The Unqualified Prodigy

“Finally finished.” Eleven-year-old Melissa gazed at her creation and had the satisfied grin of a prodigy.

And a prodigy she was. Her birthchild—a water purification device—transformed contaminated water at minimal cost. It was a manifestation of youthful ingenuity. A child had solved a problem that had baffled scientists for decades! The scientific community was completely floored.

The obvious next step? The National Young Inventors Competition.

“And the winner of the National Young Inventors Award is… Melissa Fong!”

The announcer’s voice was gold velvet in Melissa’s ears.

“That’s my girl!” Mr Fong’s face radiated so strongly that it blinded.

The family revelled in the attention of the media, family and friends for the following week. Melissa was a prodigy. PRODIGY. A rare species, worthy of the Smithsonian.

Then, a phone call from the award’s organising committee. An apparent administrative oversight.

Melissa had no degree in engineering or science. All entries had to undergo scrutiny by a certified professional.

“But this is a competition for children!” Melissa stared at the judges' stoic faces, completely baffled.

“My apologies, young lady. Regulations must be followed.”

The sonorous, droning monotone that defined Alvin Thomas, the principal judge, grated in the young girl’s ears.

Eleven-year-old Melissa tried her best to secure this certification that would qualify her for the prestigious competition.

Online courses. Physical classroom programs. Mentorship programs. All within a week.

She presented her course credentials to the board.

“We’ve previously established that participants in the competition require at least five years of experience.”

Head judge Alvin Thomas’ booming verdict seared Melissa’s ears.

But the little girl held her own.

“I’m only eleven. A qualified child.”

Alvin folded his arms.

She then asked if the qualified scientists would certify her invention. Each shook his head all too quickly—its mechanics were beyond them.

After deliberation, the committee withdrew Melissa’s award—she didn’t qualify.

But it did acknowledge the young girl’s achievements—with a Certificate of Exceptional Potential.

Shortly after, Sing City’s government announced a multi-million-dollar program to develop Water Purification Technology. It invited Melissa to its inaugural ceremony as an honoured guest--but she was barred from participating because she lacked the qualifications.

For Mikeydred's October Challenge: