“Narine Fischer. You’re up.”

My stomach drops. Standing from my seat, I head down to the front of the lecture hall, aware of about 100 pairs of eyes on me. I pass Eva’s row, seeing her give me an encouraging smile I wish actually boosted my confidence.

Sol’s words hammer around inside of my head. The mantra to stay in control of myself forces me to remain as relaxed as possible.

As I step up to the long table at the front ...