by Lea Coll
I trudged up the concrete steps to the historic brick building lined with white columns, sighing as I remembered the sorority girls’ words voted hottest professor three years running. My ex hadn’t turned down his younger student’s advance and I’d do well to remember that. Not only had Jason cheated on me with an intern, but my college boyfriend, who was a TA, cheated on me with his student.
Hot nerdy professor types were so not my thing. I liked confident athletic men who knew how to talk to a woman, not blushing and stumbling over words. I couldn’t compete against women who were younger, prettier, and petite. I’d proven that time and time again—I was a good time—but I was disposable, replaceable. No one chose me in the end.
I entered the newly remodeled modern meeting room where students sat at long tables facing the front of the room. Glancing at the analog clock hanging on the wall, I realized I was my usual ten minutes late. Sucking in a breath, I vowed to try harder to be on time. Ever since I had been granted probationary admission out of high school to attend Washington College based on my interview and not my test scores I’d worked overtime to prove myself. And I needed this job. I needed to be indispensable in whatever role my boss needed me to fill. I would do it all. Whatever it took.
“I’m sorry I’m late, guys. I was distracted by that ball game in the quad. Town Ball?” At several nods and smiles I continued, “I think it would be a nice write-up featuring the history department. There’s a story in every moment if you just observe and listen, which is why I’m always late.” I smiled at Professor Weigand who laughed and shook his head. He’d known me since I was a student and had been the advising professor for the paper.
“Being on the paper is the best way to meet people.” I winked at the girls when they rolled their eyes at me. “It’s the best way to meet men,” glancing toward the few men in the room, “women.” I waited for the chuckles to die down before I continued. “When I attended Washington College, I joined the paper freshman year with the goal of meeting every single person on this campus before I graduated, and I did. Everyone knew who I was, people called my name everywhere I went.” Respect filled their faces now.
“They still do, Stella,” Professor Weigand said as he leaned against his desk, feet crossed in front of him.
I smiled. “Push yourself to come up with intriguing stories, interview interesting people. Not the most valuable players, not the most published professors. Do the unexpected. Always take it a step further. Push the boundaries. Defy the rules. Never stop until you have your best story.”
Seeing a few students attention diverted to the door, I turned my head to see Sawyer listening, his hand braced on the doorway. He smiled and nodded before continuing on his way. I stood a little straighter as I turned my attention back to the students. I couldn’t help but think I’d impressed him. I may not be a professor, but I’d held the student’s attention.
I worked on the student paper when I attended Washington. I work in the field and I’m more in tune with online journalism than my boss. I had something to offer these students.
“The incoming editor-in-chief is given the opportunity to intern at the Kent County News during the summer. I did this when I was a senior. It was invaluable experience. I was offered a job after I finished my master’s at St. Mary’s College.” I left out the part where I’d quit my job at the Frederick Post and moved back here after my fiancé cheated on me.
“This is a great networking opportunity for those of you concerned about jobs after graduation. I’m here for you as a resource and a guide. I’m so excited to be your professional advisor. Let’s get to work.”
“I have been waiting a LONG time to read Stella and Sawyer's story. And I will start by saying that Ms. Coll has done it again - this book is AMAZING! I love this series so very much and every book adds more depth and detail to the characters I adore.
This is a must read. And once you read this one, you will want and need to read the rest of this series!”
—Brianne at A Book Nerd, a Book seller, & a Bibliophile Blog
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