"I'm sorry, we just don't have room for you in our company." The well dressed gentleman said. I was another rejection for you, at least this one had the courtesy to tell you to your face.
"Well thanks" you mumbled and shook his hand. Your suit oddly wrinkled.
"Just a word of advice" He said on the way out. "You don't have a strong degree, it is hindering you, maybe some extra online course work or something might beef up the resume."
***
You shook your head, it was the something. You got back to your apartment, the rent is paid so you are good another week. You met at the door by Shax your one eyed tabby cat.
"Hey bud!" You called out to him as he came running towards you. He jumped into your arms and purred loudly.
You sat down on the couch, petting your favorite feline, and sorting through your mail. You have one interesting envelope for City Center University, your old college. It is advertising online courses for extra certifications. You already have a Bachelors Degree from there but with more certifications they would hire you.
You decide to take the class. It is only $100 and will be worth it if you can get that job. You sign onto the website. You remember how much fun college was. You start reading about all the different classes available and then you stop. There is a new section, it says: "discount available through private grant. You sigh probably just for women, minorities and gays, missing out being a white cisgender man.
You looked at the add for what seemed like hours, the box changed, "Would you like to apply?" You think why not and click OK.
The screen changes again saying congratulations, you have been accepted for the scholarship program. A thought crosses your mind, you could go back to school without paying any tuition. You smile and open the next page. This was for a scholarship that will cover your living expenses while you learn.
You read further down and see the rules, "Must attend school full time" The scholarship was only for four months. You clicked accept. The school emails you to setup an admission visit. A week later you are back on campus. It feels odd being there again. In your head you just left, but in reality it had been ten years.
**
You stand nervously in the admission office, determined to go back to school after accepting the WISTEM scholarship without much thought to its requirements. The admissions officer, a young college guy who appears no older than 19 or 20, greets you with an expectant look. He wears a collared shirt with a tie and khaki pants, and his short brown hair is neatly combed. As he waves you in, he says, “Follow me, please!”
Walking down the hall, your nerves start to get the better of you. You try to reassure yourself that you’re still the same guy you were in college, but the officer’s confidence and ease make you feel small and intimidated, even though you’re older than him.
When he asks you to tell him about yourself, your heart skips a beat. The last time someone asked you that was years ago when you first started dating your ex-wife. You feel small, unaware that you’re actually shrinking due to your anxiety. Desperately searching for something to say, you make a joke. “What do you want to hear about?” you ask.
The officer’s smile widens, and he replies, “I’m interested in everything about you!” His eyes sparkle with curiosity, and you feel your face flushing hot. Stammering, you try to figure out where to begin. Finally, he asks, “How did you get into college?”
You start to explain that you’re a returning student, but something else comes out. “I just graduated high school in the spring and got accepted into some good schools,” you tell him.
“Ahh, that’s great! I can see why you would be so excited!” he nods in agreement.
Feeling a strange sense of vulnerability, you continue talking, “Yep, no one expected me to be this smart… I mean, everyone underestimates me…”
The officer interrupts with a casual, “Cause of your tiny height?”
You feel a twinge of irritation. You’ve heard it all before – people underestimate you because of your diminutive stature. It’s frustrating to be constantly judged by something you have no control over. But as you look up at him, you see a knowing glint in his eye, as if he’s experienced this all before. Despite feeling annoyed, you can’t help but feel a strange sense of kinship with him.
“Yeah, my height has always been an issue,” you sigh. “I’ve been picked on a lot because of it.” Frustration and disappointment build up inside you as you think about all the times you’ve been looked down upon because of your height.
As you begin to talk about your experiences, you find the words flowing easily. Maybe it’s because he seems genuinely interested, or maybe it’s because you’ve never had the chance to talk about this with anyone before. Whatever the reason, you find yourself telling him everything – the teasing, the taunts, and the way you’ve always felt like you had to prove yourself.
You try to lighten the mood by telling him that being small can sometimes be an advantage. “Like, I was actually really good at gymnastics.”
As soon as you say those words, something strange happens. You feel a tingle in your body, and suddenly, you’re not just talking about being good at gymnastics – you’re remembering it. Memories you didn’t even know you had are rushing to the surface – the feeling of flying through the air and the thrill of nailing a difficult routine. It’s like a floodgate has opened in your mind.
“I was actually runner-up in the state competition,” you say, a mix of surprise and excitement in your voice. “Can you believe that?”
The officer looks at you in disbelief, “You were the number two gymnast”The man's incredulous gaze pierces through you, making you feel as if you're under a microscope. His words echo in your ears, ringing with disbelief. "You were the second-best gymnast in the entire state?"
Suddenly, a strange sensation washes over you. It's not just a memory this time - it's something more tangible. You can feel your muscles shifting and rearranging, your chest flattening, and your entire body morphing into something new. In just a few moments, you're transformed into a girl with a delicate build and small breasts.
At first, you're stunned by the unexpected change. Your mind races with questions and confusion, and you look up at the man, searching for answers. However, his knowing smile puts you at ease, making you feel safe and supported.
As you begin to process what has happened, a wave of emotions floods through you. Excitement, curiosity, fear, and confusion all mix together in a jumble of feelings. You're curious about what it means to live as a girl and how it will impact your identity and relationships. You're scared of how others will perceive you and whether they'll accept you for who you are.
Despite the uncertainty, you feel a sense of liberation. This new form allows you to explore different facets of your identity without fear of rejection or judgment. It feels like a fresh start, a new chapter in your life, with endless opportunities for growth and discovery.
As you glance down at your transformed body, you notice the subtle changes in your physical appearance. Your face is softer and more feminine, with delicate features and long lashes. Your hips have widened, giving you a more curvaceous figure. It's a surreal experience, like you're seeing the world from a different perspective.
Overall, this sudden transformation leaves you with mixed emotions, but also a sense of excitement and freedom to explore the possibilities that this new body has to offer.
As you take in his words, you realize that you're not just starting a new chapter in your life, but a whole new book. You're excited to explore all the opportunities and possibilities that come with being a woman in STEM. You've always been interested in science and technology, but you never thought you could pursue it as a career. Now, with this newfound confidence and sense of self, you feel like anything is possible.
You thank him for his support and encouragement, feeling a sense of gratitude and respect for this person who has helped you to discover a whole new part of yourself. You leave the room, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement for the future.
As you step out into the world, you realize that there will be challenges ahead. People may not always understand or accept your new identity, and you may face discrimination and prejudice along the way. But you're ready for whatever comes your way, knowing that you have the strength and resilience to overcome any obstacle.
You're proud of who you are and excited to continue exploring and discovering all the wonderful things that life has to offer. With each step forward, you feel more confident and empowered, knowing that you're living life on your own terms and creating your own destiny.