For as long as I can remember, I had been a quiet girl, who kept to herself. Through all four years of high school, I was the girl that no one wanted to talk to. The popular girls were all off dating and partying, while I stayed inside and read books. Blondes seemed to be the top pick for all of the guys, especially with the girls that developed early. Their breasts had gained them all of the attention. Back then, I had wished that that was me, but as I grew older it didn't bother me. I waited year after year for my own to grow in and by senior year, they were only 'A' cups.
That wasn't the only thing though. The popular girls all had tanned skin to go with their blonde hair and big boobs. I was just a thin girl with black hair, pale skin and an almost flat chest. From a young age I needed to wear glasses and in high school, it was just as bad as having the plague at times. Students could find almost anything to make a joke about and even though I didn't directly interact with most of them, I could hear their little comments as I would walk pass in the hall.
Right after high school, I went into college. By the end of my freshman year, I hadn't even picked a major and most of my classes were basically just random credits. During class sign ups, one person convinced me to take an art class, even though I had never been an artful person. The most I could ever muster was a few stick figures. Even though I knew I lacked any art abilities, I took the class anyway since they told me it could be a good credit to have.
It was now closing in on the final semester of the year and all of my classes were above board except for the art class. I had spoken with all of my teachers in order to make sure that I was going to have at least a 'B' average in their respective classes. My art teacher though informed me that I would be getting a 'C' if I were to finish the year at my current score. This one class was going to prevent me from finishing my freshman year with a 3.0 average and just thinking about that dealt a blow to my education drive.
After class finished, I waited for the rest of the students to leave, then I went up to talk to my professor. He seemed liked a pretty nice guy and he took his field very seriously. The other students in class were inspired by him and could come up with new, wonderful and creative pieces. I on the other hand only managed to slightly increase my skill.
"Hey Tony."
His full name was Anthony Young, but he preferred us to just call him Tony. He looked up from his desk and gave that usual pleasant look that he always seemed to have. I wanted to sound professional and eager while making my request so that he knew how serious I was.
"I know that when we spoke the last time you said that I was going to get a 'C'. I've worked really hard in my classes this year and was hoping to make a 3.0, but that 'C' would put me just below."
I lifted my hand up to gently adjust my glasses as I prepared to speak my next thought. He had sat up in his chair now and was listening intently. From the look on his face, I could tell that he knew I was going to make a request.
"Is there any way I could make some extra credit in order to bump my grade up?"
The question was out there now and he took it to mind and looked down at his desk in thought for a moment before looking back up.
"I'm sorry Julia, but I just don't do extra credit. It's not that I'm against it or anything, but I just don't see a purpose for extra credit in this field."