My name is Rey, an 18-year-old boy. Since childhood, I've always had a passion for exploring the world. History, mystery, even mythical stories all captivated me. I always dreamed of becoming an archaeologist, exploring forgotten places, finding evidence that hid the secrets of the past. But, it all came crashing down.
The country was riddled with corruption, and the hope for a bright future seemed to be fading. I was stuck in a stagnant life, trapped in a boring routine. I couldn't go to college because of lack of money and there were no archaeology majors in the universities here. Now, I only work in a small cake shop, a job that makes me feel distant from my childhood dreams.
Every day, I can only look at the outside world through the screen, imagining what it would be like to explore ancient sites, uncover hidden mysteries, and write new history. But it all seemed like nothing more than wishful thinking.
However, one day, while I was browsing the internet, something caught my eye. An advertisement about an audition to become a professional archaeologist! It was an opportunity I couldn't afford to miss. My heart fluttered as I read the details of the audition. I felt as if my life had been given new hope again.
Was this the opportunity I had been waiting for? I had to step up, even if it meant facing all the obstacles. I don't want to live in a world that only limits my dreams. I want a wider world, one filled with new knowledge and discoveries. I will fight for it, and I know this is the beginning of a journey I will never regret.
Rey sat in front of the desk, his fingers dancing fast on the keyboard, his eyes fixed on the blank screen. Thoughts about the topic for the archaeologist audition kept spinning in her head. She looked at her history desk full of books, photographs of ancient relics, and amazing ancient maps. One photo stood out-a stunning image of the Pyramids of Giza. Rey smiled a little, feeling a strong urge to choose it as a topic.
"The Pyramids of Giza: The Mystery and the Reason". That's what he eagerly typed, describing how fortunate it would be to uncover more about the magnificent structure and how it has influenced human history. Rey felt that this topic was the right choice, and he continued typing late into the night, adding details and explanations about the history, construction, and theories surrounding it.
Two days passed, and Rey waited anxiously. he checked his phone repeatedly. Rey's heart pounded every time there was a new notification. When it came "Ting!", he stared openly at the screen. "You are accepted." Those three words were enough to make him jump for joy. A long-held dream had finally come true.
However, his happiness was accompanied by a sense of anxiety. This departure meant leaving his family behind to pursue him dreams. He knew that life at home would not guarantee a bright future, and his feelings became heavier at the thought of her parents' reaction.
That day, in the living room, his father asked, "What's wrong, Rey? You don't usually look like that."
Resolutely, Rey replied, "Dad, mom... I got accepted to be an archaeologist. I auditioned and now I have to go to the next stage. The plane ticket has already been arranged. I want permission to go."
His mother looked at him with a face full of anxiety, "Rey... are you sure? This is all too deep... and far away."
Rey grasped his mother's hand gently, "Mom, I'm sure. It's for my dreams, but I also want to help mom and dad. I promise, if I'm successful, I'll send money to help with our needs."
His father was silent for a moment, thinking soberly, then finally nodded and patted Rey's shoulder, "Pursue your dreams, son. I can still provide for mom, so don't worry too much."
His mother bowed her head, holding back the tears that began to well up. "I'm sad... you'll be gone for a long time... but don't forget to come back, Rey."
Emotionally, Rey hugged his mother, promising to come back someday. His heart was filled with family spirit and love, even though this separation was hard. Rey knew that this long journey would change his life, but he was ready to move forward for the dreams he had long pursued.
Rey walked with a pounding heart to his bedroom, preparing his suitcase and bag for the long journey. He organized his clothes, books, and all his hard work, including the topic on the Pyramids of Giza that he had chosen. However, as he looked back at his writing, doubts began to fill his head.
"Isn't my explanation too simple?" he thought. "The pyramids are just tombs, right? A place where people used to seek power and religion. But will scientists accept this as an answer? As far as I've read and studied, that's how it is... Ah, never mind, just try it first!"
With mixed feelings, Rey continued his preparations. When he was done, he said goodbye to his family. His father gave his full support, while his mother, although very sad, gave him a warm hug and words of hope. With heavy steps, Rey left home, bidding farewell to the city where he had survived for so long, and headed for an adventure with no clear end in sight.
A journey to become an archaeologist. America! Archaeologist audition!
Fortunately, Rey speaks English quite well, so she didn't feel anxious once he landed in America. Once he arrived, he found a taxi to take him to the building where the audition was taking place.
The building looked magnificent, towering tall, and Rey felt smaller in front of it "how big!!" He said, entering the building and finding many other participants already preparing for the second stage.
Amidst the crowd, a man approached in a friendly manner. The man smiled and greeted, "yo! You don't look western, my name is Richard from Canada" he said in a friendly tone.
The topic he chose was about aliens, a topic that has long been of interest to Rey. Although Rey also believes in the possibility of extraterrestrial life, Richard's explanation takes him by surprise. His description of aliens sounded like something out of a movie. Even the form Richard described sounded very strange.
Rey stared flatly in confusion "uhh...I know aliens might exist...but...why is your evidence like from movies and wild theories?"
Richard was a little annoyed that his topic was trivialized again, "hey! This is the most interesting topic! I'm sure the scientists will accept me," he said confidently.
But Rey just sighed "well hopefully the west won't kidnap you suddenly if your evidence is correct" he said flatly.
Richard heard that a little panicked with disbelief "hey come on, your jokes are terrible, I don't want to die like that, what about your topic?" He asked curiously
Rey, with a casual attitude, nodded and started talking about his topic, the Pyramids of Giza.
Richard was surprised, "Isn't that a difficult topic?" Rey just smiled and shook his head. "No, it's not difficult. After all, pyramids are the easiest thing to explain."
Richard was still surprised. "But, imagining the complexity of the history and reasons behind its construction... the structure and theories... all of that is very difficult!"
Rey was confused. "But it's just a tomb," he said quietly. "The pyramids are just tombs. Everyone in the old days was looking for power, religion... What's so hard about that?"
Richard shook his head, "You know, talking about pyramids is more complex than it seems. Lots of questions about how they were built... who built them... and why they're so complicated."
Rey felt unsure. Why did everyone find this so difficult? To him, the pyramid was an obvious structure, just a big tomb. However, before he could ponder further, the audition began. Richard said goodbye as he had to go to another room for the next stage of the audition, while Rey still had to wait.
With a mind full of confusion, Rey sat waiting for his turn. However, one thing was clear in his mind, he had to be able to prove that the pyramid was a topic that was more than just an ordinary tomb.
And suddenly his name was called, Rey immediately moved with his books and ran into the room.
He nervously walked and stopped in front of the 3 scientists who would be judging, "so what's your topic?" Asked one of the Scientists
Rey let out a long sigh and started...
"I'm Rey Saputra, my topic is about the Pyramids of Giza and the purpose in bu-" before he finished, one of the Scientists immediately interrupted with a loud sigh "hah...pyramids again and again, are you going to discuss aliens and advanced technology? You know it's the umpteenth time, get out" said the scientist irritably
Rey was quite confused and assured again "...this is not an alien...it's just an ordinary tomb"
Instantly the atmosphere in the room changed. At first, the scientists looked bored, perhaps because they had heard too many theories linking the Pyramid to aliens or technology that was too advanced for its time. However, they began to show interest.
"So, you think the pyramids are really just the king's tomb? There is no mystical element or extraordinary technology behind it?" one of the scientists asked, raising an eyebrow.
Rey nodded. "Yes. The pyramids were made because of the belief that kings would become gods after death. They believed their souls would rise to the sky and merge with the stars, which to them was a form of heaven."
The scientists exchanged glances. Rey continued, "The triangular or pyramid shape symbolizes the way up to the sky. That's why they built pyramids with the corners pointing upwards. Also, the pyramids were often aligned with certain constellations, as the Ancient Egyptians believed strongly in the connection between their world and the heavens."
One of the scientists, who looked older, crossed his arms and gave a small nod. "So, what about the complex inner structure? Trapped passages, hidden rooms?" he asked.
Rey smiled slightly, having expected this question. "That's because they already thought that in the future there would be people trying to disturb the tombs of the kings. They made trap passages and elaborate structures to protect the tombs from robbery. No weird technology here, just smart strategy and planning."
The three scientists were silent for a moment, then began discussing among themselves. They seemed interested, perhaps because Rey did not bring cliched theories about aliens, but rather realistic historical analysis.
Finally, the scientist sitting in the center looked at Rey with a thoughtful expression. "Your approach is interesting. You didn't try to sensationalize it, but gave a simple and reasonable perspective. This is different from most of the other participants who often connect the pyramids with unproven theories."
Rey remained silent, waiting for their decision. He could feel his heart beating fast. Was his theory interesting enough
Rey looked at the three scientists in front of him with a tense feeling. He had explained his theory, but there was still one last question that could decide his fate.
"Then, what do you think the strange creature carvings found inside the pyramid mean?" one of the scientists asked, looking at Rey with interest.
Rey gulped. This was quite a difficult question, as interpretations of Egyptian carvings could vary greatly. However, he had to remain calm and answer logically.
"It was... a reminder to future people of their methods and science," Rey said, taking a breath before continuing. "The creatures they carved were the forms of gods they believed in, such as Anubis, Osiris, and others. Although it is unclear, perhaps they were also inspired by animals they had encountered in certain incidents and began to depict them as gods. However, from written history, their gods did have such forms."
The scientists exchanged glances, then one of them nodded slowly.
"So you think those carvings are a representation of their beliefs about the afterlife?"
Rey nodded. "Yes, like their religious books and history, the carvings depict who they will meet in the afterlife. It is part of their beliefs about the journey to the afterlife."
The room was silent for a moment. Rey felt his breathing quicken, waiting for their response.
Then, suddenly, one of the scientists smiled. "Interesting. It's a more plausible approach than the theories we've often heard before."
The other scientist stood up, looking at Rey seriously before extending a hand. "Congratulations, Rey. You've been accepted."
Rey widened his eyes, hardly believing what he had just heard. "Really?!"
The scientist nodded. "Yes. You will be joining a group of experienced archaeologists. This will be your chance to learn hands on in the field and gain genuine experience."
Rey couldn't help but smile. He shook their hands vigorously. "Thank you! Thank you very much! I won't let you down!"
This was the beginning of everything. His dream of becoming an archaeologist had just begun.
Rey walked out of the room with light steps, still finding it hard to believe that he was actually accepted. However, her excitement dimmed slightly when he saw Richard sitting listlessly on a bench near the door.
"What the hell? You look like a zombie," Rey asked, looking at his friend who looked like he had lost his rest for life.
Without warning, Richard suddenly shook Rey's body with a frustrated expression. "I'm not accepted! My topic is trash! Trash!"
Rey tried to calm Richard down, feeling a little dizzy from the sudden shock. "Calm down, maybe next time, Richard. Don't give up so easily."
Richard looked at him with hopeful eyes. "How about you, did you get accepted?"
Rey nodded slowly. "Yes, I was accepted."
Richard's eyes widened. "Seriously?! You really got accepted?! I'm jealous!"
Rey sighed, expecting his reaction. "I told you, your topic is actually interesting, but the evidence you provided feels more like a fictional movie."
Richard frowned. "Then, what do you think I should do?"
Rey thought for a moment before making a suggestion. "Try to find evidence from history that is more concrete. For example, the case of The Farm where a farmer saw a 2-3 meter tall iron creature."
Richard paused, then nodded determinedly. "Maybe it can be done! I won't fail again next time!"
Rey smiled and patted his shoulder. "Cheer up, buddy."
Richard sighed and looked at Rey curiously. "So, what do you want to do now?"
"I'm getting ready to leave. I'm going with an experienced archaeologist." Rey said
Richard grinned. "Good luck, buddy. But don't forget to treat me since you've accepted!"
Rey just let out a long sigh. "Later, Richard. I don't have that much money to treat right now."
Richard patted his shoulder and laughed. "At least don't forget to treat after you get your first paycheck!"
The next morning, at the cheap apartment she rented, Rey was busy checking his gear.
Flashlight? Check
Notebook? Check
All tools? Check
After making sure everything is ready, he puts on a white t-shirt, adventure pants, and sturdy boots. Today was the day his adventure began.
With a bag on his back and a strong determination, Rey smiled a little.
"A new beginning in exploring begins!"
To be continued...