Abstract: Odyssey of the Mind
I was nine when they called my name and expected me to join my team on stage.
But I refused.
With every fiber of my being I refused.
And all these years later, I don’t know why.
We were being recognized for our performance in some brainiac competition.
And they wanted me to wear a shitty yellow jacket.
Odyssey of the Mind.
We designed tiny vehicles and raced them.
For one vehicle, a teammate stole a design from a college professor.
After the competition, same dude took the vehicle to an interview for a STEM program.
Today, Jared is an engineer.
I don’t think I’ve ever grown up, like a real adult should.
I think about childhood competitions and feeling embarrassed.
And I still feel embarrassed.
