THE CAMELLIA TAVERN

CHAPTER 8: AN OPPORTUNITY

Monday, June 1

It took me almost the entire class period to finish the exam, but it's not like I was all that surprised. Dr. Colquitt is known for requiring lengthy essay answers on his exams and this occasion was no different than any other. This is the third class I've taken from him over the years and despite his affinity for making exams unusually difficult, I've always enjoyed his classes.

I go to turn in my exam and am stopped by him.

"Milly, do you think you could stay an extra few minutes after class? I want to speak with you about something," he says in a whisper. I nod in agreement then return to the desk where I'd been sitting for the exam. I don't have to wait long. After about five more minutes, the classroom has emptied out and only me and the professor remain.

He stands from his desk and smooths down the hair that doesn't exist on top of his head. "Milly, have you given any thought to The Kathryn May Graves Program at the end of the summer semester?"

My mouth falls open a bit because, of course, I know about The Kathryn May Graves Summer Program. I just never in a million years thought of myself as a candidate for it. Besides, if I remember correctly, the deadline for applying was at the end of Spring semester, so I'm sure the candidates have already been chosen.

"I would've thought all of the spots for that program were already claimed," I tell him, unsure why he would suggest it.

"Our fourth candidate had to withdraw. Unexpected familial obligations," he explains, and it's slowly coming to me that he's suggesting that I take the place of this withdrawn candidate.

"Are you...I mean, are you saying you think I should apply?" I know he said it, but I need to hear him say it again, if for no other reason than so I know I'm not losing my mind.

The Kathryn May Graves Summer Program accepts four candidates from the School of Behavioral Sciences every summer. It's two weeks long and would look really great on my application for graduate school. Not to mention, I'd get to learn from some of the top Behavioral Science experts in the South.

"Yes," Dr. Colquitt says, "Only I'm not asking you to apply. That can be a lengthy process. Instead, along with the recommendation from some of your other professors, we are inviting you to participate."

I can't believe my ears.

"Now, I know it's a bit of an unorthodox way to enter the program, but I think it's an opportunity you should seize," he continues because he obviously doesn't know that there's no need to convince me. Of course, I will accept their invitation to the program. Of course, I will!

Inside, I am positively giddy just thinking about this.

"Please email me and Dr. Washburn to formally accept the offer. Just a technicality, really. You know how bureaucratic these processes can usually be."

Dr. Washburn is the Dean of The School of Behavioral Sciences and, as I understand it, usually has the final say in who is selected for things like this.

"Thank you so much for even considering me," I say, feeling so grateful to Dr. Colquitt.

"Well, now, you've earned it, Miss Barker. You have yourself to thank, as well," he says jovially. I think I probably said "thank you" to him five more times before I actually left the classroom. I practically sprinted to my car in the parking lot because, Oh my God! I'm going to attend the Kathryn May Graves Summer Program!!! Before I crank up the Jeep, I text Merritt and Jacinda to tell them.

Jacinda, in typical fashion, responds asking "What the hell is the Kathryn May Graves Summer Program?"

Merritt, however, knows it's the same program she urged me to apply for but, in the end, I just couldn't be convinced. I have good grades, sure, and I'm on track to graduate on time, but I didn't think I'd be chosen for something this prestigious--even as an alternate.