July 23, 1878
Oh, what an exhilarating day it has been! I can hardly contain my excitement as I pen these words. I took a leap of faith and indulged in an act of daring I never thought possible—I wrote a letter to a renowned paleontologist, one whose name has been whispered in hushed reverence by scholars and explorers alike.
Ever since I laid my eyes upon the enthralling discoveries of dinosaurs that graced the pages of “The Times,” the longing in my heart to be part of the world of science has only grown stronger. The articles, the sketches, the revelations—they stirred something deep within me, igniting a passion for knowledge and exploration that I can no longer suppress.
After much contemplation and a gentle nudge from Elizabeth, I sat down with ink and parchment to craft a letter addressed to none other than Professor Edward Drinker Cope. His name, though unknown to many in our town, is celebrated in the world of science for his groundbreaking work in paleontology.
With trembling hands and an eager heart, I poured my thoughts onto the page. I expressed my admiration for his contributions to science and my fascination with the ancient beings he has brought to light. In the letter, I revealed my own dreams of studying the natural world, understanding the history of our planet, and the wonders that lie hidden within its ancient layers.
There was a mix of trepidation and excitement as I sealed the letter and entrusted it to the hands of the postal service. Will he even bother to read it? My mind entertained doubts and fears, but my heart hoped for a spark of connection, a recognition of shared passion.
Time seemed to crawl as I waited for a response, each day feeling like an eternity. Then, just this afternoon, the mail arrived with a letter bearing a seal and signature that set my heart pounding. It was a reply from Professor Cope himself!
Trembling with anticipation, I carefully broke the seal and unfolded the parchment, my eyes devouring every word he penned. His words were gracious and encouraging, acknowledging my passion for paleontology and offering words of wisdom for a young woman seeking to explore the world of science.
He commended my curiosity and recommended books and resources to deepen my understanding of the subject. Moreover, he urged me not to let societal expectations hinder my pursuit of knowledge and to continue my journey of exploration without reservation.
I am filled with immense gratitude and newfound determination. Knowing that a prominent scientist has taken the time to respond to a young woman from a small town like mine fills me with a sense of validation and purpose. This letter, simple as it may be, has emboldened me to embrace my dreams wholeheartedly.
So, dear diary, I shall heed Professor Cope’s advice and immerse myself in the study of paleontology. With every turn of the page and each new discovery, I will forge ahead, unyielding in my pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
I feel a surge of hope and anticipation for the adventures that lie ahead. The world of science awaits me, and I am ready to embrace it with open arms.