13 Funding (1/2)

Having completed the first step to forming a research club, Fern feels like she and Emily might actually be successful. Although Fern will have to work hard to fully solidify her foundation, at least it exists. Rather than solely focusing on short-term problems, she can look into the future and anticipate the potential. Invigorated with optimism that only a naive student can have, Fern goes to tell Prof. Jameson about her deal with Sarah Martin.

After walking to Jameson's office, Fern knocks on his door and hopes that he is not busy. Luckily, Jameson is just doing some reading and Fern enters with no problem.

Seeing how Fern is smiling with a big grin and could jump out of her chair any second, Jameson quickly infers how her conversation with Martin went. He smiles and says, ”good news?”

”Great news! Dr. Martin said that I can grow plants for my experiment while helping her project. To get continued support, I just have to prove that my experiment has value by the end of the summer.”

”That's great, Fern.” Happy that his student is achieving success, Jameson smiles like a doting parent whose child got 100% on a spelling quiz. Thinking about how Dr. Martin is more strict and stone-faced than he is, Jameson says, ”I may think your experiment has value, but Dr. Martin will probably be hard to convince. Don't start slacking now.”

Knowing that she has her work cut out for her, Fern semi-seriously salutes and says, ”Yes, sir!”

Going along with the gimmick, Jameson nods and chastely says, ”Dismissed!”

---

Fern and Emily reunite for dinner in the dining hall. After the two have purchased their food and sat down, Fern quickly fills Emily in how it went with Jameson and Martin.

Happy that Fern has gotten a research position and funding, Emily lifts up her milk carton and signals for Fern to do the same. ”Cheers!” Acting like they are businesswomen that just made a very lucrative deal, they clink their drinks together and celebrate.

Once the two are done basking in their happiness, Emily frowns and says, ”I know I said I would get funding for the club, but I don't know how to do that.

Fern only has guaranteed support for the summer. The two need to get reliable long-term funding and resources.

”Well...” Fern offers, ”Jameson said that I could apply for grants and scholarships.”

Resting her chin on her hand, Emily plays with a piece of hair that escaped her ponytail and says, ”Even with that, we are depending on someone else to support the research. I would rather be mostly independent.”

Mimicking Emily, Fern also rests her chin on her hand and asks, ”Don't most clubs do bake sales, or bracelet sales, or something? We could do that.”

Striking Fern's idea down, Emily says, ”I think we'll need to make more money than what those get.”

”Well... my part of the club is based in my major, so your part should be based in your major. Could we use communications to raise funds?”