College Freshman

Chapter Six

...

The college professor stood tall, a formidable presence in the lecture hall. The stack of papers in his hands seemed to carry not just assignments, but a weighty burden of his own high expectations. His piercing gaze scanned the room, searching for any signs of complacency or mediocrity among his students. With a voice that commanded attention, he began his monologue, his words laced with a mixture of strictness and passion.

"Good morning, class." He began, his tone firm and uncompromising. "Today, I'll hand out these assignments, and I must express my disappointment in the lackluster efforts I've seen thus far. Mediocrity will not be tolerated in this classroom, nor in the real world."

With his leg jittering anxiously, Garfield sat nervously at his desk, the professor's words echoing in his mind like an incessant drumbeat. The weight of expectations pressed upon him, causing his shoulders to sag and doubts to gnaw at his confidence. He stole a quick glance at Kori, her encouraging smile offering a flicker of reassurance amidst the sea of uncertainty. His mind raced with self-doubt, questioning whether he possessed the necessary intellect and drive to meet the professor's exacting standards. The weight of his doubts bore down on him, threatening to erode the fragile flicker of confidence he clung to. Yet, amidst the turmoil, Kori's unwavering faith in him served as a beacon of hope, a reminder that he was not alone in this journey.

As the professor's words reverberated through the room, Garfield's hands clenched involuntarily, a physical response to the weight of the impending assignment. The professor's voice echoed with unwavering determination, underscoring the necessity of going beyond superficial engagement. "You are not here to merely go through the motions, regurgitating information without genuine understanding." He asserted, each word resonating with conviction. With deliberate precision, he placed a paper on every desk, the weight of his expectations palpable in the room. "I demand excellence." He proclaimed, his gaze piercing and seemingly fixated on Garfield, as if anticipating failure from him. The landing of the paper on Garfield's desk served as a stark reminder of the professor's doubts, an unspoken challenge to defy those expectations. "Remember, I am not here to coddle you or stroke your egos. My purpose is to push you beyond your perceived limits, to help you ascend to heights you never thought possible."

The professor's words hung in the air, carrying an undercurrent of both stern criticism and unwavering belief in the potential of each student. He emphasized the importance of embracing criticism as an opportunity for growth, urging them to channel it into a fuel for determination.

"You may begin." With those final words, the professor concluded his monologue, leaving the students with a sense of purpose and determination as they started their assignment.

Knowing the assignment's time sensitivity and his own challenges with time management, Garfield felt a sense of urgency wash over him. With a determined mindset, he delved into the task, eager to demonstrate his understanding and dedication. The initial section of the work flowed smoothly, his thoughts effortlessly translating into coherent sentences that showcased his hours of diligent studying. It was a satisfying start, bolstering his confidence.

However, as he progressed further into the assignment, the challenges began to emerge. The questions became more intricate, demanding a deeper level of analysis and critical thinking. Garfield's brow furrowed as he grappled with complex concepts, wrestling to articulate his thoughts in a manner that would meet the professor's high expectations.

Garfield stared at his test, time slipping away from him as his mind went completely blank. Suddenly, he couldn't remember anything he had learned the past week. Doubts crept in, whispering tauntingly about his ability to meet the professor's standards.