As my university days came to a close, it was clear to me that it would be best to finish grad school now rather than put it off for later. I had 'pounded the pavement' for work with no luck. I figured that my best job opportunities would come after graduate school. My grades were not exactly stellar, but a good recommendation and interview can go a long way. I had already had my interview and I am very sure they were impressed. My dad had told me that if I could get into his alma mater, Duke, then he would pay my tuition. It seemed like a great plan but there was one catch that could muck everything up.
The catch was Mrs. Maggs who was was the new department head. I did not really know that much about her. What I had heard was not exactly the most encouraging news. A few people had told me she was a hard ass that demanded a lot in return for any assistance. I knew she also had a lot of pull in the academic community. Her research on SIDS was groundbreaking and certainly enough to give her as much credibility as anyone in the field. A good word from her went a long way. She also happened to graduate from Duke so I am sure she had some pull there as well. I was not in the mood to be involved in any kind of negotiation. It was almost summer and I already had plans. I set up my meeting with Mrs. Maggs for the end of the day. I was hoping that she would want to get my recommendation over with then be on her way.
Her sizable office was very ordinarily decorated and fairly dimly lit for my tastes. She had the usual groups of photos of friends and family as well as awards and commendations. This was a accomplished woman but I was somewhat amazed that I had not heard anything about her achievements other than her SIDS work. She had a modest desk and to her left she had a chair as well as chairs in front of her desk.
I walked into her office and she was doing paper work almost unaware of my presence. I gave her a good once over attempting to perhaps size her up psychologically. She sat with an air of confidence but at the same time seemed very approachable. Although I was told she was an older woman she certainly did not look it. Her face was warm and friendly, a far cry from the stand offish person I had been told about. She had tied back her long blond hair for clearly practical purposes. She was in outstanding shape, in fact I would have guessed her age to be twenty years younger than what I had been told. She wore what looked like a very expensive business suit. Appearance wise she could hold her own with just about anyone. She caught me staring and spoke up.
"Are you my 5:00?" her voice came off light and airy.
"Yes, I am."
"Ok, have a seat here then and lets get started." She pointed to the brown leather chair beside her desk. I sat down and waited for her to finish what she was doing. It seemed she was in a hurry to be out of the office so I knew I would have to be very convincing.
"I looked over your records and I am wondering why are you going to apply to Duke? It seems far beyond your reach. I am not sure what you are expecting from me?"
Her words were like a slap in the face. I was not expecting her to be so frank regarding my academic record. In my mind, I scrambled for a counter plan to combat her presumptions about my abilities. It was true that I had not fulfilled my potential but I thought she would at least hear me out.
"My dad went there and will pay for tuition if I can get in. I know its a stretch for me but I thought maybe you could talk to the right people to help me get in? I know I have not done as well as what they expect but my grades are on the upswing the past few years. Maybe they could look at that."
"I really do not know you from Adam. If you want my help I will give it however, I need to get know you better. I will need your assistance on weekends with some research. If this suits you then I will see you this Saturday, if not then good luck to you.