"Kip, come over here please. Yes Kip you only please."
The college professor of mainly second year students called over the young man fresh out of high school. He was taking courses with almost all upper classmen. All in his class were about 21 with an exceptional two who were 22 except Kip who at 18 carried a 4.5 GPA as student at the nationally acclaimed prep school he graduated from in May.
Having taken college preparatory classes before graduating as well as scheduling advanced courses as a college freshman, the 18 year old seemed to be over his head. Young for his age and taking classes far above his ability maybe, he had high expectations.
Kip Quaker was over his head. He didn't realize it but the brash young man felt he could walk right in, get the straight A's and shine over a more mature group of classmates and be the best at what he did and that was showing he was a topnotch student in college.
Unfortunately, it was not the case and he was only carrying a 2.2 GPA, heading further into misery. He excelled for two years in athletics as well as academics but slowly weaned off the sports and concentrated on grades back at the prep school.
As class ended, he knew why he was being called up. He was aware of his failures. He knew somehow he could do better then that. He knew he could and the fair looking full figured woman with above average features took a liking to the young man because of his high goals he set for himself. One drawback to her was the demanding approach she exhibited. It put the fear of god in most of her students.
"Be cool, keep your mouth shut Kip, and do what she requires. It will be alright" said a 21 year old coed classmate. That girl knew the wrath that many of the students feared. She'd been there and pulled her grades up. He wasn't going to fall into the trap other students fell into. "Be careful too Kip, she's gonna try you on for size maybe. Just be careful."
He thought, "What the hell does she mean by that?" The classmate left the room quickly and he was there to fend for himself. "She sure doesn't seem like she's a meanie" he thought.
Then the infamous boisterous voice spoke up. "Mr. Quaker, there are some issues with these grades I've seen. Your grades aren't up to speed young man and if they drop below our 2.0 standard, unfortunately you'll be removed from this college." Speaking firmly, she added "I do know from our initial interview back in July when you and your parents came up that you expressed with confidence and some arrogance as well that you'd have no such problems staying up on the curriculum. What's your analysis of this?"
He sat there scared, lost for an explanation, and not knowing how to handle this new teacher. She was much more overbearing then anything he ever experienced prior to college. "Prep School was never like this, he thought, is she that much of a bitch?"
"Listen Kip, of all people, I don't wanna see you fail and have to drop out of college."
That was reassuring however he wondered "How do I answer her?"
"Mr. Quaker? Kip what do you have to say for yourself? Listen come by my office at 7:15 this evening. I'll have a clean schedule at that time. You and I can sit down and go over all of this. Come up with some conclusions on what you think might resolve your predicament. I am willing to tell you one important fact that I am more then willing assist your situation. Whatever we can do to help you out and focus or even reschedule courses so it's not overwhelming, let me know dear. Do you understand?"
He looked up, nodded his head yes, but with tears filling his eyes as fast as he could dry them. She saw he was scared. The chubby professor who weighed around 165 lbs with medium length blondish hair and of course a full figure closer to her mid-section and upper body immediately felt sympathy for her student but only asked "What is that all about Kip? Why are you crying? Why is a grown adult like you crying? There is no reason why you should have to cry over this. Go get things in order and I'll see you soon."
He was scared of her due to her abrupt mannerism. She never intended herself to come off that way to him, she just did and he had to learn that about her.
7:15 came and he was more then prompt. Seeing as though she offered him a chance to see her privately but interpreting it as a demand, he was there sitting outside her office ahead of schedule. Maintenance and administration had left. Professors and others headed to a college basketball game. The halls of the floor were empty and the old classic concrete structure was theirs to get things in order or at least hers to get in order.
Casually strolling up the hallway and reading an article out of a newspaper, with her other hand carrying her bag Professor Lumpkin didn't see Kip sitting and waiting for her. Skipping into her office and closing the door behind her, she temporarily forgot he was coming. It had already been a long weak. Frustrations due to students not paying attention or slipping grades set in and consumed her. Looking across to the window, she finally realized he was waiting. Then a series of knocks on her glazed window door broke previous thoughts.
"Oh hiiii Kip, as if asking if it was him, come right on in." She perked up instantly. "Ohh I'm so happy you are on time. I'm glad you didn't keep me waiting. It has been a tough, tough week. How's it going for you, outside of your grades?"
This was a completely different personality then in class. A perky attitude and sunshine appearance she didn't exhibit in class. It was as if it was a different woman altogether.
"Are you okay Kip? First, let me tell you I am honored and it's a privilege that I have you as a student. It is for sure, so whatever you felt earlier, I hope you don't feel that way now."
"I'm uhhh okay, I guess", he replied.
"Just okay Kip, well I hope you don't feel as if you can't handle college life. You can and it's only because you were overzealous about it all and maybe overscheduled due to your goals dear."
He didn't like being called dear, but eventually would succumb to being called it and enjoying it.
"Listen Kip dear, there are several students I interact with who can tutor you and get you up to speed. They are well equipped to handle a situation like this. They aren't a popular group. They are plain good students. They are dedicated and love developing friendships with those they tutor."
"However, I see a problem. That problem exists here between you and me. I don't take kindly to getting advice from classmates older then you who have already had the benefit of my experience and possibly providing you advice that's unnecessary."