Chapter 16: Dreamland
"That's, of course, assuming it takes you a full 4 years to complete the engineering program. Now, please, Max, return to the desk. You need to sign those documents. Congratulations!"
The jury congratulated me while I read some of the documents.
The terms stated that if I were to finish the program ahead of schedule, I would receive the remaining Additional Financial Aid for living expenses in its entirety.
On the other hand, the expenses for the years of schooling I wouldn't attend wouldn't be covered, and in the unfortunate event that I dropped out or faced expulsion from the department, they could potentially require me to reimburse the funds through agreed-upon installments.
Of course, I wasn't planning to drop out, but it did give me a bit of a fright.
"Max," Professor Milik began, "The Olympiad is scheduled to commence precisely 8 weeks from today on the 21st of September, and conclude on the 22nd of September, right at the beginning of the semester. However, I require your presence at MIT in just 6 weeks. This year's IMC is taking place in London, and we've chosen four of our students, including you, to represent us. I'd like all of you to gather here on the 4th of September, where we'll go over some problems together."
"Of course, you still have the option to withdraw if you don't feel like flying out to London"
I mulled it over for a bit, but 6 weeks sounded like a sweet amount of time for me to chill out in Chicago. I mean, I'll probably start getting bored if I stay in one place for too long.
"Sure thing, Professor. I'll be there. But, uh, is there anything particular I should be brushing up on for the Olympiad?"
"I'll send over everything that could give you an edge to your email later today, don't worry"
"Um... should I leave my email?"