Roommates (Klance College AU)

28

The following Monday marked the beginning of a turning point for Keith, although he didn't know it yet. His usual routine of attending classes and keeping to himself was interrupted by an unexpected email that arrived just as he was settling down in his cognitive psych class. It was from Professor Alfor, the head of the arts and social sciences faculty, and it piqued Keith's curiosity. The subject line read, "Opportunity to Become a Teaching Assistant."

Keith decided he would open the email after his class, not wanting to miss anything important. As the lecture progressed, Keith found himself increasingly distracted, his mind wandering to the email waiting in his inbox. He couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation, wondering what this opportunity could entail. With each passing minute, the clock seemed to tick slower, amplifying his curiosity. Finally, as the class came to an end, Keith hurriedly packed his belongings, eager to read the email that held the promise of a new path.

Once outside the lecture hall, Keith found a quiet bench beneath a sprawling oak tree, a spot where he could delve into the email without distractions. He opened his laptop, the email from Professor Alfor was brief but to the point:

"Keith Kogane,

I hope this message finds you well. I've had the opportunity to review your academic performance and your insightful contributions during the First Year Seminars in Psychology last semester. Your grasp of complex concepts and ability to articulate them clearly to your peers has not gone unnoticed.

Given your academic excellence and enthusiasm for the subject, I am pleased to extend an invitation to you to become a Teaching Assistant for the upcoming Introductory Psychology class this semester. This role will involve assisting in preparing lecture materials, facilitating discussion groups, and providing support to students during office hours.

In addition to the hands-on teaching experience, you will also have the opportunity to work closely with faculty members on research projects, which could significantly benefit your academic and career aspirations in psychology.

This role would not only allow you to deepen your understanding of the subject but also gain valuable experience in teaching and mentoring students under my guidance.

Should you accept, we will schedule a meeting to discuss the details further. Please let me know your decision by the end of this week.

Best regards,
Professor Alfor"

Keith re-read the email several times, each time his heart racing a bit faster. This was an incredible opportunity, one that could significantly impact his future career prospects. However, he also felt a twinge of apprehension. Taking on the role of a Teaching Assistant meant additional responsibilities on top of his already demanding course load. Could he manage it all?

After a moment of reflection, Keith realized that this was a chance to step out of his comfort zone and challenge himself. It was an opportunity to grow, not just academically but personally as well. With a newfound determination, he decided to accept Professor Alfor's offer. He began drafting a response, expressing his gratitude and eagerness to take on the role.

As he hit send, Keith couldn't help but feel that his life was about to change in ways he couldn't yet fully comprehend. This was the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with promise and potential.

With a sense of accomplishment, he closed his laptop and headed back to his dorm, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead with confidence.

Arriving at the dorm, Keith found Lance sitting at the desk, engrossed in what seemed to be a pile of fabric swatches. Lance looked up as Keith entered, his eyes lighting up with curiosity.

"What's got you all fired up?" Lance asked, noticing the energy radiating from Keith.

"Professor Alfor wants me to be his TA," Keith replied, unable to hide his smile.

Lance's eyes widened in surprise, followed by a wide grin of excitement. "I don't know who that is, but that's amazing!" he exclaimed.

"Thanks, Lance," Keith replied, feeling a surge of pride at Lance's enthusiastic reaction. "It's a big step, but I'm ready for the challenge."

Lance nodded enthusiastically. "I have no doubt you'll be great at it," he said confidently.

"Thanks, Lance," Keith said with sincere gratefulness. "So... what are you doing?" Keith asked, referring to all the little swatches spread over the desk.

Lance's face lit up, eager to share his latest project. "Oh, these? Sanjay wants me to help design a window display for the shop, something that really catches the eye. These swatches are for the outfits we're thinking of featuring. It's not exactly sewing, but it's still pretty creative, and I'm loving it."

Keith leaned over to take a closer look at the swatches, noticing the variety of textures and colors. "Looks like you're putting a lot of thought into this," he observed, impressed by Lance's dedication.

"Yeah, I want it to be perfect," Lance stated. "Sanjay's giving me a lot of creative freedom with it, which is awesome. I'm thinking of going with a theme that combines traditional and modern styles. What do you think?" Lance asked, looking up at Keith for his opinion.

Keith considered the swatches, trying to imagine whatever Lance was trying to explain. Keith didn't really know anything about fashion, but he could see the passion in Lance's eyes and the excitement in his voice, and that was more than enough for him to offer his support. "Um... maybe?" Keith started. "I don't exactly know what you mean, if I'm gonna be honest."

Lance chuckled at Keith's honest admission, his enthusiasm undimmed. "It's about blending the old with the new, you know? Taking something classic and giving it a twist that makes it stand out." Lance pulled out his phone. "Here," he said before searching for something on google.

Lance found a few examples online, showing Keith pictures of outfits that skillfully combined traditional designs with modern flair. "See, like this one," he pointed out, displaying a photo of a mannequin dressed in a sleek, contemporary outfit with vintage accessories. "It's about creating a vibe that's both nostalgic and forward-thinking."

Keith nodded, beginning to grasp the concept. "That actually looks really cool," he admitted, impressed by the creative fusion of styles. "It's like... you're honoring the past while embracing the future."

Lance laughed at Keith's take on it. "Exactly," he beamed, thrilled that Keith was getting it. "That's the kind of impact I want our display to have. I want people walking by to stop and think, 'Wow, that's something different.'"

Keith smiled, seeing the passion with which Lance spoke about his project. "Well, it sounds like you've got a solid idea. I can't wait to see it come to life."

"Thanks, Keith," Lance said, his confidence boosted by Keith's encouragement. "And hey, maybe you could come by the shop once it's all set up. It'd be great to hear your take on it."

"I'd like that," Keith replied, genuinely interested in seeing Lance's vision realized. "Just let me know when."

Lance's enthusiasm was infectious, and Keith found himself genuinely excited about something outside his academic pursuits; it was a refreshing change.