It's the end of the spring term, and Molly's grades have continued to shine. After his final lecture, the pathology professor catches Molly in the hallway.
"Miss Hooper? Might I have a word?"
"Um, yes, of course, Dr. Acton!" Molly says, enthusiastic but bewildered. (Why on Earth would he want to talk to me?)
"I was wondering, Miss Hooper, if you've given any consideration to what you'll do after you finish your degree."
"Um… I'm not sure. I used to think I'd be a GP like my dad, but I'm, er…"
"Not cut from the same cloth as he?" Dr. Acton says with a smile. "Indeed. Have you given any thought to pathology? You've shown considerable prowess this term, and it's one of the few specialties where introversion is an asset rather than a liability."
Molly blinks and mentally kicks herself for not thinking of this on her own. "Um, that's… that's very kind of you, Dr. Acton. I, er… if I apply to pathology residencies, may I use you as a reference?"
"Of course. And if you're interested, I'm looking for research interns during the summer holidays. Such an experience would look good on your CV."
Dr. Acton saunters off as Molly smiles quietly to herself. Her greatest fear is that she won't live up to his expectations.