Better Job

Date/Timing: 9 September 2008
Setting: classroom, University of Oxford; Oxford, United Kingdom
.
/hermann_g: Stop txtg! 
/hermann_g: Im in class!
/edan_the_red: So m I
/edan_the_red: ✌(◕◡◕)✌
/hermann_g: (－_ლ)
Hermann stuffs the mobile in his trouser pocket, resolves not to touch it again before the end of the session. He sighs and glances up at the teaching assistant at the front of the room.
The white board is covered with errors.
Absolutely /covered.
He clears his throat, say, "Excuse me? Mr Wheeler?"
"Yes?"
"You've made a number of mistakes in your example, starting in step two, where the multiplier should be—"
"I suppose you think you can do a better job?" sneers Wheeler.
Hermann lifts his chin. "Yes, I do."
"Then go ahead." Wheeler drops his marker on the table, stomps aside.
Hermann limps up to the board, picks up the eraser, wipes the board clean. Then he steps through the exercise as though he was explaining the solution process to Bastien.
To his surprise, it flows easily and it appears his classmates are actually /listening to him.
He finishes, turns to face the room. "Any questions?"
Heads shake.
Including Doctor Arnold's—when did he come in?
Hermann swallows.
"We're done here," announces Wheeler. "See everyone on Wednesday."
Chairs scrape, feet scuffle as Hermann erases the board. When it's clean, Hermann heads across the mostly empty room for his things.
"Mr Gottlieb?"
Hermann startles, wobbles to a stop. "Yes, Doctor Arnold?"
"How would you like an assistantship?"
Hermann blinks. "Excuse me, sir?"
"I've never seen a new graduate student do such an excellent job teaching." Snorts a laugh. "You actually had /Ms /Barker paying attention, which, I don't need to tell you is impressive."
Hermann smiles, sheepish.
"I'd like to hire you on—as a substitute this term and full-time in the spring."
"That's very—"
"There's a tuition waiver and a stipend."
"I'll have—"
"/Please take the job."
"Thank you, Doctor. I'll take the job."
Arnold offers his hand—
Hermann accepts.
—shakes. "Wonderful! Drop by during my office hours tomorrow and we'll take care of the paperwork."
"I'll do that, sir."
"'til then!" Arnold skips out.
Hermann watches him, shakes his head clear, collects his bag, slings it over his shoulder. 
His mobile vibrates.
/edan_the_red: Class is over so u can talk to meeeeee
Hermann rolls his eyes.
/hermann_g: Guess who's the newest TA in the physics dept?
/edan_the_red: I'll have to think abt this ....
/edan_the_red: That barker kid u talked abt?
/hermann_g: Try again, ye silly donut
/edan_the_red: Could it be ...
/edan_the_red: YOU????
/hermann_g: Could be
/edan_the_red: CONGRATS!
/edan_the_red: MY BOYFREIND IS SMARTST BOYFRIEND
/hermann_g: I have to be to make up for yr terrible spelling
/edan_the_red: (ᑊᘩᑊ)
/hermann_g: <3
/edan_the_red: <3
/edan_the_red: Have time to skype tnight?
/hermann_g: I'll connect when i'm ready
/edan_the_red: YAY!
With a fond sigh, Hermann sets out for his flat.
Category:Ficlet
Category:Oxford (setting)
Category:Hermann
Category:Hermann's POV
Category:Hermann (ficlet)
Category:Edan
Category:Edan (ficlet)
Category:Bastien (mention)
Category:Ficlets with images
Category:Conversations via SMS
2008 09 09
Category:Celestial Mechanics