Trapped

Chapter 18

Chapter Eighteen:

First day at work is exciting, part three. 

»»—♡—««

if they

don't see

your value,

don't try

to

convince them.

― c. n.

»»—♡—««

I have a way of being the one to pick out on.

Well, I solely think because I never choose to fight back that's why other people were picking out on me ever since I was young. They loved seeing me cry whenever they would bully me. 

It was awful and it will always be embedded in my mind.

»»—♡—««

[One year earlier]

Suddenly, the LCD screen in front had switched to a different content. “On the screen, you’ll see a QR code, scan using your phones then it will redirect you to a site and all of you will be participating. Quickly fill out the form then wait for the activity to start. This will test your knowledge, skills, and capabilities.” She flashed a smile as she looked around the busy people scanning the code.

I did what was asked and filled out the form just like what Cristina had instructed us to do. Albeit I was shocked with the very sudden announcement, there was a surging feeling inside of me.

My competitiveness.

The activity hasn’t started yet and I was already booming with it. I had always loved these types of activities. However in my school, we call these games as we enjoyed every second of it. I was beginning to geek out over it even though it hasn’t started yet.

“There would be a word that would flash on the screen in front and all you have to do is type the words that had immediately popped in your mind. There is no word limit. Type as many as you can. But remember that there will be a 60 seconds timer flashed on the screen. The moment that the timer runs out, the site will automatically go to the next page as you all wait for the next word to pop on the screen.” Athena elaborated to us. Everyone seemed to be following and catching up on her words. “Did everyone understand the instruction?” She asked, then nodded when everyone agreed.

“Good luck everyone! Do your best.” They both beamed at us then walked to the side of the platform for us to have a better view on the LCD screen.

The activity had begun.

As soon as I saw the topic, my mind was occupied with many words and I had solely relied on my typing speed. Even though my hands were trembling in both excitement and nervousness, I still managed to type the words. A soft shout escaped from my lips when the last word I was about to type didn’t make the cut since I lost track of the time.

The activity went on and the competitive side of me was surging. As most of the time my hands can’t stop shaking, I palmed my slacks with my other hand in order to ease the trembling while my other hand was busy typing the words. After some words, there were some topics that I had struggled with but still managed to input some that I think that associate with the topic. If you think of it, there were a lot of words that could be in correlation to the topics that were flashed on the LCD screen. However, the only enemy you have right now is your nervousness, typing skills, and the mental block that keeps coming from time to time.

Well done! Please wait for the results.

The activity ended with those words on my phone screen. Then a round of applause coming from Cristina and Athena who had marched towards the center of the platform.

“Athena here had gathered all the words you had input and had already calculated the percentage with people who had majority answered the same questions for each topic. Those words that most of you had answered will flash on the screen. If you see the words you had input there’s a high chance to be awarded at this orientation. Out of 50 new hires, there will be a top 10. ” Cristina stated.

Everyone in the room gasped, including me. As we were not aware that this simple activity would have a greater consequence laid for us. Now, I was beaming with anticipation as my competitiveness only brewed bigger.

“Now look at the screen for the results,” Athena beckoned as she mirrored her tablet to the LCD in front, showing us the words that most of us had typed,

As soon as I saw numerous words that I thought of and typed, I shouted then smile. A lot of people in the room did the same as they were all happy that the majority were thinking the same thing for all the topics. There's a big part of me that was hoping to earn a reward on my first day at work and that would be a huge achievement for me.

When Athena and Cristina announced the names to be awarded, I had clasped my hand and my eyes were glimmering with anticipation. 

The moment my name was called in front, I was over the moon.

Despite the fact that I was hoping to be called, in the back of my mind; I thought that there might be other people here that were much smarter than me. However, I knew that I did my best so I stood up with much confidence then walked towards the platform in front.

Athena gave us a plaque of recognition. The second I turned to look in front, everyone was gossiping and looking at me in distaste. I knew that this would happen. But I didn't pay attention.

No one’s going to ruin my first day at work.