NOVEL NEXT Chapter 7: Minjin and Physics
Minjin had always been a curious student, but when she joined the Science Club, her world began to expand in remarkable ways. The club was filled with students who shared their passion for learning. They were bright, enthusiastic, and always eager to dive into the next project or experiment. It was a space buzzing with energy and ideas, where no question was too small and no problem too big to solve.
From the very beginning, everyone in the Science Club noticed that Minjin had a natural talent for understanding complex concepts. She was a fast learner, easily grasping the intricate details of theories and formulas. Her reputation as a "genius" quickly spread throughout the club. Before long, the other members encouraged her to represent their school in competitions across the country. They recognized in her the potential to make a significant impact, not only in their school but also beyond.
Under the guidance of Mr. Underwood, their passionate science teacher, Minjin explored the fascinating world of scientific experiments. They studied chemical reactions that bubbled and fizzed, built small circuits that lit up with a single touch, and examined the delicate balance of ecosystems in their school's garden. However, it was Mr. Underwood's stories about the giants of science that truly captivated her.
One afternoon, as sunlight streamed through the windows of the science lab, Mr. Underwood spoke about Albert Einstein. He didn't just discuss Einstein's famous theories, such as the theory of relativity and the concept of space-time; he also shared details about his life: his struggles, his curiosity, and his relentless pursuit of understanding the universe. Mr. Underwood painted a vivid picture of a man who viewed the world in ways no one else could—a man whose questions shaped the very foundation of modern science. Minjin was mesmerized.
"Did you know that Einstein once imagined himself riding a beam of light? That's how he began to think about how light travels and how time might bend. It's not just about numbers and formulas; it's about imagination." Mr. Underwood said.
Minjin's curiosity was awakened. She realized that physics was not just about calculations or memorizing facts; it was a way to understand the mysteries of the universe and to see the invisible forces that shaped everything around her. She began borrowing every book she could find about physics from the library and spent her weekends at the bookstore, sitting on the floor surrounded by stacks of books on black holes, quantum mechanics, and the wonders of the cosmos.
As months went by, what began as curiosity evolved into a profound fascination for Minjin. She found herself constantly thinking about physics—during meals, while walking to school, and even when she should have been asleep. Her perspective on the world transformed; she started to notice the physics underlying everyday phenomena: the arc of a thrown ball, the way water spiraled down a drain, and the shadows cast by the moon.
As each day passed, Minjin's fascination grew stronger. She felt as though she was on the brink of discovering something new and important. Although she acknowledged that there was still much to learn, she was no longer intimidated by the vastness of her ignorance. Physics had become a new passion for her, one that made her heart race with excitement. She was then advised to take advanced lessons in calculus, which was invented by Newton himself. The encouragement from her teacher, along with her increasing love for science, opened up a world that she never knew Mr. Underwood was eager to explore.
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Minjin had always loved music, so when her homeroom teacher suggested she join the Glee Club, she quickly found it to be one of her favorite places. The club was filled with the sound of harmonized voices, laughter, and the camaraderie of students who shared her passion for singing. It was in this vibrant environment that she met Tony Long, a Chinese-American boy who had a knack for playing the guitar.
Tony had an easygoing demeanor and a knack for making people feel comfortable. He was always strumming his guitar, his fingers moving effortlessly across the strings, bringing music to life in a way that fascinated Minjin. One day, after practice, Minjin approached Tony with a shy smile. "Hey, Tony, could you teach me how to play the guitar?" she asked.
Tony smiled and said, "Of course! I'd love to help. It's not as hard as it looks." Thus, their guitar lessons began. They met after school in the music room, where Tony patiently taught Minjin the basics: how to hold the guitar, the different chords, and how to strum rhythmically. At first, Minjin fumbled over the strings, but with Tony's guidance, she gradually began to improve.
As time passed, their friendship grew stronger. Tony admired Minjin's dedication and curiosity, while she appreciated his patience and sense of humor. One afternoon, after an especially enjoyable lesson, Tony asked, "Hey, would you like to come over for dinner sometime? My mom makes amazing dumplings, and I think you would really enjoy them."
Minjin, always eager for new experiences, agreed to join. That weekend, she found herself at Tony's home, where his family warmly welcomed her. The dinner presented a delightful array of dishes she had never tried before, including fragrant dumplings, spicy mapo tofu, and sweet sesame balls.
Curious, Minjin leaned over to Tony and whispered, "What are they saying?"
He chuckled softly and translated a few phrases, providing the context of their conversation. After dinner, while they were clearing the dishes, Minjin turned to Tony with a grin and said, "Hey, how about teaching me a Chinese song during our guitar lessons next time?"
Tony looked pleasantly surprised. "A Chinese song? Sure! I think that would be fun! I know just the one to start with—it's simple but beautiful."
The next time they met, Tony brought along the lyrics to a Mandarin song, complete with guitar chords. As they played, Tony taught her how to pronounce each word, laughing good-naturedly whenever she stumbled over the tones. Minjin found herself intrigued by the melody and fascinated by the complexity of the language.
That night, when she got home, she couldn't stop thinking about the song and the sound of Mandarin. At the dinner table, she turned to her parents and declared, "Appa, I want to learn Mandarin."
Her parents exchanged surprised glances. "Mandarin?"
Her father asked, raising an eyebrow. "Why the sudden interest?"
Minjin shrugged with a smile. "I think it's an interesting language, and I want to learn something new. Tony's family speaks it, and I thought it would be fun."
After a brief moment of hesitation, her mother smiled. "Well, if that's what you want, we'll support you. It's always good to learn another language."
Her father nodded. "And who knows? It could come in handy someday."
The following Saturday, Minjin began her Mandarin lessons. She found herself in a small classroom with a dozen other students, each at different levels of proficiency. Although she felt a bit nervous at first, excitement soon replaced her anxiety as the lessons started. The teacher patiently introduced the class to the basics: the four tones, the characters, and simple phrases.
Week by week, Minjin learned to recognize the characters, practice the tones, and even write a few simple sentences. Her notebook was filled with rows of carefully practiced characters, each one a small piece of a much larger puzzle. In her free time, she would practice her pronunciation, sometimes humming the Chinese song that Tony had taught her.
As the months went by, Minjin's confidence grew. She began to understand more of what Tony's family said at dinner and could even respond with simple Mandarin phrases. She felt proud of herself for taking on this challenge and was grateful for Tony's friendship, which had opened up a whole new world for her.