"You already have a better start as a practitioner than most students your age," you say. "Your grades are great, and this year's going to give you a real chance to perform solid research. Plus your theory on minimizing summoning backlash is innovative and holds real promise. Don't let our focus on feral patterns minimize your idea. I was years into my fellowship before I developed my own independent lines of research. You've already got one."
"No, that's not it." Gabriel opens and closes his hands like he's trying to physically grab an intangible idea. "I mean, okay, sure, but…"
"It's okay," you say. "Tell me what's bothering you."
Gabriel closes his eyes. "It's just that real practitioners like you and Dr. Bozeman have no problem talking to other practitioners and discussing research and it took everything I had to tell you about my summoning theory and to be honest I'm glad you said for us not to work on that because what if the theory is wrong, and what does me feeling like that say about me as a practitioner?"