“Morning, I have a meeting with Miss Monroe.”
The woman looks at her computer screen and nods. “Cora?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Perfect. How about you take a seat, and I’ll call her to let her know you are here?” she says as she picks up the phone.
“Thank you.” I offer her a smile before walking over to the chairs they have against the glass wall.
Before I can even sit down, someone says my name.
“Cora? You can come right on back. How are you?” she asks as I fall into step behind her.
“I’m good. How are you?”
“I’m great. Thanks for asking,” she says as we walk into her office. “Please, take a seat.”
I do as she says and sit down. I watch as she rounds her desk and shuffles through a few papers.
“Sorry, you are my first student this morning, so I’m not as organized as I usually am.”
“It’s okay. Take your time.”
I wait a few minutes and watch her work. The clock ticking in the background seems to grow louder by the minute, setting me slightly on edge. I don’t know why, but sitting in here almost makes me feel like I’m sitting in the principal’s office, about to be in trouble.
She leans forward and rests her elbows on her desk. “Okay, sorry about that. Now tell me, how are your classes going?”
“Well. I’m passing everything.”
“Yes, I see that you’re passing, but how do you feel about the classes?” she asks kindly.
For a moment, I hesitate. I want to tell her that they are pointless and a waste of time. That I don’t feel like I’ve learned anything inside of a classroom this year on campus that I didn’t already know.
“So far they seem repetitive,” I say cautiously.
She nods. “You aren’t the first person to say that. The first half of the school year can be tricky for students. Especially freshmen, depending on the classes.” She tilts her head to the side. “Although, personally, I think some subjects stay the same all around.”
“So it’s not just me?”
“Oh, most definitely not.”
“Phew.” I pretend to wipe sweat from my brow, making her laugh.
“Have you thought about a major? I saw that you were undeclared when you started the year.”
“I was thinking about social work.”
Miss Monroe’s head bobs. “Very admirable profession and definitely isn’t for the weak. Do you have any experience?”
“Some. I’ve been volunteering over at DHS since the school year started.”
“Oh really? How are you liking it?”
“I love it, honestly. The people are great, and I love my boss.”
“That’s what I like to hear. We can totally get you set up to take classes you need for that major if that’s what you want.”
I open my mouth but shut it.
