For the past few episodes of “Grey’s Anatomy,” fans of the hit ABC series have been forced to watch Penny (Samantha Sloyan), Grey Sloan’s newest resident and alleged killer of Derek (Patrick Dempsey), get bullied by Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) and Amelia (Caterina Scorsone) due to her hand in McDreamy’s death. But in episode 7, the meek and mild-tempered newbie will finally find her voice -- and her confidence -- as she stands up for herself against her scrub-sporting superiors. (It’s about time!)

In a sneak-peek video for the upcoming Season 12 installment, titled “Something Against You,” audiences get a glimpse of Penny going head-to-head with Meredith after getting left out of an important operation.

“Blake is a third year resident. She should be in our surgery,” Callie (Sara Ramirez), Penny’s girlfriend, says to Meredith. “The skull transplant -- that is the learning opportunity here. She deserves a chance to see it.”

Meredith rebuttals that she doesn’t think Penny has earned the right to be involved, but Callie isn’t buying it. “Why are you doing this? What … you just want her to sit there and think about what happened to Derek?”

Before Mer has a chance to respond to that accusation Penny jumps in and tells Callie to butt out. Not only is Callie “embarrassing” her but she’s attempting to fight a battle that Penny never asked her to. Callie storms out, leaving Mer and Penny alone to hash out issues.

“I don’t need her to fight for me but Callie’s right … I’m here to learn. I want to learn but you have to teach me,” Penny says, adding that she doesn’t want Mer to go easy on her or expect less just because of her past. “Treat me like any other resident, treat me worse -- I don’t care. Hate me, yell at me -- I can handle it! I will handle it. You told me not to quit and I didn’t but you are right now. So, if you can’t do what you’re here to do, then please … let me go.”

Will Penny’s self-assured argument finally prove to Meredith that the resident has what it takes to become a successful, life-saving surgeon? Fans will find out when “Grey’s Anatomy” airs Thursday, Nov. 12, at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.

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