An excerpt from the memoirs
of Professor John McGillus,
INVENTOR EXTRAORDINARE!April-21-1809
Tonight was the night of the Awards Ceremony. I accepted my award graciously, and gave a small speech about my invention, it's uses, and what I hoped to accomplish with it in the near future. After the Ceremony was the Banquet, and as I was about to enter the hall, to my surprise I was surrounded by my colleagues; part of whom were there to congratulate me, and the other part... They could not understand how an inventor as unobtrusive as I was in the field of science, could achieve in one night with one minuscule device what they had been working for, for most of their lives. Just as I was beginning to believe that I would be mobbed by the second group before the night was over, two men from that group stepped forward. Their manner was courteous, and I felt no ill-will from them. They began walking with me into the Hall, engaging me in conversation. They said that I showed great potential in the Field of Science... and were looking forward to what I might produce in the future. However, they also warned me against working only for public glory and awards; that, even though awards and publicity are nice to receive every once in a while, they are only the icing on the cake. The true reward comes from knowing that you have invented something that has the potential to change the world, and make it a better place; to be able to share with the world your views, enlighten others, and receive enlightenment in return. They explained that unless I understood this, it would be better to drop out of the Field now, rather than to fall out later on as too many others with my potential had done. I assured them I understood, and that I had no intention of working only for fame and glory. My words seemed to satisfy them, so we entered the Banquet Hall and sat down together to eat. As I sit now, recording the night's events, I look back on my humble beginnings. I realize that much of what I have accomplished would never had occurred, had it not been for the patience and encouragement granted me by my parents and teachers. Even now, I'm overwhelmed by what these great people in my past have done to influence me in my work. I hope someday I may influence others in the same manner. The End by Celia Tracy
Copyright © 2001 Celia TracyAuthor's Note: This story is fiction. All people, places and events mentioned herein are completely ficticious.back to The Storybook Nook