Page 2 of The Toy Collector

“So, this is your last year,” she says.

“It is,” I confirm, crossing one leg over the other.

Mrs. Ellis hums as she clicks around on her laptop. “Still on track with the Master’s in Political Communication and Public Policy?”

“Yeah. My focus is mostly campaign strategy and narrative development, media angles, voter outreach, all that.”

“Good,” she says. “That’s a solid niche. Competitive, but with the right experience, you’ll be fine.”

I nod once, already bracing for what she’s about to say.

“That brings us to internships,” she says, confirming my dread. “Have you had any luck?”

“Not yet,” I say, my voice tighter than I mean it to be. “I’ve applied to a bunch; PR consultancies, media firms. Even some smaller campaigns. I’m just waiting to hear back.”

The look she gives me is that of a disappointed parent. “I’d like to tell you there’s time, and there is. But not much. The top-tier placements are probably already gone.”

Ugh, that’s exactly what I didn’t want to hear.

“Simply put, Piper. If you don’t secure an internship by the first of October, you’re out of the running for…”

I squirm in my seat, trying not to look as defeated as I feel as I listen to her go on and on about how much this internship means.

“In fact…” She pauses and taps on her laptop again. “… seventy-eight percent of your peers secured their internships before the summer break.”

“I know,” I sigh.

This is the first time I don’t have a solid plan, the first time I haven’t secured the next step months in advance. And it’s scary.

“This isn’t just for the credit,” she adds. “For someone in your program, the internship isn’t just experience—it’s a graduation requirement.”

“Yeah.” I pause. “I’ll follow up again this week. Maybe reach out to some alumni?”

“Smart move,” she says.

Mrs. Ellis gives me a few more pointers, before ending the meeting by telling me to come by again in a week. I know what she isn’t saying; if I don’t have an internship by then, I need to pivot.

“Can I ask you one more question?” I ask, not sure I want to, but fully aware Ineedto know. When she nods, I force the words out. “What happens if I can’t secure an internship?”

“Then you won’t graduate on time.”

The words land like a punch, making me exhale in small puffs. She must see it on my face, because her tone softens just a touch.

“It’s a required component of your track, Piper. The program requires applied fieldwork logged and evaluated by the end of the semester.”

“Right,” I murmur, more to myself than to her.

“Look,” she says, not unkindly. “You’re not behind yet. But this isn’t the year to wait for doors to open. You’ve got the grades, the writing, the instinct—start using your network. Email professors. Go to those boring wine-and-cheese mixers.”

I nod, even though the idea of “networking” makes my skin crawl.

“And Piper?”

I meet her eyes.

“You’re one of the strongest students in your cohort. Don’t let the quiet panic of senior year shrink you.”

I swallow hard and thank her before stepping out, already composing five different follow-up emails in my head.

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