Or, as I like to call it, being born into the right family or having the right connections based on your name or your family’s status in the industry.
We are told in our studies that the right opportunity will present itself if you work hard enough, and I’d like to think that’s why I was chosen for the F1 spot instead of Seth.
Still, it leaves a sour taste in my mouth knowing that Seth likely will be able to get a grid pass because of his surname and his dad’s connections in the sports world.
His father owns one of the most prominent sports magazines in the US, making it easier for him to get ahead, while everyone else must fight their way forward.
“Maybe I’ll see you there, or maybe not. I didn’t know your dad’s paper even covered Formula 1,” I say, knowing full well that they don’t. They have strict rules about covering Formula 1 and which news outlets are permitted to do so. At least when it comes to the on-track action, interviews, and close coverage of the sport.
The tension is rolling off Seth, and our classmates stand awkwardly waiting for his response.
It’s a tiny bit sad how they all hover around him, waiting for their opportunity in his father’s media empire. Our student group was naturally divided into smaller groups at the start of our studies, as is common in any university program.
When people realized the connections surrounding Seth, he quickly became popular amongst the students. Sarah and I may be cynical, but we think it’s quiteclear that they all hope to get close enough to him to land an opportunity within his father’s company.
Sarah and I never jumped on the Seth bandwagon, and ever since, he’s been irritating us. We mostly keep to ourselves and avoid getting involved with him and his crew.
“I’m sure he’ll come up with something. See you around,” he says as they continue down the library, leaving me alone again.
Hopefully, the internships are governed by strict regulations, and even Seth’s father won’t be able to manipulate the system to move his son to the front of the line.
A girl can only hope.
I go back to my computer to search for flight tickets when I receive an email from Star News. I feel my heart sprinting as I open it.
To: Jessica Edwards
Subject: Formula 1 Internship
Hello Jessica,
We are delighted to welcome you to our team here at Star News. You will be working with our F1-division,which follows Formula 1 and all the excitement associated with the upcoming season.
We would like to schedule an online meeting with you to get you set up for the upcoming internship and discuss what you can expect.
Please let us know if February tenth at 9.00 AM is a suitable time for you.
Kind regards
Anne Grier
Receiving Anne’s email makes it even more real, and I quickly write a reply confirming that Thursday is perfect for a meeting.
Today is Tuesday, which means I have some time to prepare before our talk. The F1 season is just around the corner, with pre-season testing already underway. That means the teams are testing their new cars ahead of the season, examining how their car set-up performs on track.
We often refer to the entire event as the F1 circus, characterized by lots of action, drama, and intrigue in the paddock. The grid consists of ten teams, each with two drivers.
Most teams are connected to traditional car brands and factories, which develop carsusing advanced aerodynamic technology.
Other teams are linked to popular brands, such as Red Bull. The sport has significant commercial value, and the performance of the drivers and their teams determines how much money they’ll win for the next season.
The championship is held worldwide, with races on every continent. My internship will therefore involve a lot of traveling, which I’m looking forward to.
Not only do I get to experience and learn in the incredible atmosphere and world of F1, I can also travel the world and explore new places.
When I get back to my dorm, the first thing I do is call my parents to share the good news. They have always been my biggest supporters, constantly reminding me that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. Their support means the world to me.
As usual, Dad answers and puts me on speaker right away.
