It was 8.45am when Mrs Lowne entered morning registration 5 minutes late. As she walked into the room, she had to break up the usual banter, and stop the 'how many different rings my mobile has' choir. Registration was normally a dos period for the students, before they attended lessons it was vital they paid attention in, as their GCSEs were fast approaching. But this morning was different. This morning Mrs Lowne had something in her register that would interest all the students.
"The reason I'm late girls is because I've just been speaking to Mrs Doherty," a murmur broke out in the form and one girl shouted, 'What've we done now Miss?'-Mrs Doherty was the head of year.

"Actually it's nothing bad for a change 11L" she said proudly. Laughter spread about the room. "I have something here, which should interest all of you" and she shook the piece of paper in a teasing way. She read, "Class of Summer '98-Work Experience'" The class soon turned into a zoo again, and Mrs Lowne was forced to raise her voice and shout, 'Be quiet 11L, do you want to know where you'll be working next week or not?" The class returned to silence and she started reading alphabetically through the register.

Lucie-Bracknell sports centre
Jessica-Tiny Tots nursery in Arborfield,
Lindsey-Meridian TV,
Danni-Winnersh vets,

By this time Shelly who was sitting in the back row was beginning to get very nervous. She so wanted to go and work in a record company, but the school had told her that was impossible unless she had a good 'contact'. The only person she had was her uncle who she hardly knew. She'd asked him to do what he could but she feared nothing would come of it. Sitting there on that bright summer morning she was absolutely convinced she was going to end up in some shobby office making cups of coffee and photocopying things for lazy people. That's why she was so surprised. Her name was called next, Shelly-I have worked very hard Shelly, and I hope you appreciate it. You are very lucky in that I have been able to get you a week's work experience at RCA records in Dublin.

She leapt up with her two best friends and screamed for joy, she was actually going to spend a whole week in a record company-who knew what talent she might spot! Everyone seemed really happy for her, as they all knew she wanted it so badly, but of course there were a few people who found it necessary to shout things like, 'spoilt brat' and 'how come she got what she wanted and I didn't' but Shelly didn't care. Her real friends were happy for her and that was all that mattered-she was on cloud nine.

I kept on playing and re-playing what happened this morning laying in bed but it still hadn't really sunk in. I couldn't believe how lucky I was-I rang my uncle to say thanx, but he said the school had arranged most of it. I didn't care anymore, all I cared was I was starting my dream job, a whole week, to 'test the water' as my teacher had later put it to see if I enjoy it and think it's right for me. I just knew it would be. I arrived at RCA records at 8.53am-7 minutes before I was due, but I wanted to make a good start. The minute I walked in, I loved it-there was just something in the air and it felt like a second home. The people there were so nice and they got me working on some press folders, and spent hours showing me around everything. I was in awe thinking who had been here, when my boss who was guiding me mobile's rang. I walked to the other end of the room to give him some privacy, but I couldn't help hearing him say 'Louis'.
No, I said to myself, there's no possible way this could be THE Louis, Boyzone Louis, no way. My boss put the phone down and said to me-"Shelly, have you ever heard of a man called Louis Walsh?" My jaw dropped open and I just stood there staring, forgetting he had asked a question. He just looked at me and then I realised I should be saying something, "Louis Walsh" I said shaking. "Uh yeah I've heard of Louis Walsh, I'm like Boyzone's biggest fan-were you just talking to him?" "Yeah, you're into Boyzone?" he replied. "Majorly, I've been a fan since the beginning-why'd you ask?" "Well Louis reckons he's got this new band-possibly the new Boyzone-half are from Sligo, the other Dublin. He reckons every record company is gonna want them, and is bringing them in tomorrow for me to check out and see if I wanna sign them. They're called IOYOU, or something, I was wondering seeing as they're the same kinda band as Boyzone and would be aiming at your sort of age group, if you wanted to check them out with me, and see if they're worth it or not? I'd really value your opinion." "Uhhhh" I stammered. "Uuuh yeah, thank you, I'd love to." And with that he smiled and walked out of the room, leaving me standing there in utter shock.