Chapter 26 – Into the Spotlight
Wednesday morning started out like any other.
It was Jake's third day at Caltech, and Judith was driving him in, sipping her coffee and casting nervous glances his way every few minutes. Jake, meanwhile, was rereading notes for his behavioral economics class and calmly working through his breakfast.
The car radio played in the background—just noise—until it wasn't.
> "In tech news this morning, FaceWorld, the fast-rising social network taking over college campuses, has reportedly been built by a Caltech student. But here's the twist—sources claim the developer is just ten years old."
Judith nearly dropped her coffee. "Wait, what?"
Jake blinked. "That can't be good."
> "With over 750,000 users and climbing, the creator of FaceWorld has become the subject of a media scramble. While the name hasn't been officially confirmed, university sources say the platform's developer is a child prodigy currently enrolled at Caltech."
Judith turned the volume down and stared at him. "Jake. Did you tell anyone?"
"No," Jake said. "I kept my name off everything. But the domain's registered under me. They probably traced it."
She sighed. "Great. So now the whole world knows my ten-year-old is running a company."
---
By Lunch – Caltech Campus
Things had shifted.
No one was texting or refreshing Twitter—this was 2004—but there were printed articles being passed around, forwarded emails on dorm computers, and bulletin boards with tacked-up headlines:
> "Ten-Year-Old Genius Behind Viral College Site Confirmed as Caltech Student" – LA Times
"Social Platform Created by Prodigy Surpasses 750,000 Users" – Newsweek
"Kid CEO Shakes Up Internet from His Living Room" – Wired
People stared more openly now. Some whispered. A few students even came up to ask for interviews, or how they could "get in on the ground floor."
Jake didn't say much. He didn't need to.
The buzz was growing.
---
That Afternoon – Dean's Office
He knew this was coming.
When he received the formal memo from a student aide—summoning both him and his mother to a meeting with the Caltech administration—Jake wasn't surprised.
Judith arrived first, looking ready for war. Jake followed, notebook under one arm.
Inside sat Dr. Roland Cheng, the Dean of Undergraduate Programs, flanked by a professor Jake barely knew and a man in a crisp suit with a clipboard who introduced himself as part of the university's communications team.
"Jake, Mrs. Harper," the dean said warmly, "we wanted to talk about today's developments."
"You mean the fact my ten-year-old just got outed on the radio and you're fielding calls from reporters?" Judith said flatly.
Cheng cleared his throat. "Yes, well—this is a unique situation. There's a lot of interest. We've already had inquiries from media outlets and... potential donors."
Jake raised an eyebrow. There it is.
The PR man jumped in. "FaceWorld is making waves. The fact that it's coming from one of our own—someone so young—it's a powerful story. We'd love to help shape how it's told."
Judith frowned. "You mean you want to brand him."
Dr. Cheng chuckled nervously. "Not exactly. We'd like to offer mentorship, guidance, perhaps some PR support to help manage the attention."
Jake folded his arms. "And in return?"
"Nothing formal," the PR man said. "But the university's reputation benefits, of course. And naturally, if there's any future funding rounds—"
Jake cut him off. "I'm not looking for co-ownership or a sponsor. FaceWorld is mine."
Cheng hesitated. "Jake, the spotlight is on you. Caltech can help manage it."
Jake glanced at his mom. She gave a slight nod. He looked back at them.
"I appreciate the offer. Really. But I didn't build FaceWorld to be someone's poster child."
Judith stood. "This meeting is over."
Jake followed.
As they left the office, Judith muttered, "You're ten years old, and already too smart to sell your soul."
Jake smiled. "Someone's got to keep them honest."