moral code, 𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐬

𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘳

EMILY'S POV
developing my lesson plan for the semester was more difficult than i had expected. i pride myself on being a pretty creative person, but i was at a halt, that was until i got a call from penelope garcia. she called me to check in on how i was doing since i left the bau. i didn't know how to tell her i was liking it more than i thought i would. when discussing some ideas i had for my next project, garcia suggested i have my students prove their dedication, so i brainstormed some possibilities.

after calling hotch and speaking with the dean of georgetown, i had the perfect assignment for my students.

"good evening everyone, i hope you all had a good weekend." i greet, setting my briefcase down and taking out some notes. they replied with a chorus of hellos and groans. "before we start today, i just wanted to say i made a few calls to my friends back at quantico, and they've agreed to partner with me on your next project in this class." the handful of students who bothered to show up all exchanged looks. "i've assigned an essay, you are to choose an infamous serial killer and write an essay analyzing their behavior. i will be handpicking three winners based on the quality of he or she's essay to be offered the opportunity to work personally with the behavioral analysis unit of the fbi."

whispers carried the lecture hall and i smiled to myself, satisfied i came up with something that would inspire my students. "the three lucky students, will individually accompany the bau on one of our cases. during these times, classes will be cancelled and students will be given alternative assignments as i'll be overseeing the students proceeding."

from the corner of my eye, i see billy's hand in the air. "how long will each student work with the fbi for?" he asked.

"well, the bau often takes cases anywhere around the country, and are quite spontaneous. it could last anywhere from a few days to a couple weeks. i will go into more detail once the essays have been completed." another hand flew up in the air, it was natalie. she waited for me to call on her before proceeding with her question. "when are the essays due?"

"you will have exactly a week to write ten pages, double spaced." i watch her nod and vigorously write in her notebook. "i know you have a lot on your plate with other assignments and all, which is why i've lowered the minimum page number by eight." the nervous looks plastered on their faces quickly turned to smile of relief. being a fairly new professor, i wanted to be as lenient as possible, but also thorough. i wanted my students to like me, but also not take my compassion for granted.

"wait, what about our other classes?" i heard one voice from the back ask. "i will connect with your other professors to make sure you won't be missing important class time." i reassure the class. i was proud of myself for coming up with a concept my students were excited for, and if i'm being honest, i'm quite excited too. this assignment is an excuse for me to work with the team again.

i spend the next hour and a half continuing my lecture from last week and introducing a pop quiz for our next class. by this point in the semester, it was clear what students were committed to this class. i definitely skipped my fair share of classes in college, but a quiz would give me a better idea who could pull their own. "i promise this quiz isn't going to be difficult, it's just to reassure myself you all understand the material." once 8pm hit, i dismissed the students and packed up my things. if i was going to be appointing a quiz, i needed to write it, and i had two days to do so.

i held my briefcase in one hand, and a few binders in the other. i didn't have enough hands to grab my purse too, mentally annoyed i'd have to make two trips to my car. "need any help?"

i spun around to see natalie softly smiling with her backpack leaning on her shoulder. "actually, yes that would be so helpful."

she takes the binders from my hand and holds them against her chest, holding the door for me. "so how do you feel about the new assignment?" i asked, hoping for some positive feedback. what better way to get to know my students than straight up asking them. natalie's eyes lit up, "i think it'll be really fun! it's a good way to motivate everyone."

"i thought the same thing, i'm a firm believer in hands-on learning."

"i wish more teachers were like that." she mutters with a chuckle. "everyone learns differently, it can be hard to accommodate everyone." i explain.

"i know, but for $35,000 a year they should at least try to accommodate everyone." 

i had to give her credit, she was absolutely right. it's no secret our country's education system is flawed, but i hadn't thought of how strenuous it can be for these young adults in thousands of dollars worth of debt. "you got me there." i admit, leading us to my black suv. i fish around my purse for my keys.

i toss my briefcase and purse in the passenger seat and turn to take the binders from the younger girl. "thanks for the help. do you need a ride home?" i foolishly offer.

"oh, no my dorm is only a few blocks away. thank you though." she says softly and i nod.

we said our goodbyes and i got in my car, waiting for her to appear out of sight before pulling away.