Hailey was going into her second year in Havenrock's education program. Her first year had been fine and certainly lived up to Havenrock's reputation for being difficult, but now she was heading to learn about what the Immersion Program would be like.
The entire thing had been shrouded in mystery ever since she arrived, Havenrock's administration hard a rule against discussing what happened during its programs with underclassmen and it was rumored that the consequences for violations was severe. It seemed like overkill to her, but Hailey hadn't studied for hours on end to earn a scholarship just to be scared off by a little bit of secrecy.
Since the entire sophmore class was participating in the program the introduction was being held in the auditorium. After finding a seat, Hailey waited patiently for the presentation to begin.
Once it seemed like everyone had arrived, the Dean of the education program took her place by the podium, "Hello everyone. Congratulations on making it through your first year. Now I'm sure you all want to hear what this program will be."
She paused for a moment before continuing, "As you may recall in your introductionary classes you learned the basic differences between how education is approached based on age level. You also were required to submit your intended specialization. Now you'll get first hand experience in those areas."
Hailey was confused, is this just a fancy teaching assistant program? That hardly seemed like it needed Immersion Passes. It seemed like Hailey wasn't the only one confused, as numerous hushed comments filled the air.
Once everyone had quieted down the Dean continued, "I know what you all are thinking. Don't worry you won't be doing the teaching. You'll be doing the learning. Immersion Passes will be used to turn you into students in your desired program. You'll then be enrolled as a student in an appropriate school. You will also have your mannerisms, preferences, and knowledge altered to suit your new role. You will of course remain aware of your true selves, but in order to ensure a home life accurate to that of your new role no one outside of Havenrock faculty will be aware of it."
The noise quickly picked up again before the Dean signaled for everyone to quiet down, "In addition to your new role's normal schoolwork. You will be required to submit reports on the strengths and weaknesses of the learning styles you encounter. If these reports show an adequate understanding you will be allowed to return to normal at the end of Fall. If they do not, you will continue in your new role for one more semester. But if by then you still fail to show sufficient understanding you will be removed from the program. And if that happens you will have to pay to remove the Immersion Pass yourself."
While still grappling with this information, Hailey knew the quiet implication of that last sentence that meant poor students like her would just be stuck. But since she will pass it wouldn't be an issue, she assured herself. As the students were directed to the buses that would take them to the Immersion Center, Hailey tried to remember what specialization she had indicated.