After the Doctor entered my mind, he began encouraging me to focus on things that made me happy. It was hard to do, I'll admit, because there were few things that made me happy.

'Come on! There has to be at least one thing that makes you happy.' the Doctor prompted. 'A trip you went on or something you've accomplished? Anything?' Suddenly, a small yellow ball of energy appeared in my mind's eye. There you go. Now just focus on that and pull it closer. As I did that, I was surrounded by a warm tingling sensation. As that ball came closer, light began radiating from it. I began to feel warmer and warmer before it finally engulfed me.

I was in the gymnasium of my elementary school; I was seven-years-old and in the second grade and today was our school's annual science fair. All of the judges had just finished looking at all of the projects and were currently deliberating. I was simmering with anticipation waiting to see if I had won.

"Attention students! If I could have your attention for just a moment." All of the chatter quickly died down. "Our judges have picked this year's winners of our 17th Annual Science Fair. Now, in third place with using water and ice to represent the melting of glaciers, we have Amy Tyler." After she collected her ribbon, he announced the second place winner. "With his idea of putting an empty liter bottle outside and measuring the amount of rainfall we had this month, I give you Rory Jones." After he received his ribbon everyone was on pins and needles waiting to hear who the first place winner was. "In first place, figuring out how to use water to power a 60watt lightbulb, we have Violet Smith." I couldn't believe it. I had actually won! The auditorium erupted in a big applause. I got up, made my way over to the stage, climbed up the steps and walked over to the principal. He shook my hand and handed me my first place ribbon. After taking it, I walked off of the stage not only feeling happy, but also proud of myself for the first time in my life.

Slowly the memory faded and I was drawn back out of my head. I opened up my eyes and found the Doctor was smiling at me. "My little scientist" he praised. I giggled and shook my head.

"I'm not so little anymore."

"Violet. This is not something to downplay. That was an amazing thing for a seven-year-old to come up with. Though, maybe I shouldn't be too surprised. After all, you are MY daughter. I should expect that you inherited some of my genius genes."

"Um…thanks!" He placed his hand on my shoulder.

"Still, I can't help but to wonder what happened" he stated, a serious expression suddenly consuming his face.

"What do you mean?"

"What happened to your love of Science? When we met last week, you told me that the only reason you were taking Advanced Placement Biology was so you could graduate early. Where did that spark go?" I took a deep breath.

"A person can only be called stupid and hopeless so many times by students, teachers…basically everyone before they simply give up on school altogether."

"I'm so sorry, Violet."

"It's ok" I muttered, staring intently at the ground.

"Violet, look at me." I slowly lifted my gaze until my eyes met his. "It's not ok. But you're away from them now. Don't you see? This is a whole new beginning for both of us. Let's make it a good one, Eh?"

"I'll try my best."

"I mean it. We have the whole universe to explore! There is so much out there to see and experience…and learn" he quickly added. "For the record, I don't think you're stupid or hopeless. I think you are absolutely brilliant!"

"Thanks."

"Oh, just so you know, I plan on completely rekindling your love of learning."

"Do you?" I teased.

"Yep," he cheerfully replied.

"Ok then. I'm going to hold you to that."