EMERY
Standing on the well-lit podium in the presentation room, anticipation and impatience course through my veins and up to my chest. My palms are slightly damp, but I steady myself and don't let it impress me. I've put months of effort into this moment. It's all I've been waiting for since I learnt its existence. I'm not even nervous, just a little stressed by what's at stake. I've rehearsed and rehearsed. Nothing should impress me any more.
The jury comprises a panel of esteemed scientists and professors, overseeing me and waiting for me to introduce my project like all the previous candidates. For them, this is routine. They've just heard a bunch of students talking about what they'd like to do like everyone else, but I have to stand out. I have to impress them with what I have. I've worked so hard for all this; I can't see what I could do wrong.
I have to take this chance to impress them and show them my full potential.
