ART PROFESSOR

Chapter 2

CHRIS

(PRESENT DAY) - As I woke up on the morning of my first day at Howard University, a mix of excitement and nervousness was going on inside me. Today marked the beginning of a new part of my life, a chance to share my love for art as a teacher. I got dressed pretty quickly in my best outfit, a comfortable blend of a neatly ironed button-up shirt, casual khaki pants, and brown loafers, reflecting a relaxed yet professional style.

You see, I didn't take the normal schooling route to get here. I finished my schooling at a young age, which allowed me to get into this professor gig at just 30. It wasn't an easy path, but my passion for art kept me going.

So, hi there, I'm Chris Jefferson and today feels like a big deal for me. I've been waiting for this moment for a while now. The idea of being able to inspire students and pass on my enthusiasm for art is something that fills me with a mix of joy and a bit of nervousness. But hey, that’s what it entails, right? Well, time to head out and start this new chapter.

As I stepped out of my small apartment, with my brown leather briefcase, I saw my nice old neighbor, Mrs. Henderson. She always had a kind smile and liked to share stories from when she was young. She was already outside taking care of her potted plants near the entrance.

"Hey there, good morning!" Mrs Henderson said with a friendly tone.

"Morning, Mrs. Henderson," I replied with a smile, feeling a bit nervous inside.

"You seem like you're up to something important," she said, looking curious and happy.

I chuckled a bit. "Yeah, actually. It's my first day teaching art at Howard University."

Mrs Henderson's face lit up. "Oh, that's wonderful! You've always had a knack for art. Those students will be lucky to have you."

Her words made me feel better. "Thanks, Mrs. Henderson. I really appreciate that."

Just as I was about to say goodbye and head out, I heard a familiar honk. I turned and saw my old friend Jack pulling up in his old car. He had a big grin on his face as he leaned out the window.

"Need a ride to Howard, Chris?" he asked.

I was relieved he showed up. "Definitely, Jack! You're a lifesaver."

As I got in, Jack's car was filled with a lively feeling. "Nervous, buddy?"

I nodded, feeling a mix of emotions. "Yeah, kind of. It's a big step, you know?"

Jack patted my shoulder like it was no big deal. "I get it, but you've got this. You're awesome at art, and those students are lucky to have you as their teacher."

His words were similar to what Mrs Henderson had said, and it made me feel more confident. Jack and I talked as we drove, remembering our own university days and sharing stories of the crazy stuff we did.

When we got to the university campus, I realized that I wasn't as nervous anymore. The talks with Mrs. Henderson and Jack reminded me how much I loved art and that I could be a good teacher. As I got out of the car and looked at the busy campus, I felt like I had a purpose and was determined.

"Thanks, Jack. That really helped," I told him with a real smile.

He grinned back. "Anytime, my friend. You're going to do great in this new job."

We fist-bumped one last time, and I walked toward the university buildings feeling a lot better.

Walking into the art department, I couldn't help but see some students giving me curious looks and friendly smiles. Maybe they thought I looked new or were feeling the first-day jitters, but it seemed like I was getting some attention. I tried to focus and not let it bother me but speaking of looks, I'd say I'm a pretty average guy who has these good-looking features that I know catch attention – dark hair, hazel eyes, and a smile that's gotten me out of trouble more times than I can count- remembering my high school days.

I looked around to find the Head of the Department's Office and luckily stumbled upon it after getting directions from a fellow student. The door had a label that read "Dr. Bradford" and there was a small note below it that said, "Knock twice."

I nodded to myself, understanding the instruction. I raised my hand and gave the door two soft knocks. A voice from inside called out, "Come in."

I turned the doorknob and pushed the door open. The office was neat and organized, with bookshelves lining the walls and a large desk at the center. Behind the desk sat a middle-aged man with greying hair, wearing glasses that rested on the bridge of his nose. He looked up from his work as I entered.

"Ah, you must be the new art professor," he said with a warm smile, extending his hand toward me.

I stepped forward and shook his hand, returning the smile. "Yes, that's me. Chris Jefferson, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise, Professor Chris. I'm Dr. Bradford, the Head of the Department, But you can call me Mark. Please, have a seat," he gestured towards the chair in front of his desk.

"Thank you Mark" I replied, taking a seat and adjusting my bag on my lap with a mixed feeling of excitement and nervousness. This was a new beginning, and I wanted to make a good impression.

"So, Chris, tell me a bit about yourself," Dr. Bradford said, leaning back in his chair.

I took a deep breath, trying to sound confident. "Well, I've been teaching art at a high school for a few years. But I wanted a new challenge, so when I saw the opportunity here, I couldn't resist."

Dr. Bradford nodded with his expression attentive. "That's great to hear. We're always looking for fresh perspectives and dedicated educators. Can you tell me about your approach to teaching art?"

I leaned forward, eager to share my passion. "I believe that art is a way for students to express themselves, to explore their creativity without limitations. I want to create an environment where they feel encouraged to experiment, take risks, and learn from their mistakes."

He smiled, clearly pleased with my answer. "That aligns well with our department's philosophy. We value fostering creativity and nurturing artistic growth. We also have a strong emphasis on community engagement through art projects."

"That sounds fantastic," I replied, genuinely excited about the possibilities.

He leaned forward, his tone becoming a bit more serious. "Chris, I want you to know that we're a close-knit department. We support each other, and we're always open to new ideas. But we also expect professionalism and dedication."

I nodded, understanding the importance of professionalism in any workplace. "Of course, Mark. I'm committed to giving my best and being a positive contributor to the department."

"Great," he said with a pleased smile. "Now, you'll be assigned to teach the final-year students. There were some issues with their previous substitute Professor who came from a different state. The school thought it was best to have a permanent art Professor, especially for the final year students."

"That would be fantastic. I think it’s a wonderful opportunity" I replied, taking note of the assignment. Teaching final-year students sounded like a challenging but rewarding opportunity.

Mark nodded; his smile warm. "Indeed. These students are preparing for a crucial year, and your guidance will be crucial."

I appreciated his confidence in me. "I'm eager to make a positive impact on their artistic journey."

Mark leaned back in his chair; his demeanor relaxed. "Chris, I believe you'll fit in well here. Welcome to the department."

"Thank you, Mark. I'm thrilled to be a part of the team," I said sincerely, feeling a sense of belonging already.

Minutes later, I was out of his office. I found my assigned office and It was a small, cozy room that smelled like fresh paint and old books – just what you'd expect for an art teacher's spot.

All of a sudden, there was a knock on the door. "Come in!" I said, even though I wasn't really expecting anyone. The door slowly opened, and there stood another teacher with a warm smile on her face. She had a lovely appearance with a kind aura and a pleasant, average build that made her seem approachable. Her hair was a cascade of chestnut brown waves that charmingly framed her face. She had chosen to wear simple yet elegant attire, donning a light blue blouse and a skirt with a subtle floral pattern that added a touch of cheerfulness to her appearance. I had to stop glaring as she introduced herself to Professor Anderson – The ceramics professor.

"Hi! You must be Chris Jefferson, the new art teacher, right?" she asked, reaching out her hand to shake mine. I shook her hand, feeling more relaxed because she seemed so friendly.

"Yeah, that's me," I said with a grin. "I'm just trying to figure things out on my first day."

Professor Anderson laughed. "No worries, we've all been there. First days are like blank sheets of paper, waiting for us to start telling our stories."

We talked for a while about the art department, the students, and the town. It was nice to hear her thoughts and advice. She even shared a funny story about her Own first day that had both of us laughing.

After we finished chatting, I felt ready to take on the rest of the day. When I left my office, I noticed some girls whispering and looking in my direction. It was a bit flattering, I have to admit, but I knew I had a job to do. I walked past them, giving them a little nod to show that I appreciated their smiles.