Final answer:
Sterling's destiny in academia seemed evident due to his exceptional academic skills and achievements, mirroring the academic excellence and influence of figures like Henry Norris Russell.
Step-by-step explanation:
It seemed that Sterling's destiny would be in academia because of the exceptional academic abilities and achievements he displayed, as exemplified by prominent figures in academia like Henry Norris Russell.
Russell's own academic and research prowess, winning a new honors degree and contributing significantly with his 264 papers, reflects the kind of exceptional scholarly capacity that would earmark Sterling for a similar academic path. Moreover, the association with prestigious institutions, the ability to make influential connections, and the impact such individuals had both in academia and beyond further highlight why Sterling's potential appeared to lie within the academic sphere.