Hi, Kaitlyn Korosec, again.
I had a great summer now that my college finances were settled thanks to being a Follow the Science Foundation Scholar. That was great, because my three BFFs were all going to different colleges. So, we deserved a great summer together, right? Contact me later and I’ll tell you some stories about that summer. OMG!
But life was throwing me a curve ball. How would I survive college without my three besties. When I got to college, I was going to have to start over finding new BFFs. Here’s the story about me and the Cell, my new besties.
The Cell? Oops, I forgot, you don’t know about the Cell yet, do you? So sorry, I do that sometimes. People tell me it’s confusing, but you’ll get used to it. I’m worth getting to know. Really.
We called ourselves, the “Fire Pit Cell.” We all became Fire Pit Spirits, each in our own way. We started with only ten, but over the years we grew to many spirits.[1]
Our story tells the good, the bad and the ugly about the ten of us through the Fall semester of my first year of college. Follow our story and you’ll know why we’re called the Fire Pit Cell. We’ll describe how the Follow the Science Foundation experimented on us and the other things going on my freshman year. But our story isn’t just about me.
We all entered college full of dreams, hopes and insecurities. We knew we needed to study to get good jobs, but first we enjoyed the sweet taste of freedom from parental controls. We partied and formed romantic and other relationships. We skipped a few classes, especially on Friday mornings after Thursday night football games. I mean, what a dumb time to schedule a class!
It’s a little embarrassing to have all this become public. As you’ll soon see, we made some mistakes along the way, but we learned a lot of important things outside the classroom. In short, we were about as smart and as dumb, and as strong and as weak, as the many generations of students who came before us.
Well, OK, maybe we did it a different way than some earlier generations. I mean, we’re in the third decade of the 21st Century. Stuff is going on. Its real. We’re part of that. But aside from that, we’re normal, right? Maybe, that was what the Foundation was looking for, a perfectly representative sample for scientific experimentation. Very natural for scientists, right?
I guess I should tell you a little about our experiences with the Foundation. At the beginning of the semester, the Foundation processed and assigned students to a wide range of experiments. It was all very institutional and efficient. Kind of like when we registered for our normal classes.
I thought some of the experiments were a little weird, but what do I know? I’m not a scientist. It made me feel good that I was helping to advance the frontiers of human scientific knowledge. And, hey, we were going to graduate college without any student loans. Debt free is worth suffering a little, right? So, initially we were enthusiastic about the Foundation’s program.
Later, some very scary things started happening to some of us in our Foundation experiments. That’s all our settlement agreement with the Foundation allows us to say in public. The Foundation’s attorneys insisted on that. So, if you really want to know more, I’ll have to whisper. (I negotiated the whispering is OK provision of the settlement agreement). Just don’t tell anybody else, OK?
Our story is about how we tried to be ordinary students while dealing with the Foundation’s experiments. You’ll definitely want to know how we did it, if you’re going to sign up with the Foundation.
Now, I’ll introduce you to all the Fire Pit Cell members. Let’s start with three pairs of first year roommates, who live in adjoining dorm rooms.
Room 311: Michelle Collins and Sheldon Atwell (aka Shelley), who skipped the last two years of high school.
Room 313, Kaitlyn Korosec (that’s me) and Olivia Jackson (super smart and I loved being her roommate).
Room 315, Allison Lee (aka Allie) and Luna de Reyes (a refugee from Venezuela).
We soon met the remaining four members of the Fire Pit Cell: Scott Hopkins (OMG, what a hunk!), Sanjay Singh, Nicole Wilson and Gerald Brown.
You’ll get to know them better when you hear our story, but I’ve asked each of the Cell members to tell you a little bit about themselves. I’ll go first.
Kaitlyn Korosec[2] – Follow the Science Foundation Scholar
I’m an 18-year-old criminal justice major from a small town nobody has ever heard of.
“I was just a scared girl who fell in love the first day I arrived at college. After that, I was prepared to do anything to get my man (Scott), but I did a lot more than I ever expected I’d have to do.”
A girl has to be ready for anything these days. And I am.
I watched the movie “Clueless”[3] again the other night. Why do I like movies that make fun of girls like me? Because they remind me that we serve a purpose. We make people happy, a much-needed talent in today’s world.
These days I can’t get a Taylor Swift song out of my head.[4] I know I’m taking a risk but try not to break my heart, Scott. We can do better. than they did.
I’m 21 years old in the fourth year of a five-year joint Engineering and Business Degree program and captain of the university’s lacrosse team.
Olivia Jackson and I are so close. Practically one person. My father, Senator Hopkins of Tennessee, chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. He and Judge Jackson work together on many projects. I’m the product of the Senator’s second marriage. He’s had four and I won’t be surprised if I don’t get another stepmother before I graduate college.
Here’s what drives me.
“If I don’t like the way the world works, I change it.”
What about Kaitlyn, you ask? The song “Gentle on My Mind”[6] sums up our relationship. I hope Kaitlyn can live with that.
I like fast things, cars, motorcycles and boats, it doesn’t matter as long as it’s fast. My favorite movie is “The Road Warrior,”[7] the 1981 Mel Gibson film. I like survivors. Watch it if you want to know me.
I’m from Nashville. When I’m driving, I play country music. I love Alan Jackson singing “Drive (for Daddy Gene)”[8] and “The Devil Went Down to Georgia”[9] by the Charlie Daniels Band. Music for fast cars.
I’m 18 years old majoring in political science and Mandarin Chinese.
I grew up traveling around the world with my mother (aka the Professor) while my father (aka the Judge) played political games. My family and I have known Scott Hopkins and his family practically forever.
The most important thing to remember about me is that I like orderly rational behavior.
So, you’re probably wondering, “How do Kaitlyn and Olivia share a 200 square foot dorm room?” Some days, I wonder about that too, but most if the time we’re actually a good roommate match. She’s fun to be with. Sometimes I need her to loosen me up.
My father was a civil rights lawyer before he became a Federal Judge. My mother is a college linguistics professor who sometimes works for a secretive government agency[11]. (Please don’t tell anyone. People might die. Really!)
My parents were a mixed-race marriage back in the olden days when some people seemed to think that was a big deal.[12] Can you imagine? But the world changed. So, I guess my parents had the last laugh.[13]
“I like being half and half. I see both sides of every issue. I don’t like people forcing me to choose a side.”
These days I don’t have much time for movies and music, but I adore Opera, especially “Carmen.”[14] When I relax playing piano, I prefer Mozart.”[15]
Michelle Collins[16] – Follow the Science Foundation Scholar
I’m a 22-year-old transfer student performing arts major from Pittsburgh. I’m restarting my academic career after taking a detour.
Some people don’t understand my life choices, but I do and that’s all that matters. Some people think I’m deranged because see a side of reality that most people are blind to. I prefer the word enchanting to deranged. It so much nicer, don’t you think? But you decide what this tells you about me.
I’m an actress. I change every day. What you see today you may never see again. So, if you see a Michelle you like, cherish that Michelle while she is still here. I suffer to create beautiful performances. Nothing is free in life. I’m willing to pay the price.
“A bubble is real, until it’s gone. Think about a glass of champagne Where do all the bubbles go?[17] They were there, but then you can’t see them. I live my life on the edge between our world and the dimension where all the burst bubbles go. My bubbles guide my life. It’s so pretty in my bubble dimension, but it’s not for the weak of heart. Maybe I’ll let you visit me there if you dare.”I
I just rewatched the movie “Close Encounters”[18] for about the tenth time and I love Rod Serling’s “Twilight Zone.”[19] A song that inspires me every day is Madonna’s “Material Girl.”[20] Explains a lot about how the world works. Not the world we’re all supposed to like, the real world.
Allison Lee (aka Allie)[21] – Follow the Science Foundation Scholar
I’m an 18 years old performing arts major from Hawaii. Part Japanese and part Chinese, but my people have been in Hawaii practically forever. We’re kind of like Hawaiian Pilgrims. I have three older brothers. I’m the rebel in the family.
What’s the most important thing to know about me?
“I thought I was a tough girl. Turns out, not really, at least not all the time. Life has been much sweeter since I learned to ride with the waves, not against them.
I control my temper and my body with sunrise yoga. I like the movie “Mulholland Drive”[22] a lot. Denise Rosenthal’s “Isadora”[23] is one of my favorite music videos. Such sweet girls.
Nicole Wilson [24]– Follow the Science Foundation Scholar
I’m 18, a black studies major. I grew up about five miles from this university. Gerald Brown is the closest thing I have to family. We look out for one another. Everyone needs a Gerald in their life.
Remember this about me.
“I get them before they get me. It works. Then, Kaitlyn gives me something powerful to help me move on.”
People who test my patience once don’t do it a second time because I’ve got the power. Want to test me on that?
Kaitlyn and I didn’t hit it off at first. Two people from different worlds, but we made our peace.
Check out the movie “Respect.”[25] Billie Holiday singing “Strange Fruit”[26] inspires me. Lest we forget.
I’m a 24-year-old community college student, studying hospitality management. I have five brothers and sisters, but I’m closest to my friend, Nicole. I knew her brother before he died. He gave me my first job. Looked out for me on the street. So, now I look out for his little sister. That’s the way the world is supposed to work. Right?
What to know about me? Humm . . . Yeah, this is it.
“Having a bad day today isn’t an excuse to be angry tomorrow. Understanding that is what turned my life around.”
I’m going to open my own restaurant someday. I can see it now.
I really like “The Terminator.[28]” Have watched it many times. 2Pac’s “Hit ‘Em Up”[29] is my favorite Rap song. Its gritty, but life is gritty sometimes.
I’m a 19 math and computer science major from Venezuela. I’m blessed. My family fled Venezuela when I was ten. We appreciate having running water and electricity every day and not having the secret police follow us. My big thing is that
“I don’t want the same things to happen to my new country. Lest we forget.”
Here’s my pet peeve. So, you think you know about Latinas? Think again. We’re not all the same.
Life is so sweet now, especially when I’m listening to Malu Trevejo singing “Luna Llena.”[31] It has my name in it. For movies, I like almost anything Sci-Fi, but only the psychological scary ones. “Invasion of the Body Snatchers”[32] from the 1950s is especially good.
Sheldon Atwell (aka Shelley)[33] – Follow the Science Foundation Scholar
They asked me to provide a photo. I hate that. I’m at that awkward age in life. Check me out in a few years girls. I’ll age well.
I’m 16, a math and computer science major. I’m the youngest member of the university’s freshman class. School classes are easy, but my age created social issues. My mom died when I was little. I miss her.
What should you remember about me?
“Maybe someday, I might become a fully functioning person. That’s number 6 on my list of top-10 life goals.”
“2001 Space Odyssey”[34] is my favorite movie, probably because it opens with “Also Sprach Zarathustra.”[35] Yes, Michelle, I know you told me to never tell that to a girl. Dating poison you said. But that’s what I like.
I’m a 24-year-old computer science grad student from southern California.
I know that screams nerd, but you need to know I’m not. Check me out on dating apps girls. I’m on several. Michelle says I’m an underrated dating opportunity. Oh, and I know what I’m doing. I’ve memorized the “Kamasutra.”[37]
My parents emigrated from India, but I was “Born in the USA.”[38] I go back to India sometimes to work with my uncle. That’s where I first met Scott and Olivia.
Kaitlyn’s Comments
It’s me, Kaitlyn, again. Thanks for sharing, gang. As always, I’ll share some thoughts with you all.
“Shelley, becoming a functioning person is only number 6 on your list? We need to talk about your priorities, yet again.”
“Sanjay, memorizing only gets you so far with girls. It’s not what you do. It’s how you do it.”
“Olivia! You are so modest. People should know that you’re a lot like Condoleezza Rice[39] and you might President or something like that someday.”
“Allie, what’s it like being Asian? Yes, I know some people think that not an appropriate question. But how will I learn if I don’t ask?”
“Luna, you didn’t have electricity or water? How is that possible?”
“Michelle, I’d love to visit you in your bubble world. I was talking to God the other day and God knows your bubbles. God and I find you enchanting.”
“Gerald is so sweet. We’re so much alike. If I was a black guy, I’d want to be you.
“Nicole, you may have the power, but we both know your weakness. You’ll do anything for one of these.[40]”
And “Did you hear what Scott said about me? I’m making progress with that boy. Here’s how I imagine Scott and me . . . forever.[41]
Don’t laugh, I’m just the girl to do it.”[42]
Like I said, nothing wildly unusual about any of us. We’re a representative cross sample of our generation. Maybe that’s why the Foundation wanted to experiment on us.
So, now you know us. Or maybe you don’t. Want to find out more?
I’ll start our story from the beginning of my first semester. But before I do, I want to say what that old English guy, who wrote all those long boring books, said, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times[43]. . ..” That pretty much describes my first semester in college. Know what I mean?
Now remember, don’t tell anyone else what you’re about to hear. Or at least whisper if you do. We’ll all get in trouble if the Foundation finds out I’ve been blabbing about them. And you don’t want to cross these people, believe me.
[1] MN1 Students Turning into Fire Pit Spirits Picture
[2] MN2 Kaitlyn Many Faces Picture
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Um1SvJvDLY
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tollGa3S0o8
[5] MN5 Scott Picture
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETkzK9pXMio
[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlwtiOyaoo0
[8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQe3DKDQRRs
[9] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBjPAqmnvGA&list=RDwBjPAqmnvGA&start_radio=1
[10] MN10 Olivia Picture
[12] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=300LiZtuDPw
[13] MN13 Olivia’s Parents Picture
[14] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJ_HHRJf0xg
[15] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb0UmrCXxVA
[16] MN16 Michelle Picture
[17] MN16 Bubble Dimension Picture
[18] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PYI6TzqYk
[19] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daCWbRQfOyc
[20] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6p-lDYPR2P8
[21] MN21Allie Picture
[22] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbZJ487oJlY
[23] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6ikG-WbFMk&list=PLyI0MXTLhJFk_5XP9Xd1-mH7Vep9–Oj5&index=1
[24] MN24 Nicole Picture
[25] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTtxoz3OIlU
[26] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Web007rzSOI
[27] MN27 Gerald Picture
[28] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k64P4l2Wmeg
[29] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41qC3w3UUkU
[30] MN30 Luna Picture
[31] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-zcNpZJX78
[32] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invasion_of_the_Body_Snatchers
[33] MN33 Sheldon Picture
[34] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHjIqQBsPjk
[35] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWF1glZWQa8
[36] MN36 Sanjay Picture
[37] https://www.amazon.com/Kama-Sutra-Colouring-Book/dp/1910787310
[38] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPhWR4d3FJQ
[39] https://www.biography.com/political-figure/condoleezza-rice
[40] MN40 Nicole’s Weakness Picture
[41] MN41 Scott and Kaitlyn Picture
[42] MN42 Kaitlyn Victorious Picture