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Alina Kurpel

by Alina Kurpel

Story

December has passed—all applications were over. The biggest and most significant work was done. Now, only waiting remains. I received a few rejections, but I never lost hope.

I was working on a social media video in a small, windowless office at the TV channel’s online editorial department when the email from the last scholarship arrived. My heart started racing, and hands trembled slightly as I opened it. My gaze jumped chaotically from line to line:

We formally notify you that you have been selected.”

Really? For what?

You can participate in the course on a self-paying basis. We regret to inform you that your application has not been selected for the scholarship.”

I could not see any further, tears blurred my eyes. It felt like the end. How many more could I bear at twenty-three?

I lost my purpose. I went to work and back home. The sequence of life was completely broken. I graduated and had no assignments, no motivations, and no CVs. I completed everything and had no idea what to do in the evenings. There was no need for anything anymore.

Sometimes I met with friends, mostly to cry. I poured streams of bitter tears on them in search of support and a desire to hear once again that everything would be fine.

— Can you imagine how hard I worked?

— It’s okay, you’ll definitely get in next year!

— Next year?

— Of course. You don’t have to take the language test anymore, which means less preparation, less work.

— Actually, you are right. I can apply for even more scholarships.

— Sure, and not only in Europe.

— Alright then! Here is the plan.


© Alina Kurpel 2023-08-29

Genres
Novels & Stories