Professor C (camren)

16 - Jauregui (Part 1)

"Speaking of change, professor, there are concerns that those who are awarded tenure are given too much freedom. Without fearing for consequences, some could abuse their power or simply display an apparent lack in motivation which would lead to the decline in teaching and student learning."

"I understand that, Miss Lauren and I may sound like an egocentric tool – excuse my language." He began but paused enough for Lauren to give her protests but the younger woman simply nodded for him to continue.

"I have been teaching in this institution for more than a decade when I could be out in the field, earning inconceivable riches with the company I handed over to my son. I have been employed in reputable universities but I chose to stay here. More importantly, I am meticulous and no matter how tedious the job is and the time it takes me to complete it, I give the same effort to ensure its quality. I do not think I am just an effective instructor, I believe I'm efficient.

"And if I were to provide a more rational answer than those, I don't think I'll be able to. But, with utmost confidence and sincerity, I can tell you how much I genuinely care about this place and love the individuals I work with. These people are like my family and you know, when it comes to family, you want the best for them.

Lauren could not help but think of Camila. The economist is a young prodigy and would be both an advantage and a disadvantage for the institution should she be awarded tenure. Apart from her intellectual prowess, she would be a catalyst for radical change that their meager community college may not be ready for.

"I don't think I have more questions, professor." Lauren calmly stated when all she wanted to do was rise to her feet and offer the gentleman an applause. "Thank you."

-

For Camila's birthday, the Clausnitzers decided on venturing on a week-long getaway to the beautiful beaches of Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, which wasn't technically a week. The family, including Luca's parents, his Great Aunt Patty and Dinah Jane Hansen, took off that Friday night and were expected to return the following Thursday morning.

Despite Dinah's protests, she was overpowered by Luca and Elf's desperate pleas and well, the daunting years that she was not allowed the opportunity to spend celebrating Camila's birthday with her. There wasn't any sort of need for jostling as Dinah didn't quite enjoy the cold Indiana weather. After consulting with Lauren repeatedly, she welcomed the brief escape to her version of paradise.

Lauren snagged an invite but graciously declined given her responsibilities. Besides, there was something twisted about spending her ex-girlfriend's birthday with her family. And the Clausnitzers adored her.

That Saturday, Lauren met with Ida and a worker from a company the latter had phoned for the major remodeling being done in her office. Walls weren't being torn down and furniture weren't being replaced but it was a little detail that made a major change.

While waiting for the job to be done, the pair was safely nestled within the Lauren's office, sipping coffee that Lauren bought for them. They kept themselves busy giggling about Ida's Almost Daily Chronicles that Lauren will never admit that she had missed. Ida definitely had a multitude of duties given that she was the chairman's secretary but the woman always found time to scrutinize the people she worked with including Lauren and her favorite member of the faculty, Professor C.

The word "favorite" could be taken either way.

"You know the latest gossip?" Ida's eyes widened in amazement, practically lunging towards a chuckling Lauren and over the jumbled desk that separated them. The sudden movement not just sent her glasses to the tip of her nose, it almost toppled her to-go cup over, prompting her to send it away to a safer distance.