Chapter 2: The Enrollment Interview
"You're welcome Alyssa please have a seat, please relax, there's no reason to be nervous the questions we're gonna ask are just a formality you're already accepted we just want to know you better." Miss Faragonda says, as Alyssa takes a seat.
"Precisely we just want to get a better idea of you as a person and what you expect to get out of being a student here please try and answer all questions to the best of your abilities. Professor Palladium would you mind starting the questions?" Griselda asked her face cold.
"Not at all Griselda… Alyssa, Alfea has long be a bastion of pride for fairies and has made excellent strides in diversity, equity and inclusion programs, however some students' parents donate a lot to this school and unfortunately they hold some pretty conservative and if I'm being honest quite honest ass backwards ideas so my question is… How do you plan on dealing with any bigotry or hate that might come as a result of your trans status?"
Alyssa looked up her hazel eyes glowing with determination "Well Professor, I plan on staying true to myself and try to prove that I'm valid and I deserve to be here as much as cis fairies, if they are open to it I plan on educating them and hope to change their views. If they won't listen I plan on finding a professor I can talk to about the mistreatment I'm getting, especially when so many people in my world are demonizing trans girls like me."
Headmistress Faragonda looked at Alyssa and said "That's a very mature position to take Alyssa, I commend you for taking a strong position on this matter. I would like to know how you discovered your Winx abilities and how you've been refining them."
"To be honest I only recently discovered them, I mean when I was younger my emotions always seemed to control the weather. As for refining them honestly I haven't everything has moved so quickly in under twenty four hours." Alyssa said looking at her watch unsure if the time on the watch, 6pm was accurate.
"Right my mistake, Griselda do you have any questions you'd like to ask Alyssa."
Griselda cold and ever the disciplinarian asked "What kind of discipline and work ethic do you possess? Alfea has a strict schedule and we don't tolerate lazy or undisciplined students."
"Well miss Griselda, I've had to work hard because of it just being my mom and myself. I've had to be very disciplined with getting school work in on time and cooking my own meals. My mother she goes to work at 6am and doesn't finish until 9pm and doesn't get home till 1015pm and promptly goes to bed. When I was a freshmen at my high school I had A's and B's so I hope that counts for something."
"Indeed, Faragonda do you have another question for Miss Alyssa" Griselda asked
"Can you share a bit about your background and experiences on Earth that led you to discover your Winx abilities?" Miss Faragonda asked.
"Growing up on Earth, I always had a fascination with the natural world and its interconnectedness. I remember spending hours watching the changing weather patterns and feeling a sense of awe and wonder at the power of the elements. There were moments when I'd bring comfort to friends by creating a gentle breeze on a hot day or calming a stormy night with a light drizzle. It wasn't until recently that I realized these were manifestations of my Winx abilities. These experiences taught me the importance of balance and harmony in nature, and how our actions can impact the world around us. I believe that as a fairy, I can continue to nurture that connection by using my abilities to bring about positive change. Alfea provides an environment where I can explore and develop my magical talents further, and I'm eager to learn from the experienced instructors and my fellow students. My time on Earth also showed me the value of compassion and understanding. As the first trans girl with Winx abilities, I've encountered both acceptance and challenges. These experiences have fueled my determination to promote inclusivivity and stand up against prejudice, not just within the magical community but everywhere. I see Alfea as a place where I can further this mission and help create a more harmonious world for all magical beings"
"A fine answer Alyssa. Professor Palladium do you have another question?" Miss Faragonda asked.
"Yes, Alyssa, we're interested in knowing more about your interests and hobbies outside of your magical studies. How do you feel these activities contribute to your personal growth and development as a fairy?"
"Thank you for the question. Outside of my magical studies, I have a strong interest in art and nature. I find solace in painting and sketching, often depicting landscapes and scenes from the natural world. This hobby not only allows me to express my creativity but also provides a sense of tranquility and balance. Moreover, spending time in nature, whether it's hiking, gardening, or simply observing the changing seasons, has deepened my connection to the magical realm around us. It reminds me of the delicate balance that exists in the world and how every living thing plays a part in it. Engaging in these interests has taught me patience, dedication, and the importance of mindfulness. I believe that my appreciation for art and nature will enable me to approach challenges with a fresh perspective and bring a sense of harmony to my interactions with others. It's through these interests that I find a source of personal growth and inspiration, and I hope to share these qualities with the Alfea community."
"Well said Alyssa. Griselda I think there's time for one more question." Professor Palladium said.
"Alyssa, what, in your opinion are qualities all fairies should possess and what is your approach on team work?"
"Qualities that are essential for a fairy to possess include empathy, resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose. Empathy allows us to understand and connect with others on a deeper level, fostering a sense of unity among fairies and magical beings. Resilience helps us bounce back from challenges and setbacks, ensuring that we continue to grow and learn even in the face of difficulties. Adaptability allows us to navigate a wide range of situations and interact effectively with various magical creatures and environments. Lastly, having a strong sense of purpose helps us stay focused on our goals and the positive impact we can have on the magical realm. Approaching teamwork is something I take seriously. I believe that every fairy has their own unique strengths and abilities, and collaboration can lead to truly magical results. I plan to listen actively to my peers, value their contributions, and find ways to complement each other's talents. By fostering an environment of open communication and respect, we can create a harmonious and united team that brings out the best in each member. I also believe in supporting my teammates during challenging times and celebrating their successes, as we all work together towards common goals. Ultimately, my approach to teamwork is rooted in the belief that we are stronger when we lift each other up and work together as a cohesive unit. Even if my teammates don't see me as a valid student I think its my job to adapt over come and improvise while still building them up while at the same time challenging their beliefs."
"A fine answer Alyssa." Griselda said "actually I think there is actually time for a few more questions then Alyssa talk to Flora, she'll take you to your dorm. You'll be rooming with her, as well as 5 other students I'm sure all of them will be pleased to meet you. But in the event they don't, ignore them and try and teach them that you belong here. Professor Palladium if you will."
"Right, Alyssa as your professor of Potionology I think I should know how you would respond to skepticism and distrust from your fellow students who might view your enrollment as straying from the norms."
"Well I understand that my enrollment here is unconventional, I firmly believe that diversity, equity and inclusion are what make society better. I want to be a trailblazer and contribute to the rich legacy Alfea has."
"Well said Alyssa. Faragonda what else do you have for her?" Professor Palladium asked
Before Headmistress Faragonda could answer the door swung open and professor DuFour walked in her grace and elegance was well known. She sat beside Griselda.
"Welcome I am Professor DuFour. I have a few questions I would like to ask you if you don't mind miss Faragonda.
"Not at all DuFour I just wasn't expecting you to join us."
"Well then, Alyssa, proper etiquette is crucial during meals for any fairy and young lady to have, can you provide examples of table manners and conversational etiquette you would adhere to during communal meals and especially during meals when we have dignitaries visiting or when we have the young men from Red Fountain visiting us, especially if they ask you to dance."
"Well Professor DuFour, thank you for that question I think that the basic table manners of small bites, no elbows on the table, sitting up straight and finishing whats in my mouth before talking as well as not reaching over someones plate are the basic ones to start with. As for being asked to dance I think that a proper response would be 'Thank you I'd like to dance' or a polite decline 'No thank you, thank you for offering though.' Those are just two examples I can think of."
"well said Alyssa I think we're done here, wouldn't you agree Faragonda? Griselda? Palladium?" DuFour ask smiling she had a feeling that Alyssa was going to be one of her favorite students. All the other staff nodded and sent Alyssa on her way.
Flora was waiting outside the office, pacing. When Alyssa came out of the office her black and gray top was a bit wet. Flora rushed up. "Alyssa how did it go, you were in there for a while? Come walk with me, talk with me you can tell me about what you were asked, I saw professor DuFour walk in and I was really nervous because she's a stickler for etiquette and decorum."