorus manager - i was a manager of the chorus as well for three years (sophomore through senior). i was very much in charge of the organization - making sure everyone had uniforms, that those uniforms were on for concerts and that everyone was wearing shoes. shepherding people on trips, solving problems, taking attendance, etc. etc. total # of hours - 250 hrs

i also took voice lessons, though i don’t think i put that down on my app? iirc there’s a limit to how many activities you can add?

other

honor societies 

Phi Beta Kappa - general undergrad honor society, inducted junior year

Mu Alpha Theta - mathematics honor society, inducted sophomore year

Beta Beta Beta - biology honor society, inducted sophomore (?) year

awards

Barry Goldman scholarship - honorable mention

Dean’s List - all 8 semesters

various prizes specific to my undergrad

academic merit scholarship, minor voice scholarship

------------

to sum it all up....

i think the pros of my application include a strong academic presence, proof of my interest in research, and the existence of significant interests outside the STEM pathway - namely, music!

i think the major con of my application was a really weak clinical experience section, tbh. i also feel like some schools on the other side of the country from my undergrad like. hadn’t heard of it lmaooo.

everyone’s application will be different!! and that’s good, and okay, and you’ll be fine. you want to think about the things that make you you, and potentially the things that reflect on the kind of doctor that you’d like to be.

[antoine-roquentin]

interesting comparison in how the nytimes and wsj report on international affairs in their articles on the seoul mayoral election

new york times: Election Rout Signals a Shift in South Korea’s Political Scene 

Mr. Moon was elected ​in 2017, ​filling the power vacuum created by Ms. Park’s impeachment. As a former human rights lawyer, he enthralled the nation by promising a “fair and just” society. He ​vehemently criticized an entrenched ​culture of privilege and corruption ​that he said had taken root while conservatives were in power, ​and vowed to create a level playing field for young voters who have grown weary of dwindling job opportunities and an ever-expanding income gap.

Mr. Moon spent much of his first two years in power struggling to quell escalating tension between North Korea and the United States, successfully mediating diplomacy between the two countries. He shifted more of his attention to domestic issues after the two summit meetings between North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, and President Donald J. Trump failed to produce a deal on nuclear disarmament or the easing of tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

But things quickly turned sour on the home front ​as well.

In 2019, huge outdoor rallies erupted ​over accusations of forgery and preferential treatment in college and internship applications​ surrounding the daughter of Cho Kuk, Mr. Moon’s former justice minister and one of his closest allies.

The scandal flew in the face of Mr. Moon’s election promise of creating “a world without privilege,” and prompted outrage against the “gold-spoon” children of the elite, who ​glided into top-flight universities and cushy jobs while their “dirt-spoon” peers struggled to make ends meet in South Korea’s hobbled economy.

​South Koreans expressed their growing cynicism over what they considered the hypocritical practices of Mr. Moon’s progressive allies with a popular saying: naeronambul. It roughly translates to, “If they do it, it’s a romance; if others do it, they call it an extramarital affair.”​

Nonetheless, the Democratic Party won by a landslide in parliamentary elections last year as Mr. Moon leveraged his surging popularity around South Korea’s largely successful battle against the coronavirus. But Mr. Moon’s virus campaign has lost its luster.

In recent months, South Koreans have grown frustrated with prolonged social-distancing restrictions, a distressed economy and the government’s failure to provide vaccines fast enough. On Wednesday, the government reported 668 new coronavirus infections, the highest one-day increase in three months.

Mr. Moon’s most devastating setback came last month when officials at the Korea Land and Housing Corporation — the state developer — were accused of using privileged insider information to cash in on government housing development programs. Kim Sang-jo, Mr. Moon’s chief economic policy adviser, stepped down last month when it was revealed that his family had significantly raised the rent on an apartment in Seoul just days before the government imposed a cap on rent increases.

“People had hoped that even if they were incompetent, the Moon government would at least be ethically superior to their conservative rivals,” said Ahn Byong-jin, a political scientist at Kyung Hee University in Seoul. “What we see in the election results is the people’s long-accumulated discontent over the ‘naeronambul’ behavior of the Moon government exploding. Moon has now become a lame duck president.”

wall street journal: South Korean Conservatives Are on the Rise a Year Before Presidential Election 

South Korea’s political right and left have widely different foreign-policy views. Under Mr. Moon, the government has given priority to inter-Korean cooperation, avoided zero-sum language about the U.S.-China rivalry and taken a pro-diplomacy approach that has had a “net stabilizing effect in the region,” said Jessica J. Lee, a Korea specialist at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, a Washington-based think tank

South Korea’s conservatives in the past have taken a more confrontational stance with North Korea and expressed skepticism about China. Right-leaning presidents have also aligned more with Washington on security, showing more appetite for large-scale military exercises with the U.S. or greenlighting the installation of an American missile-defense system that angered Beijing and Pyongyang.

A right-leaning South Korean president adopting a traditional foreign-policy playbook “will likely increase tensions on the peninsula and make denuclearization less likely,” Ms. Lee said.

South Korean conservatives have lately appeared more supportive toward Washington’s growing concerns about Beijing than their liberal counterparts.

Last month, the conservative party’s chairman said South Korea should join forces with the U.S., Japan, Australia, and India—a grouping known as the Quad—to work together against an increasingly assertive China, just as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was visiting Seoul.

“South Korean conservatives have found their political legitimacy through Seoul’s alliance with the U.S.,” said Kim Meen-geon, a professor of politics at Kyung Hee University in Seoul.

“This now means more support for policies on China that align closer to Washington,” she said.

South Korean public opinion is firmly behind the conservatives when it comes to China, recent opinion polls show. More than 80% of South Koreans view China as a national security threat, while 60% see it as an economic threat as well, according to a poll released by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, a think tank, this week.

the breakdown in voting patterns by gender and age is pretty interesting, with the 20-something men breaking harder for the conservative party than the 60-somethings. in large part, this has to do with a. the doubling of property prices in seoul since 2014, while wage growth has slown to 0% b. ahn cheol-soo, a south korean tech millionaire with a centrist bent (progressive domestically, hawkish in foreign policy), who previously threw his weight behind moon while the conservatives were in charge, pushed the conservative candidate this time to maintain his centrist credentials. i don’t know if this is replicable nationally. south korean conservatives seem to have rallied around the only person not tainted with the stain of the dictatorship and its corrupt apparatus, a sergio moro type named yoon seok-youl. the popular liberal candidate is gyeonggi governor and proponent of universal basic income, lee jae-myung. one thing not mentioned in any of the articles is the betrayal over lgbt rights. moon jae-in, while seen as being more conservative, was expected to shepherd an anti-discrimination bill favoured by 90% of koreans into law. instead, evangelical christians have managed to halt the process, helped by the fact that korea’s first big covid outbreak was caused by a gay man (although an even bigger outbreak was caused by evangelical protests against church restrictions). in the face of high profile suicides by trans figures, as well as the fact that this seoul election was caused by the suicide of the seoul mayor (the first lawyer to ever win a sexual harassment case and a promoter of women’s rights) over a sexual harassment scandal, leftist youth has abandoned the major centre-left parties (including the one widely seen as the biggest alternative, as the leader resigned over a sexual harassment case) in favour of numerous breakaway parties. whether these voters would return to moon’s party in a national election, especially under an economic populist, remains to be seen.

[taehyungsgrowl]

Summer, summer, summer !!

As much as he knew he should return her earring he couldn’t bring himself to. Duncan couldn’t get rid of the only connection he had to her, not again, but he couldn’t just keep it in his pocket either. Finding an old chain he fashioned the two pieces into one, she would always be in his heart so he might as well keep it close. 

As the summer break began he went straight to his internship at the Freedom Foundation, typical and expected but why turn down the opportunity. At least at work he would have something else on his mind. It wasn’t easy for Duncan, he’d brought Y/N home more than once, everyone with eyes could see how he felt about her. It was almost like he couldn’t escape her memory, every time he ran into an old friend or colleague they’d ask about Y/N, how their relationship was, how she was. 

The summer was far easier for Y/N. She hadn’t told anyone back home about Duncan, about their tangled friendship and their subsequent falling out. If anyone asked about her love life all she had to say was, “it’s non-existent haha,” and that was the end. She chose to spend the break working relaxing and traveling with a mix of friends from home and from school. Her friends introduced her to some new guys, one of which was actually a third year student at the same school. He was no Duncan, but he was kind, handsome, and at least this one told her how he felt out right. They figured “why not? It wouldn’t be that hard to keep it going, and being in different years they would have time for themselves built in. 

Overall the summer was uneventful for Duncan, but as the next semester approached anxieties began to arise. “What if we end up in the same classes, or worse, the same groups again?” Duncan’s bribery could only prevent so much. The thought of seeing her again brought a smile to his face, but seeing her happy without him? 

--

Y/N hadn’t heard from Duncan since the night he sobbed into her chest at the party. She did her best to avoid thinking about him, but the faintest things would trigger her memories back to him. 

As she got ready for the first class, she couldn’t help but wonder if he had dropped out of the program. Vivid flashbacks of the day she chased him out of the building when he was trying to withdraw came to her. It was all too much for her. 

“You ready?” her boyfriends voice called out. Guilt washed over her for being with him and thinking of Duncan. 

“Sure,” 

Y/N was always early to her first class. She wanted to make sure she got a good seat; two rows back from the front. When she sat down, she placed her backpack in the seat next to her - just like what she would do to save Duncan’s seat. 

Only now she wasn’t sure what she was saving it for. 

Lecture started with no sign of Duncan coming to class. She wanted to feel relived, but instead she felt responsible for him being gone. 

She was idly drawing on the margins of the syllabus, when the comfort of his voice made her head snap up. 

“Sorry, I’m late,” Duncan smirked at their professor. Of course, he gets away with being late when his family donates millions to the program. 

“Take a seat, Mr. Shepherd.” the professor instructed before turning back to the slides. 

His eyes scanned the room for an empty seat. It didn’t take long for him to notice her eyes staring right back at him. He stood there. Frozen. Like they were the only two people in the room. 

“Mr. Shepherd. Pick a seat.” the professor repeated, making a few classmates snicker. 

“Sorry,” he mumbled out while staring at Y/N. He wasn’t sure who he was actually apologizing for. 

He sat down in the row in front of her, slightly diagonally. 

Y/N tried hard to concentrate on her class, but all she could think about was him. 

Was he okay? Why was he back? Had he forgiven her?

It was in her distraction in looking at him the whole period that she noticed the delicate gold chain around his neck - along with the perfect circle that hung from it - one that looked all too familiar. 

[bertiehiggz]

hi friends this is bertie! and i am harriet!

Few facts!

His full name is Albert but literally no one except maybe his grandma calls him that

His family owns a tree farm which sells wood for lots of brooms/wands. There’s a big ol’ chance your character owns something with Higg’s wood! (lol Higgs Wood) so he’s rich but he’s chill about it

He is a third year Hufflepuff, studying World Politics and international law. But! he’s also 23, so two years older than everyone in that year. He did a year of a Herbology, because his parents plan was for him to take over the farm at some point. But he’s bad at it. Like real bad. Sprout told him to pick a new degree

He started looking into things and found this international internship program, he got accepted and spent a year interning at the french ministry of magic

His life goal is to be the Supreme Mugwump of the international confederation of wizards. Please feel free to mock him for this

He likes coffee, and running, and reading the news paper. He runs around the lake every fucking morning except for Sundays and it’s disgusting! He also has a German Shepherd called Rosie who he brings with him bc fuck that one particular rule apparently

He’s really scared of birds - he might ask your character to post something for him

He is dramatic. think if you smushed Ted Moseby and Ross Geller together. I know, I hate it too

He lives in Number 3 Low Street

Basically! He’s a big fat loser! 

A hot loser, but still a loser

[leychee]

Cradlesona Character Sheet

art by precious bb @vitaminxi

*my cradlesona takes place in a Modern Day Cradle

here are links that have more stuff because i don’t want to make this post too long (it probably already is):

toyhouse

google docs (more in-depth + pictures)

Basic Info

Name: Adriana Lee

Nickname: Adri

Birthday: September 5th

Age: 24

Height: 163cm

Affiliation: Black Territory

Occupation: Fashion/Interior Designer + Freelance Event Planner

Paired With: Fefferoni Thotspeed Fenrir Godspeed

Pets: (6 dogs cuz why not)

Moonie (Australian Shepherd)

Button (Pomeranian)

Pudding (Pomeranian)

Tofu (Toy Poodle)

Iris (Australian Shepher)

Chowder (Samoyed)

Adriana’s Story

Back in school, she was given the nickname Ice Princess, but not because she’s a cold, stoic person

There was an incident that made her really upset, but instead of getting angry she kept a straight face. When she entered the classroom, her classmates noted that they felt a sudden temperature drop because of her presence.

Is pretty much quiet at first, but once you get to know her, she opens up. Being with people she’s close with makes her more outgoing. She can get kinda rowdy when she’s hanging out with her hyper friends

Not afraid to stand up for herself and her friends. She’s always willing to help the people she cares about, although she’s awkward when they reciprocate

In school, she had gotten into a few fights with bullies trying to protect her friends and won every single one of them

Very protective of her younger siblings and is a doting older sister

Adriana comes from a well-known family that owns a design company split into two departments; fashion and interior

Her family often collaborates and deals with the Godspeed family

She works as a fashion/interior designer because it’s what she was taught and also grew to love, but doesn’t agree to take over the family business and wants to make a name for herself

Right after finishing school, her parents tell her of a marriage they had arranged for her even after she voiced her strong opposition of arranged marriages multiple times in the past

She runs away to her best friend’s, Stephanie, house and stays for about a year before reconciling with her parents (she ran out of the room before her parents could tell her the guy’s name)

Aside from differing opinions on arranged marriages, she loves her parents very much and has a close relationship with them both

She later discovers, after her and Fenrir become a couple, that he was the one her parents set her up with, which also surprises him

“How come you’re surprised? Did neither of our parents tell you my name back then?”

“I was against the arranged marriage, too. I completely zoned out after my dad said those two words.”

“Oh my god, Fenrir.”

“What? You ran out!”

“You zoned out!”

After her and her parents’ reconciliation, she begins to spend more time with them and being at the company, then begins to realize how much she enjoys her the environment and reconsiders taking over the company when her parents choose to retire

To be extremely honest, she fell head over heels for Shu Shu before Fenrir lmao

The little pupper was so excited when Fenrir took him to the dog park to meet up with Adriana and her six dogs for a play date

He totally didn’t fall in love with her after seeing her run around and roll in the grass with seven dogs…....totally

She totally didn’t fall in love with him when he tripped and fell into the lake followed by 7 doggos diving in after him happily

Past Life

Wasn’t originally going to join the army after being recruited, but changed her mind when she witnessed a traumatizing event. (not going into specifics) This made her want to do whatever she was able to do, in order to help others and prevent more tragedies

Has a packed schedule most of the time and gets scolded by the other officers a lot for not getting enough rest

Either Sirius or Luka makes sure there’s tea and snacks ready in the kitchen when she stops by though

Was the 8 of Spades (has someone used this already?)

She’s very agile and has a lot of stamina. Black Army soldiers believe she beat 100 Red Army soldiers alone

They find her fun to be around, but are scared of getting on her bad side, afraid she may crush them dead lmao

Many of them admire and look up to her like they do with the other leaders

Member of The Raven’s Shadows - receives secret assignments related to collecting intel on Amon and his plans. Sirius is the only one who knows of each member’s true identities

Extra

Instead of throwing out her unwanted clothes, she donates them

When she finds out that some of the higher ups in her family’s company had been telling the employees to throw out whatever products they didn’t sell, she changes it and now they’re either recycled or donated

Kind of wants to get into real estate to buy out apartment buildings and lower rent prices to make living more affordable for others

Typically for students and low-income families; also people who are going back to school after working for so long

Has workshops to help teach people how to be financially responsible

If she can start a program/collaborate with a few universities, she plans to start offering students internships at her family’s company

[northernreads]

a lot can change in a year

A year ago I had just graduated from my masters program and I was still hopeful that I’d find a job in my field at any moment. I spent hours every day applying to jobs. I got two interviews over the summer but no luck and no interviews after those. I had just quit my job at a shoe store because they weren’t giving me hours and I had gotten a job at costco as a summer student until my 'real’ job happened. When I wasn’t working or applying to jobs I was out with my dogs, Sam and Mo, or reading. I did get my full drivers license finally and I went on a trip to the east coast. That was it. I was fairly content. Toward the end of the summer I ended up talking more and more with someone on here, until it was hard to ignore our feelings. We live five time zones apart, with an ocean in between for good measure too. We’re making it work though. 

By fall though, things were just starting with this person, but I still hadn’t found a job in my field. The summer one with costco ended. I got another job, this time at a coffee place, I signed a contract not to talk about them on social media so I guess I shouldn’t use their name but every canadian will know which coffee place. I hated it at first, but I got moved to a tiny location, made some work friends with the people there and actually didn’t hate it so much. I kept applying to jobs in my field, but less frequently, with less certainty. It got harder and harder to care and it hadn’t even been a year. There were lots of job openings, just none for someone with no direct experience. Even internships were given to people with more direct experience. I finally started accepting my being ace too.

Winter started rolling around. My dog, Sam, got sick. And he died. He was my best friend, my heart dog and it still hurts so much to think about him. I rang in the new year alone, but with hope for the new year. Kept applying to jobs, even less frequently. I was so frustrated. 

Spring rolled in, my family got a new dog, a young and lovely german shepherd named charlie. Still at the coffee place, they began eyeing me up for supervisor. I did not want to be a ‘lifer’ there.  May came and I boarded a plane and met, for the first time in person, the love of my life. After countless hours on skype I got to meet him face to face. My best friend who had been with me through every happy day and every speed bump and even all the dull days. My first time on a plane too, first time in a new country. First time in england. All of that paled in comparison to meeting him. It all sounds too good to be true, and it frustrates me that I can’t explain how I feel without sounding cheesy. But it’s everything everyone always says in stories, the kind of thing I never thought was possible. 

Just before leaving on my trip I finally lined up a job too. Not in my field. But one that pays well enough, one with benefits, one that I hope to eventually move up in and finally put my masters to use. One that meant I could finally move out. Things had been rocky at my parents place, and I couldn’t afford to move out before. I started my job, things went well. And right now I’m in an apartment. I’ve got a roommate. She seems nice. Summer is here, and things are looking up. Who knows what the fall will bring. Or the winter.

A lot can change in a year. It probably won’t go the way you expect. But that’s more than okay with me.

[wheredidhiseyebrowsgo]

Any Greys Anatomy fics? Or anything that takes place in a hospital?

Love this tumblr! Choose this tumblr! - Anastasia

bad case (of loving you) by GodModeSue

(1/4 I 1,428 I Mature I Sterek)

The Grey’s Anatomy AU nobody asked for. Stiles is Meredith. Derek is Derek. Kate Argent is Addison.

So Stiles finds this awesome bar his first night in Seattle.He remembers bumping elbows with a handsome stranger, throwing darts, downing drink after drink after drink. Everything after that’s a little blurry, but then Stiles was more than a little drunk. Don’t judge, you Judgey McJudgerson. Stiles has just graduated med school. He’s starting a surgical residency at one of the best teaching hospitals in the country. Which is to say: He has earned this, goddammit.(And not everything’s blurry, you know. Stiles distinctly remembers having the sex. And the sex was really good. Top ten list epic good. Sex sex sex.)

Switzerland. It's very neutral there and they make very nice watches. by RedBlazer

(1/? I 1,821 I Teen I Sterek)

Stiles has just begun his surgical internship with Beacon Hills Memorial Hospital in the hopes that one day he can be a badass surgical rockstar. Only, its seems that being an intern is more making copies, taking samples to the lab, and dealing with vomit than he expected. Still, the view is pretty awesome.

Derek is the head resident in the program, lording over the interns and his fellow residents, sucking all the fun out of everything, and occasionally pulling Stiles into supply closets and on call rooms.

Stilinski's Anatomy by queervengers (nonsexualandsilly)

(1/1 I 3,890 I Mature I Sterek)

“So how long have you and McGrumpy been sleeping together?” Lydia asks, nonchalant, as she files her nails at lunch.“You and the Nazi are boning?” Scott yells. Everyone in the cafeteria stares.

or: the one where stiles is meredith grey

Confused Aspiring Pacifists by TenWoolf

(1/1 I 8,648 I Teen I No Pairing)

Fear comes to you like a taste. One huge, life changing taste that knocks you down and makes you look at things differently. Some of its rational, like seeing an ex and suddenly feeling like you've swallowed a hand full of pennies. Or irrational, like losing feeling of your tongue after seeing a clown or a spider in the corner of your eye. But its all the same, fear, right there between your teeth. And you can't cure it, or help it, you just have to ride it out, hope its not going to kill you even though every part of you says that it will. That's the key to it, irrational fears, totally not normal.

It's like what they say about a fear of doctors.

"You have control of your life...up until you're admitted to a hospital,"

Stiles' Anatomy: Operations by JesseCrave

(9/9 I 80,277 I Teen I Sterek)

The ultimate melding of Teen Wolf and Grey's Anatomy. I use the scripts from Grey's Anatomy to basically retell the events of that world with the characters from Teen Wolf, with some TW plot mentioned and used as well. There's also original storylines going on as well. Starring Stiles as Meredith Grey and Derek as Derek Shepherd. This is just for fun.

Stiles' dream was always to be a surgeon, but will a one night stand get in the way when his late night rendezvous turns out to be his boss?

[thedeviltohisangel]

How The Night Changes//6//You Made It Personal

“Were you just masturbating?” (or, Duncan leaves Paris without Olivia by his side)

Smut Warning

my URL/duncanshepherd to catch up!

thank you to the anon that sent me this request! send anymore my way!

Olivia sighed as she rested back on the blanket they had laid out for their picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower.

“You curated a nice picnic, Duncan Shepherd, I am impressed.” He popped another grape into his mouth and regarded her thoughtfully.

“Only the finest for you.” His tone was sarcastic as she didn’t even spare him a glance at her comment.

“I’m glad you’ve finally come around to thinking so. We can be much better friends now that you are on board.” Duncan lied down next to her, his feet facing the opposite direction as hers but his face only inches from hers.

“Friends?” he questioned quietly. Duncan, maybe mistakenly, had been considering their past few weeks in Paris to have been full of dates between people who were more than friends.

“I don’t want to label it if you’re planning on leaving soon.” For Duncan, the trip to Paris was just for a summer internship and connecting with Olivia had just been a happy side effect. He had things to take care of in DC, now that he had his Master’s he was going to get a larger role in his family company. Olivia was here for as long as she could escape from her parents for.

“I don’t have to leave if you don’t want me to.” There had always been something between them. Their chemistry felt by anyone who was in a room with them. They had the easiest time talking to each other and only ever felt comfortable in the other’s presence. Duncan thought he was finally getting his chance to be with her what he had always wanted.

“Don’t put that on me,” she whispered, “You know I can’t go back there and you know that you have to.” As much as the summer had been a slight fulfillment of both their desires to run away, it wasn’t reality. They both knew the had places to be and that didn’t include them being together.

“Well, we still have a couple weeks until I am officially summoned. We can do whatever you want until then.”

“Whatever I want?” she repeated, lowering her sunglasses so she could peer at him over the rim of them. “Do you want me to say anal or something like that?” Duncan spit out the sip of lemonade he had just taken.

“Olivia! That’s a little blunt.”

“Just testing you.” Duncan wanted to tell her that he would give her the world if she asked him to but that might have been too much for a Saturday picnic with a girl who had just blatantly used the word friend to describe him.

“You’re insufferable, you know that?” he groaned.

“Yet, you’re drawn to me. Why do you think that is?” Her tone was no longer teasing, Olivia genuinely curious why he had chosen to spend the majority of his summer with her and not floating around from girl to girl.

“I feel like everyone underestimates you. There’s something inside of you untapped and I wanna be the one to do it.” She became acutely aware of how close they were now to each other.

“How are you able to see through me?” Her voice had dropped in volume tremendously as she felt him cutting through to the root of her and their relationship. She felt more vulnerable than she had since she left her parents in DC.

“Maybe I’m the one who’s meant to.” They could have stayed in that position, staring into each other’s eyes, for all of eternity. It felt so right to be together. Olivia didn’t want to think how in a couple of weeks he’d be gone. He’d leave to work his family and she’d stay behind in Paris. She hoped their summer together wouldn’t drift away in the breeze but remain planted here and bloom. Olivia would tend to the memories if she had to. They were all she might have to keep her going, keep her strong enough to never return to the manipulation she had to flee.

“I don’t want you to leave,” she admitted, “But I’m not going to ask you to stay.”

“I know.” It was simple, direct, ambiguous. Duncan had learned how to speak without ever giving away the truth and he sometimes found it difficult to be so honest with her.

“When I drunkenly told you that you were the Han to my Leia I didn’t mean for you to go on quoting him.” She was purposefully lightening the conversation in the hopes the ache in her chest would go away. Duncan rolled his eyes.

“Just when I think I’ve broken you...Shall we head back to the apartment? Get ready for dinner?” He had invited her to be his plus one to a banquet to hand out awards to interns of the company he was working at. Reluctantly, she had agreed.

“You take longer than me to get ready so I guess we should.” Olivia sat up and ran her fingers through her hair to get rid of any grass that might have gotten tangled.

“This swoop doesn’t just magically appear,” Duncan scoffed as he stood and offered her his hand so she could join him.

“I know that. I’ve watched you talk to yourself while you do it in the morning.” He gave her a look that said she was asking for it. “You can’t attack me if you can’t catch me.” She grabbed the bag they had used to transport their food and took off running, Duncan quickly springing into action behind her with their blanket in hand.

She squealed as she weaved through tourists and headed straight towards the tower and the direction her home was in. Duncan caught up to her by the time she reached the edge of the grass, her wedges not the best to evade capture in, picking her up around the waist and spinning with the most genuine laugh he had ever had.

“God, Olivia, you’re my worst nightmare and greatest dream all rolled into one.” He was slightly breathless from trying to keep up with her. Part of him was always nervous he’d lose sight of her and that would be it. He’d lose her as quickly as he’d gotten her.

“The woman you end up with should be, Duncan.” She laced her fingers through his and began to lead him, slower this time, towards their destination.

“I don’t think about marriage and that stuff a lot. I don’t know if it’s for me,” he shrugged.

“You don’t have to marry someone. You can just be with them forever, you know? Or are you afraid of commitment too?” she teased.

“I’m committed to my family. Our company. There’s not much room in my life for other things...I don’t want to ever take on so much that someone I love feels like I’m not fulfilling them the way I should be.”

“Well, when you find her let me know. That way I can share all your secrets with her and threaten her.” Olivia snickered slightly at her own comment, unaware of the Duncan’s face was falling more and more by the second.

“What if...what if I think you’re her?”

“Then after you leave...We’ll find our way back to each other. If it’s meant to be us then we’ll find our way back together.”

----

Her fake smile had been perfected for moment’s like this. She was sitting ramrod straight, clapping lightly and politely for every name that was read and for every person that accepted their award.

“Thank you again for coming with me tonight.” Duncan had been so nervous before the dinner that Olivia had had to tie his tie for him, his hands shaking too much to get a good grip on the fabric.

“Squeezing myself into this jumpsuit will all be in vein if you don’t win,” she remarked as she looped her arm through where his rested on the seat next to her.

“My greatest achievement this summer was making you smile. Don’t need a plaque for that.” She offered him the smile he spoke of and kissed his jacket covered arm.

“Thank you,” she whispered, “For bringing my smile back to me.” Duncan could never know the catalyst for her move to Paris, and he didn’t necessarily want to, but all he had to know was that it somehow brought the two of them together.

The final award of the night was announced, the most prestigious, being gifted to the most accomplished participant in the summer program. No one cheered louder than Olivia when Duncan’s name was announced. As she felt her heart swell, watching him on the stage posing for photographs, that feeling more happiness for the accomplishment of someone else than you would yourself was a sign of love.

----

“Were you jealous or something back there? Amelia was just a colleague! I worked with her on my main project, all summer.”

“I didn’t mean to come across as snippy with her. She was definitely stroking your arm in an intimate way and I-”

“We’re not dating, Olivia!” Duncan had never raised his voice at her. He always spoke to her like she was a fragile piece of art; softly and lightly and with affection. “You’ve made that abundantly clear to me. So if I want to enjoy the attention of another woman...fuck you for taking that from me.” Olivia stared ahead, stunned, as Duncan stalked off towards the bathroom and the shower turned on.

“Don’t cry, don’t cry. He’s just a stupid boy and he’s not worth it,” she told herself as she sat down at her vanity and began to wipe the makeup off of her face. “Stupid boys don’t get the satisfaction of seeing you cry.” She slapped at each of her cheeks quickly and smiled as the welling in her eyes subsided. Her father had said the mantra to her back when she was in the fourth grade. A boy at lunch had teased her and when she came home crying her father was firm, you don’t give other people the power to make you feel weak. Weakness was not to be tolerated in the Underwood household.

She shed her jumpsuit and made her way to her dresser to pull out clothes to wear to bed when her hand closed around a pink toy that she hadn’t used since Duncan came into her life. What a way to remind him how good he had it, she thought with a devious smirk. Quickly, she shed the rest of the garments on her body and situated herself among the pillows of her bed.

She focused her mind on the sounds that Duncan made whenever they were together. His hums as he was buried between her legs. His gasps when her tongue teased his tip. The breathless way he said his name as they lay there panting together when it was all said and done. Her nipples hardened at the thought and she trailed her finger around them lightly, the sensation making her mouth part in the beginnings of bliss. She hummed as she turned on the toy, circling the soft skin of her stomach. She dipped it passed her belly button tentatively, enjoying the small tremor she felt in her thighs, before bringing it back up to her nipples.

Her own ministrations and teasing urged coo’s of happiness to fall from her mouth. She moved the toy to her thighs and used it to trace the skin where her pussy met her thighs. Normally, Olivia didn’t tease herself in the manner she currently was, preferring to use her vibrator and the glass dildo she had to reach climax quickly and frequently when she was taking care of herself.

A moan slipped from her mouth as she finally let the toy slip past her lips. She teased the entrance to her hole for a few moment before allowing herself the satisfaction of it humming against her clit.

“Were you just masturbating?” She heard Duncan call from the bathroom. It didn’t stop her and she didn’t answer, switching the toy to pulse. Blindly, Olivia reached into her bedside table and pulled the glass dildo from the drawer and put it into her mouth. “What’s got you moaning like that, Liv?” He then appeared in her doorway, a towel slung low on his hips, and any question or remark died on his lips as he watched her slide the toy into her. She kept it shallow, slowly pumping it and twisting it with the gentle fluidity of her wrist, trying to keep it in time with the pulsing of the pink vibrator.

“Take a picture. It will last longer,” she breathlessly teased as Duncan closed his mouth at her words.

“Stay exactly how you are.” He dropped his towel, his erection bobbing against his stomach, as he disappeared into the other room. When he returned, it was with the fancy camera he had bought to document his summer in Paris but hadn’t used once. “Show me something worth remembering.” And so she did.

She worked herself up on her back with her knees hitting the mattress, his thumb stuttering as it pressed the button. On her side with her leg on his shoulder as he focused on the silent whines that were coming from her mouth as she fucked herself closer to the edge.

“Duncan...my clit…” she called desperately. The button had gotten too sensitive for her toy and she couldn’t push through the pain with her own hand and she needed his help. His fingers found it and pressed against it like they were the key and her pleasure ready to be unlocked.

His fingers worked against her without even needing to look, Duncan watching his fingers through the lens of the camera as she began to rock against him. As she came, calling his name, he moved the lens to her face and captured the exact moment her eyes screwed shut and her legs attempted to clamp around the pleasure he was giving her.

“You’re so fucking beautiful when you come, you know that?” He was panting himself as he began to flick through the images of her that he had gotten. He put the camera down on her desk and began to crawl up the bed with the aim of kissing her and getting his own release for the night. Once his puckered lips were only inches from hers, her hand pressed against them to keep him at bay.

“You can have the couch tonight,” she said coolly. In her eyes was not the Olivia he had seen the entire summer he’d been with her. She had been replaced with eyes that looked a carbon copy of her mother’s.

“I’m sorry for swearing at you earlier. Using that tone and volume. I was just frustrated because this whole summer I feel like I’ve been asking you to be more than friends and then I accept it and tonight-”

“You represent a weakness. A vulnerability. A chink in the armor I’ve been building since I left DC and need to keep strong. I can’t even be your friend anymore, Duncan.” It was a fatal blow. A knockout punch right in the stomach that forced all the air out of his lungs. She swung her legs off the bed, steadying herself as the orgasm made her legs weak, and she left her room to come back with a pillow and some blankets.

“You’re going to just shove me out of your life like that? Like it’s that easy to pretend we didn’t spend this whole summer falling in love? Working to break down each other’s walls in a safe and healthy way?” He should have known that she was capable of being this cold and distant. It ran through her veins. Annette had warned him of the dangers of getting close to the descendant of a Hale.

“People don’t get to speak to me like that who want to be in my life. You don’t get to make me feel the way you do and flippantly move on to someone else if you want to be in my life. People like us, Duncan, don’t get to feel the way we do about someone else. So, tonight you take the couch and I don’t want you to be there when I wake up. Clean break. Have a safe flight back to DC.” She was standing in the doorway waiting for him to follow her instructions. He pulled his sweatpants on with a deep, steadying breath. He was a man and men don’t cry.

“You’re breaking my fucking heart, Olivia. I feel worse for you than I do myself. You won’t allow yourself to be happy and fall in love with someone. I’m sorry for the pain you’ll experience living a life that way. I’m sorry to just be a casualty of the cruelty your parents imbued you with. But thank you for giving me a ticket away from it. So I don’t have to watch the girl I love destroy herself with a front row view.” He practically ripped the pillows and blankets from her arms and made his way to the couch without sparing her a second glance. She watched him until he turned the living room lamp off before retreating to her own bed for the night. Curled up on her side, her body shook with silent sobs and sleep never came.

----

She woke up the next morning and scrambled out to the living room with the intent of apologizing to Duncan. Telling him she loved him and that she would go back to DC with him if it meant they could be together. Tell him she why she had left for Paris in the first place and how that wasn’t an excuse for her behavior but she needed help to heal from it. His help. But the couch was empty when she got there. The pillows were placed gently on top of the folded blanket with a piece of paper resting on top.

The last wish of yours I can grant is to be gone before you wake up. So I am. I hope you find happiness, Olivia. You deserve it. You deserve it. You deserve it.

He hadn’t bothered to sign his name and Olivia thinks it might have hurt more than it already did to read the scrawling nickname he usually signed notes to her with.

“What have I done?” she whispered as she let the tears flow freely down her cheeks. She knew she could pick up her phone and say the same things to him through it that she had wanted to in her living room this morning but he deserved a clean break. He deserved better than her and her changing mind and shattered soul. Duncan deserved happiness too and she couldn’t give him that. Clutching the note to her chest with one hand, she curled up on that couch that was still warm as though he had waited as long as possible before leaving. And he had, in the hopes he’d build up the courage to go to her bedroom and plead his case. But he hadn’t.

And if Olivia spent the day with the blanket under her nose, absorbing the last remnants of him that she thought she’d ever get, well, no one has to know.

[centrecollege]

Name: Stephanie Akoto Bamfo ‘21 Major: Politics Organization: CWS Global (Shepherd Internship Program) Position: Immigration Legal Intern Location: Greensboro, NC Term: Summer 2019

[couldnt-think-of-a-funny-name]

Wait what con artist from 2014

I’d like to title this story “Swing And A Miss”

Okay, so my high school had this program where seniors could leave school like a month and a half early and opt out of exams if they took on internships around the neighborhood, but not everyone wanted to/was eligible to do it. Back in like 2013, they had like 15 bored seniors stuck in the school, so the administration brought in this Professional Life Coach, left him in alone in a room with them for two hours to talk to them about like, self-esteem or some shit. All the kids were pulled out of their classes for this*, and later told the administration that they loved him, they really enjoyed the talk.

So, about a year later, we have a new principal. He’s supposed to set up an assembly for all the 11th and 12th graders, but he doesn’t know what to do. One of his coworkers mentions that there was a life coach that was a huge hit with the kids that didn’t do community study last year, so maybe he’d also be great for a larger audience. The principal basically thinks “okay, what the hell” and calls up and hires Jason C. Jean to come talk to the kids.

Now, it’s like, 10:30, maybe 11:00 in the morning, and two entire grades are getting shepherded to the main gymnasium, and no one wants to God damn be there. We ain’t got time for self esteem talks. We want to sleep. And this guy, watching us all drag our feet in and collapse into the bleachers was just like…offensively peppy. There’s a couple faculty members sitting behind him, the woman who suggested he be hired for this, the vice principals for the grades- but the principal himself kept getting calls so he was in and out the whole time.

Now, Mr. Jean was like…the chill “Just call me by my first name dude” history professor at college times 30. He was trying so fucking hard. I’m referring to him as ‘Mr. Jean’ in this story just to be disrespectful. So anyway, we all get in there, and he tells us right off the bat “You guys are totally allowed to be on your phones and laptops during this! I get it! It’s no problem, like really, I insist!” so while the faculty members are exchanging smiles that read ‘how do we kill that while respecting him’, all the kids are immediately pulling out their electronics and he’s starts his speech.

Now, again, I really wanna reiterate that he told us we could be on our phones- because when the news articles started coming out about this, I remember all these angry, annoying comments from old people like “Why the hell were the students on their phones in the first place! So disrespectful! These damn millennials and their social media!” like, they were completely ignoring the entire story and just focusing in on kids using the internet, and it Really Super Pissed Me Off, so. Again, we had permission for this (which also ended up being Mr. Jean’s fatal mistake).

So, he starts off this speech fairly normally, like ‘hi, I’m Jason, I’m a professional life coach and I wanna teach you kids about how to be The Best You!’ and like people were tuning him out and listening to varying degrees. Some kids (like myself) were kinda dozing off, and everyone was on twitter or facebook.

His approach to a self esteem speech seemed to be ‘let me tell you my entire life story for hours’ and like, at first I was like “I’m not really hearing this, I’m half dreaming right now” but the more I started making myself pay attention the more…bizarre and rambling his story got.

So like, for instance, he told us he drank a lot in high school. Like, a lot. But he didn’t use that as a ‘don’t drink or party too hard’ lesson, instead he was like “I was fourteen so I always called my parents to pick me up, and they weren’t mad because they knew it meant I could trust them. So remember, always tell your parents when you’re drinking!” and then it kinda got to a point where it sounded like he was encouraging partying and drinking and the like to the group of underage kids.

And then, he told us how he used to play baseball all the time when he was a kid, and at 16 reached a crossroads in his life where the Phillies wanted to draft him or he could go play football for Penn State. And he said he went with Penn State but later lost the scholarship for some reason and we’re like…really.

There was absolutely nothing coherent about anything he was saying- nothing that tied anything together, made a point, seemed like it had anything to do with an assembly on self esteem. He told us at one point he was making upwards of 7 million a year. He told us one time before college he was homeless. He told us he used to own a construction company and built his own branch of nightclubs himself, that he and his friend then ran. He told us he fought a shark and came out with no scars. He told us that he had less money now, because after surviving a work related accident- direct quote- “I fell almost 30 feet and I broke in half” - he decided to leave that industry and spend more time with his family.

So, yeah, I was pretty positive this was bullshit, but there were clearly kids in the room that were falling for it. But then he said something like…he and his friend got bored one day and started jarring up their own pasta sauce, and made a deal with wegmans or some store like that to start selling it, and now he has a pasta sauce empire. Like he spent 15 fucking minutes on this. The way he kept saying ‘pasta sauce’ was so annoying I was about to claw my ears out. But anyway, two girls in my grade wanted to find out what brand he was talking about, so they googled his name.

And then quietly gasped.

And then furiously started typing into their phones.

And remember- everyone, even though they were paying attention- was on twitter and facebook. All the sudden I see heads flying up and wide eyes and people whispering to each other. Mr. Jean doesn’t seem to notice the change and keeps rambling on, but I know something happened so I google him too and-

Okay so basically he’s 1) been arrested, 2) filed for bankruptcy like three times and 3) has been hailed as a ‘Swinger Guru’ by playboy.

EVERYONES SILENTLY FLIPPING OUT.

So by now, this is a fucking game- he still doesn’t notice anything wrong amongst the kids, so we’re all silently texting each other to fill each other in. Pulling up receipts. But still playing the part of politely intrigued audience members. The school faculty have no fucking idea what’s going on, until one of the students texts her mom, who happens to be the woman that convinced the principal to hire this guy. We see her check her phone, go wide-eyed, and she runs out of the fucking room presumably to either find the principal or hide in terror.

So Mr. Jean had been talking to random people intermittently throughout this speech, but we reach the ‘questions’ part of it. Everyone seems to silently agree that instead of just asking him anything outright, we should just see how good of a liar he was. So they’d be asking him stuff like ‘how much money did you make with ____ company’ and he’d give a ridiculously high number as people were sending each other reports of him filing for bankruptcy during that time. Or they asked him about his construction business which he said was great, and while he was talking about how great it was we were all reading his arrest report, from when a woman hired him to build her house, and he took her money and then like…just didn’t build anything. Wild. Someone asked him about his family and he’s extolling Christian virtues while we’re all on the website for his annual Swing Fest. People would ask him how he got certain jobs and he was making promises to hook kids up in interviews and shit. Everyone was loosing their God damn minds online and just barely holding it together in person. This man was so beyond full of shit- like, he was a God awful life coach but his dedication to lying was inspirational.

We eventually get to leave and everyone is yelling and cracking up and freaking out, all running to our classes to tell the teachers and the underclassmen everything, and the teachers are freaking out, alternating between horrified confusion and laughing hysterically. Before the school day even ended, someone had called a bunch of news stations. The principal was freaking out and denying he had anything to do with it, before calling some students to his office to see what exactly the kids had searched up on the guy…Because apparently teenagers can perform better background checks than school officials. It was all anyone could talk about for weeks.

A couple months after this, for my theater class’ showcase, I wrote and directed a skit called ‘Mason B. Mean’. It was a huge hit. The principal was in the audience. I’ve never seen a grown man look so dead inside. I made sure I was out of the room before he came up to congratulate the cast and everything. The next day, my theater teacher told me his only comment about the skit was a quiet, long-suffering “Why.” 😂😂

Annnnnnnnd that’s the time a Swinger Entrepreneur rambled on about pasta sauce and money in front of teenagers who knew how to use google for almost two hours.  

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/Montco_principal_apologizes_for_having_swinger_entrepreneur_speak_to_kids.html

[stevedonnellyfaith-blog]

My Writing Homework (Post 78) 3-4-15

                        Last week I was only ten minutes late for Thursday night’s meeting of the Bereavement Group.  It is not that I am intentionally being impolite but the commute time from Richmond to Brentwood is very inconsistent.  The other members of the group graciously allow for my serial interruption of the flow of their conversation.  

Sandy let me know that I had missed her introduction for the topic of next week’s meeting.  She encouraged me to write on the subject for the newsletter in case my pitiable punctuality degraded to an extent that prevented me from presenting my thoughts orally.  Next week’s discussion topic is the three roles that significant people fulfill in our lives.  People enter our life for either a REASON, a SEASON or a LIFETIME.  My homework follows:

‘When someone is in your life for a REASON.  It is usually to meet a need you have expressed.  They have come to assist you with a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a Godsend and they are!  They are for that reason that you need to be.”

For me there have been many significant people who have appeared and exited my life in turnstile fashion.  They answered a prayer, performed a vital service, or administered a spiritual remedy as pleasant to taste as cod liver oil.  Unless you live in solitude, you will be assisted, disappointed or even betrayed by many different people throughout your lifetime.  For many years, I was a semi-professional grudge holder. I never reached black-belt status in prolonged enmity, but I certainly had progressed well beyond the novice white and yellow belts.  Through my journey with Pam’s illness I learned a valuable life lesson:  an Orange Dream Machine from Jamba Juice tastes much better than the poison of hatred. I now try to release any disdain I feel for the bit characters, the Soup Nazis, that troop in and out of my life for the purpose of teaching me how to forgive.

There are also truly pleasant and significant characters that appear in the weekly sitcom of my life for a REASON.  These aren’t the red shirted, engineering, Star Trek, cannon fodder that haplessly blaze away with their phasors at the invincible alien creature before laying down their lives for plot development.  I’m talking about memorable actors in our lives that answer our prayers and then depart quickly into the sunset like McCloud, Rooster Cogburn or the Lone Ranger.

For the Donnelly family many nurses and oncologists fit that description, but the best example is a Catholic priest. Father Luke is the Parochial Vicar at St John Vianny in Walnut Creek, the parish directly across from John Muir Walnut Creek campus, a place where the Donnellys have spent far too much time.  A friend of Father Jerry’s in the seminary, Father Luke hasn’t moved from parish to parish nor is he on the fast track to a bishopric in Des Moines, Singapore or any other Diocese.  He serves the needs of his parishioners and ministers to the patients and families directly across Ygnacio Valley Road from his office.

Father Luke has answered the spiritual bell pull of Donnelly prayers on numerous occasions. Sometimes we requested to talk to him through one of his Eucharistic ministers and sometimes Father Luke has walked into the room without being summoned by anything other than our inner turmoil.  His daily hospital round seems to be directed by a GPS route programmed directly by the Holy Spirit.  Upon arrival at his destination his very presence exudes peace into any predicament like a swung censor at high mass.  If you summed up the total time that Father Luke spent visiting a Donnelly sick room, the total might equate to less than three hours.  On the other hand, if you wished to metaphorically demonstrate the spiritual service that he has done for our family, you would have to rent a dump truck.  For the Donnellys of Brentwood, Father Luke is a REASON.  Understandably, I hope never to meet Father Luke again on this side of the veil, but he will remain in my thankful thoughts and prayers.

“When people come into your life for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.  They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.  They may teach you something you have never done.  They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it!  It is real!  ‘But’ only for a season.”

The first man that was a big influence on my life was a mentor to both my father and me.  Carroll Bailey was a senior teacher on staff when my father became an English teacher at Mount Hermon school.  Later he was my house counselor for a year and a good shepherd that watched out for me during all my four years at a Boston boarding High School. Mr. Bailey, as I think of him even to this day, always had my best interest at heart.  Although I wasn’t the “best” Donnelly (that was my brother Dan,) or the “brightest” Donnelly (that was my brother Jim,) Mr. Bailey knew that I was the nearest clone to my father.  In the absence of my parent’s direct influence, as I staggered the ugly road through adolescence towards manhood, Mr. Bailey’s gentle concern and tongue like an angle-grinder ensured that I didn’t stray too far into the bushes and end up a jerk.  Although  it seemed that he wasn’t always watching me closely, he was invariably on the scene like Bat Man whenever I had made a poor decision.   Whether I had misplaced my razor for a week or had snuck out of a school assembly for some goof-off time, I would invariably run smack dab into Carrol Bailey.  To this day, I remember him shaking his head in resigned disappointment when I had accidentally missed my last Chemistry exam and had to take the test in a one-on-one session at the professor’s house to qualify for graduation.  Mr. Bailey was only in my life for a SEASON, but I never would have made it to and through the Naval Academy without his sub-vocalized instructions rebounding like a puck in my cranium.

A second important man was also only in my life for a SEASON. Jay Balboa was an anonymous academy classmate that I first consciously remember meeting in line for service selection. A fellow math major, he was one slot before me in class rank so we ended up selecting the same ship.  His welcome aboard package included a color picture of the USS Dahlgren, AKA the Dirty D; my picture was a black and white shot that looked like it had been taken surreptitiously by a Russian operative. Jay and I served together for three and half tough years on an aging tin can often administered brutally in Old Navy fashion.  We suffered through an internship regime that called for driving the ship on four hours or less sleep and absorbing vociferous and often public criticism from superior officers.  We kept each other sane and sober – for the most part.  Most importantly, he imparted a wonderful gift upon me:  he helped me start my journey towards making Pam’s Catholic faith my own.  Jay and I have fallen back into friendship as many old shipmates do now through Facebook, but we will probably never again approach the same level of intimacy that we did in our SEASON as shipmates.

“LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.  Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.”

I have written about many of my LIFETIME relationships with different family members throughout the year and a half that I have written this column, most notably about my relationship with Pam, who continues to influence me from her vantage in heaven.  My sister asked me the other week why I write so little about the second oldest relationship of my natural and super-natural life, my relationship with my mother. My answer was simple, “No one is supposed to look at the person behind the curtain.  Pay no attention to the person behind the curtain.”  While I am often superficially characterized as a near clone of my father, my mother’s subtler influence is apparent my better qualities – Mr. Bailey might want to discuss which and how many of those there are.  Thoughtful, patient, faithful, reserved and devoted, my mother’s personality provided the solid foundation necessary for Pam to shape me into a passable Catholic husband.  As I recently spent a week observing my parent’s interaction with young Natalie, I could see how my mom’s quiet personality and humor was successfully imprint onto each of her five children.  I am delighted that Natalie will someday remember my mother’s love and have the opportunity to pass on her own rendition of Sue Donnelly’s motherly affection to my future grandchildren.  Mom has taught me many of life’s most important lessons.  Hers certainly qualifies as a LIFETIME relationship.