The Science Summer Camp

Julia was a kind and compassionate girl who loved helping others. She always tried to use science to solve problems around her. From a young age, she showed potential to be a scientist someday.

One example was how she used simple items at home to create a filter. This filter could turn dirty, brownish water into safe and healthy drinking water. Julia loved to study about animals and plants.

When she saw the newspaper advertisement about a summer camp all about science, she knew it would be a dream come true.

The Science Summer Camp

Julia wanted to attend this program more than anything, but she was scared. She knew her mother would never let her travel to any nearby community, even if it was to teach those in need.

She remembered how hard she had to work to convince her mother, Marie, to let her start school. Marie had not gone to school as a child, so she could not understand why Julia felt education was important.

She had succeeded in getting permission by promising to go and come back with her brother James everyday. What about this summer camp? James hated science, he would never go with her. How could she get approval?

Julia still decided to try. She saw her mother cutting tomatoes in kitchen and went up to her. She saw the smile on her mother’s face disappear as she told her about the summer camp.

I am sure it is an exciting opportunity, Julia, but I cannot allow you to travel anywhere without me.

That too, for something like science, which won’t help you anywhere. Come here, let me show you how to cut these vegetables.” replied her mother. Julia felt upset and helpless.

 She thought it was unfair how James was allowed to take trips all across India to study the country’s history. He had travelled by train to many different cities to attend summer programs and meet relatives.

Why was she not treated like her brother? A few days later, a bright yellow envelope was delivered at home. To Julia’s surprise, it was a letter saying that she had been selected to participate in the summer camp

The Science Summer Camp

Just as she was wondering how this could have happened, her father, William, walked into the room.

He had just returned home from his shift at the village hospital. He saw the joy on his daughter’s face and told her that he had applied to the Science Summer Camp on her behalf.

 “Never think you can’t study what you want to study. You are an exceptional student, Julia, and you deserve every opportunity James does.

 Science is an extremely valuable field of study, and I am proud of you for being interested in it. Someday you can be a doctor just like me.” said her father lovingly.

Marie also smiled, but had an expression of concern on her face. When William saw this, he asked her not to worry. He would get Marie to speak to the parents of the other children in the village who were attending the summer camp, so she could be sure Julia was in good company.

He would also keep her in touch with the teachers of the program, so she would know where Julia was all the times. They explained how it was wrong to treat Julia different from James. Both children should be given a chance to achieve their dreams.

After hearing all of this, Marie felt much better. She hugged her daughter and told her how proud she was. Julia felt like the happiest girl alive. She couldn’t wait to spend two weeks learning from the country’s best experts and share ideas with the brightest students. She knew this would be a summer to remember