My freshman year at college. It was midterms, my first college exams. I was obsessed with getting good marks on them. I decided to take my English Lit. Professor up on his offer on a tutoring session. I met him in his office after class, which also happened to be the last class of the day.
"Professor Wittman? I'm here for my tutoring session."
Professor Wittman looked over his shoulder and told me to sit down and make myself comfortable. I closed the door behind me and sat down in front of his desk. He was a handsome man, probably in his late 30's, early 40's. His dark hair and dark eyes always got to me. I had a thing for older men, I guess.
I started pulling out my notes to glance over them.
"Clohi, how about we talk a little about you before we get into your notes and questions."
I looked up at him from my notes and settled back in my chair.
"I've noticed you are a very intelligent young woman and you could go very far in this University with the right guidance."
Guidance?
"I can see you don't believe me. Well being successful at this University means more then just banging out good grades."
He moved around to sit on the corner of his desk in front of me.
"It means communicating with the faculty, having just the right mentor to guide you along and help you learn the ins and outs of college politics."
He reached up and pulled off his glasses.
"For example, every year, I select a student - a female student - to take under my wing, to help her become a better student. Even more than that - a better person."
I sat there and listened to him. His voice was very soothing and his tone very hypnotic. I listened, overjoyed that he would be taking this time with me.
"Clohi, I've chosen you to be that student this year. That is, if you want me to help you? This type of undertaking has to be mutual. There has to be a dedication to what I am willing to teach you. And more than that, you have to be willing to do whatever I tell you, be the good pupil I know you can be. So, what do you think, Clohi? Are you interested in being a better student?"
Without hesitation, I smiled and asked, "What do I have to do Professor Wittman?"
He smiled and nodded his head.
"Good, Clohi. I knew I had chosen the right person for this. Before we can truly begin, you have to be willing to strip yourself bare, mentally as well as physically."