Roommates (Klance College AU)

30

Keith woke up feeling rested and ready, his mind filled with thoughts of the upcoming meeting with Professor Alfor. After a quick breakfast, he dressed in a clean, presentable outfit, choosing a button-down shirt and dark jeans—Lance's clothes—aiming for a balance between professionalism and comfort.

As he made his way across the campus, Keith's heart raced with a mix of excitement and nerves. He rehearsed potential questions and topics in his mind, wanting to make a good impression and show his genuine interest in the teaching assistant position.

Arriving at the psychology department, Keith took a deep breath before knocking on Professor Alfor's office door. A warm voice invited him in, and he stepped into a room filled with books and artifacts from around the world, a testament to Professor Alfor's extensive research and travels. The professor, a distinguished figure with a kind demeanor, gestured for Keith to take a seat across from his large, cluttered desk.

The office was cozy, with personal touches that made it feel welcoming. Keith noticed a few photographs of the professor with students at various academic events, a testament to his dedication to mentoring and teaching.

"Keith, it's good to see you," Professor Alfor began, his eyes lighting up with a genuine smile. "Thank you for coming in. I've heard quite a bit about your academic performance and your enthusiasm for psychology. Tell me, what draws you to this field?"

eith cleared his throat, gathering his thoughts. "Thank you for considering me, Professor. I've always been fascinated by the way people think and behave. Psychology, to me, is like a puzzle. Each person is unique, and understanding them can help improve not just their lives, but also the dynamics of groups, societies... It's endlessly fascinating."

Professor Alfor nodded, leaning back in his chair. "That's a wonderful perspective, Keith," he responded, his voice rich with encouragement. "It's that kind of curiosity and passion for understanding human behavior that makes for a great psychologist. And, in many ways, it's what we look for in our teaching assistants."

He paused, picking up a pen and twirling it between his fingers thoughtfully. "Given your interest and your academic record, I believe you have the potential to contribute significantly to our department. However, becoming a teaching assistant is not just about academic excellence; it's also about your ability to connect with students, to inspire them, and to guide them in their own journeys of discovery. How do you see yourself fitting into that role?"

Keith took a moment to consider the question, the weight of the opportunity before him settling in. "I see myself as someone who can bridge the gap between the theoretical aspects of psychology and its practical applications," he began, his voice steady and confident.

He looked directly at Professor Alfor, his determination evident. "I also value empathy and listening, which I think are crucial in creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. I'm committed to being not just a source of knowledge, but also a mentor and a guide for students as they navigate their academic and personal challenges."

Professor Alfor listened intently, his expression thoughtful. After a brief silence, he nodded slowly, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Keith, I'm impressed by your insight and your approach to teaching and learning. I think you could bring a lot of value to our team and to the students."

The room filled with a sense of anticipation as Professor Alfor leaned forward, resting his elbows on the cluttered desk. "What's your schedule like this semester?"

Keith's heart raced with excitement as he realized the conversation was moving towards concrete plans. "I have a fairly flexible schedule this semester," he replied, eager to align his availability with the department's needs. "I'm only taking a couple of advanced psychology courses, so I should have plenty of time to dedicate to the teaching assistant role," he explained. "Though, Tuesdays are usually very busy for me."

Professor Alfor nodded, his eyes gleaming with approval. "Excellent. We typically hold discussion sections on Wednesdays and Thursdays, which seems to align well with your availability. We also have some flexibility with office hours, so we can work around your Tuesday commitments," Professor Alfor continued, jotting down some notes. "This position will also require you to assist with grading and possibly leading some lectures under supervision. Are you comfortable with that?"

Keith felt a surge of excitement and a bit of nervousness at the prospect of leading lectures, but he was determined to embrace the challenge. "Yes, Professor, I'm ready to take on those responsibilities," he responded.

Professor Alfor smiled, clearly pleased with Keith's willingness to engage with the various aspects of the role. "I'm glad to hear that, Keith. Your enthusiasm and your approach to learning and teaching are exactly what we need in our department."

He stood up, extending his hand across the desk. "Welcome to the team, Keith. I'll get the necessary paperwork started, and we'll have you set up with an orientation session to go over everything you need to know. I'm looking forward to seeing how you'll grow and contribute here."

Keith stood, shaking Professor Alfor's hand firmly, a broad smile spreading across his face. "Thank you, Professor Alfor. I'm truly honored and excited to be part of the team. I can't wait to get started."

As he walked towards the office doors, Keith felt a mix of relief and exhilaration. He had secured the teaching assistant position, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his academic journey.

As he left the room, Keith bumped straight into someone who was about to make their way into Professor Alfor's office. The sudden collision caused a brief moment of awkwardness as Keith and the stranger steadied themselves. "Oh, I'm sorry," Keith apologized, taking a step back.

The student, a woman with a friendly smile and an air of confidence, waved off the apology. "No worries, it happens."

Keith extended his hand out to help her up, noticing her textbooks and notes spilling from her bag. "Here, let me help you with that," Keith offered, bending down to gather the scattered materials.

"Thank you," she said genuinely. "I'm Allura."

"Keith."

As they both stood up, Professor Alfor walked over. "What's going on here?" he asked. "Oh," his demeanour instantly changed once he recognized the bodies outside his door. "I see you've met my daughter," he said to Keith.

Keith's surprise was evident, but he quickly recovered, a polite smile forming on his face. "A pleasure to meet you, Allura," he said. "Thanks again for this opportunity, Professor Alfor." He offered a brief, half-bow. "I'll be going now."

With a slight nod from Professor Alfor and a friendly smile from Allura, Keith made his exit.