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zepskies · 1 year ago

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A Line and a Half

Pairing: Russell Shaw x F. Reader

Summary: When Dory’s eldest brother comes to visit her at Wyoming University, you don’t know quite what to make of Russell Shaw. But he knows exactly what he wants to make of you.

AN: Okay, here’s my first toe-dip into the world of Tracker with Russell Shaw! 1x12 gave me too many ideas not to explore this intriguing character. This is set before episode 12, but I have a little series I want to sketch out that will continue after this one-shot, so think of this as a “Part 1,” if you will. 😉

Word Count: 3.2K

Tags/Warnings: A kind of “meet cute,” attempts at flirting, and hints of setup for more to come…

You watched, silently simmering, as Dr. Goldstein added yet another packet of internship applications from his graduate students onto your desk.

Applicants that he, as the History Department Chairman, was supposed to review himself. Instead, he’d been adding these hours quite literally onto your desk.

“If you could review these for me as well, sweetheart. Thank you,” he said. “Get ‘em back to me by Thursday, okay?”

As a Professor of History with two doctorates in your name, you once again grated internally at sweetheart, but you tried to keep that cringe off your face as well.

Goldstein barely even met your eyes when he dropped off his burden, and then aimed to leave your office.

“Uh, Paul,” you called out, raising a finger. You stood from your desk as quickly as you could in your pencil skirt, but the man was already out the door. You followed him out, your heels clacking on the tile floor.

Damn it. Knew I should’ve gone with pants, you said, continuing to hasten after your boss.

“Paul! Just a second,” you said. That finally managed to turn the man’s head off of his phone. He glanced at you while checking his watch.

“About the internship applications…and your midterm exam essays for that matter. Don’t you think—” you started to say, but the man spoke over you.

“I’m sorry, I’ve got to run. Meeting my massage therapist at noon,” he said, and rolled a seemingly stiff shoulder under his tailored blazer. “Something’s just not right here after my trip to Cali last weekend. I don’t know what I did, pulled muscle or something. But hey, they do say parasailing is a sport.”

You quirked a brow. “Do they?”

You weren’t sure that being strapped into a parachute for a nice air glide over the Pacific counted as a sport.

Goldstein shrugged at your question and he kept walking down the hall. Though he turned back to toss you a pointed finger.

“Need those by Thursday. Thanks, you’re the best,” he said.

You watched him go, as proverbial steam began to escape through your ears. Slowly you pivoted on your heels, and you went back to your office. You grimaced at the large stack of applications. You were pretty sure he padded them with an extra section of midterm exams.

Tapping your nails on your desk, you grabbed your phone next to your desktop and checked the time. 11:30 a.m.

Screw it. I’m going to lunch, you thought.

Dory had to be out of her Intro Physics class by now, which meant she’d be in her office, ready for you to drop in on her a little early. You took up your purse and almost made it out the door…but at the last moment, your anal brain made you turn back to grab a shoulder bag and the pile of applications. Maybe you could knock out a few during lunch.

Friggin’ doormat, as your brother would say. Laughing at you, probably.

You rolled your eyes and headed back out the door with your haul of papers, purse, work bag, and keys, locking your office behind you.

Why, oh why did the Sciences building have to be on the other side of campus?

It was damn near a mile walk from your Humanities building over to Dory’s office on the second floor. Your hands were laden with packets that couldn’t be contained by your heavy work bag, your purse was slipping off your shoulder, and these heels were killing your feet.

It was a miracle you and Dory had ever met on this campus. On your first day of teaching, you’d of course been hopelessly lost. Somehow you ended up at the tail-end of one of her classes in one of the science auditoriums.

She’d been gracious enough to help you, and even walked you all the way to the Humanities building so you could find your World History class before the students decided to just get up and leave. (And after fifteen minutes, they very well would.)

That day, she became your first real friend at Wyoming University. In the three years since, she’d become your best friend.

And now, her door was mercifully open halfway. You pushed it open and stumbled just a little from the transition of tile to carpet inside her office. Your papers nearly flew from your hands, so you struggled to right yourself and contain them all back into the semblance of neatness.

“Hey, girl. You better be ready for lunch because Jesus fucking Christ. Goldstein’s up my ass again and all I’ve had today is a crusty donut from the teacher’s lounge, which I’m pretty sure was stale,” you said, with your brows furrowed in frustration.

When you finally looked up from your struggles, you realized that Dory wasn’t alone. She smiled at you in amusement, sitting at her desk beside a man who made you pause. Your eyes widened.

He was leaning casually with an elbow propped up on her desk, dressed in jeans and a worn, pale green jacket—a good match for his eyes. He looked a little rugged for Dory’s tastes, but you couldn’t fault her, with the cut of that bearded jaw, and the smile raising the corners of his lips.

“Hey,” Dory laughed. “I see you’re having a good day.”

You bit your lip in embarrassment, probably smudging your lipstick.

“I’m so sorry. I should’ve knocked first,” you said, though you could see she seemed to be having an actual good day. Office picnic? Or maybe the handsome stranger was getting ready to take her out.

Dory just waved you in. She stood and set a hand on her companion’s shoulder, and he got up along with her.

“It’s okay. This is my brother, Russell,” she said, and she introduced you in kind.

“Well, hi there,” he said. He subtly took you in with his eyes as he held out his hand. Already you felt your face heating up with more than just embarrassment.

You were a bit shocked as well, to say the least. Dory had told you some…interesting things about her family, including the fact that she had two older brothers. You wondered which one this was, the middle child, or the eldest.

“Hi! Sorry. Again. Nice to meet you,” you said. You tried to hold your hand out to reach his, but a few papers began to spill out. You clutched at them on reflex, but Russell drew in quickly to help you.

“Got yourself a load there,” he said. You agreed with an awkward laugh and a shrug of your shoulders.

“My boss’s idea of extra credit,” you said wryly.

“You can set it down on that chair over there,” Dory said, pointing to one against the back wall, next to a tall filing cabinet.

You and Russell meandered over and managed to set down the stack without casualty. You were able to pull up the straps of your bag and your purse from falling off your shoulder and give him a grateful look.

“Thanks,” you said.

“No problem,” he said, giving you an easy smile back. “I actually crashed in unannounced, so if you two wanna to head to lunch, you go right ahead.”

“Uh, no. I haven’t seen you in months! You should come with us,” Dory said. She grabbed her purse to join you and Russell by the door.

You raised your hands in placation. “Oh, I wouldn’t want to intrude, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve seen each other. You guys should catch up.”

Dory shook her head and grabbed your hand.

“Uh, uh. I want to hear the latest on Paul’s bullshit, and why you’re carrying half your office across campus. Let’s go,” she said, and gestured at your work bag. “Leave that here. You’re gonna eat and talk to me. No working involved.”

You laughed, but you agreed to her cajoling. With another glance at her brother, and those green eyes that seemed to be dancing, you joined them for lunch.

The three of you ended up at a diner that you and Dory frequented at least once a week. The food was good, the service was quick, and it was close to campus. Wins all around. Russell seemed to be enjoying himself, as he hummed in delight after the very first bite of his Philly cheesesteak.

“Sriracha on fries, huh?” you remarked, gesturing at the man’s plate. Your brow was quirked, but he shot you a smile.

“I said avert your eyes,” he teased. “Don’t knock it ‘til you try it, sweetheart.”

Ugh. Another sweethearting man. You narrowed your own eyes at him a bit. He caught the look and raised a hand in defense (the one that wasn’t holding his cheesesteak).

“Uh oh. What’d I do?” he asked.

“You gave her some PTSD,” Dory said with a laugh. “Dr. Goldstein likes to sugar coat his demands with sexism.”

Russell noted your souring look with apology. You’d just finished recounting your morning for your friend, and recapping years of “sugar-coated demands” for Russell.

“Why don’t you just tell him to cram it up his…uh…” he paused. Seeing his little sister’s look of amusement, he amended. “Or you know, stuff it.”

A smile twitched at your lips. “Oh, believe me, I’d love to tell him to stuff it. But he’s technically my boss, and the department chair. Even though I’ve basically been doing his job for two years now.”

“Well, that sucks,” Russell said. “And I feel for ya. I’ve had my share of shitty bosses in my time.”

You sighed and accepted his commiseration with a nod.

It wasn’t fair, but Goldstein planned to retire early in a few years. Must be nice.

When he did, it would make you the most likely candidate to replace him as department chair. The way you saw it, this was giving you plenty of practice before you (hopefully) inherited the position.

Anyway, you shook your head. You didn’t want to talk about it anymore. You were more curious about one Russell Shaw. You now knew he was an army vet, and he carried himself like one. Calm, controlled, even though his smiles came easy. His tousled hair and beard, while well-trimmed and neat, still gave him a roguish quality.

“So let me guess. You’re…the eldest?” you asked. You blotted at your mouth with a napkin, having finished your chicken panini.

Russell treated you to another one of those smiles, though this one held a hint of more.

“Guilty. Though I’m the handsome one,” he said with a wink.

You found yourself smiling behind your napkin.

“I’m sure,” you replied.

Dory rolled her eyes. “Don’t mind him. Apparently my brother’s an incorrigible flirt.”

He chuckled and sipped at his beer, but then he grimaced.

“Ech. Friggin’ weak,” he said. “I brew better than this outta the trunk of my car.”

You raised a brow at that. “You make your own beer?��

“Damn straight,” he said. His gaze turned a hint more playful. “Next time I’ll bring you some. You can tell me what you think.”

You shared a telling look with Dory.

“Next time, huh?” you asked.

“Sure,” he inclined his head. “I pop into town from time to time. Gotta check in and pester my little sister, the physics professor.”

He laid a hand on Dory’s shoulder, squeezing warmly. You could see the pride in his eyes, and it warmed you as well.

She turned to him with a smile, reaching up to cover his hand with hers.

“You don’t pester me. I’d love it if I got to see you more often,” she said.

“Ah, I know, I’m sorry,” he said, releasing her. “My job’s got me all over the place. But I’ll be here for a week or so on this gig.”

That intrigued you. “What do you do for work?”

“Ah, well, you could say I'm a contractor. Private security mainly,” said Russell. His shoulders shifted as he became a little more guarded, you noticed. “My company connects me with the client for as long as the job lasts. Could be a few months, sometimes a few days, depending.”

“Oh, wow. Do you live here in Wyoming?” you asked. He paused, but tilted his head a little, back and forth as he considered your question.

“I kinda bounce around,” he said. “Just go from one job to the next. Sounds a bit unorthodox, I know, but it’s a living.”

“Interesting,” you nodded, but inside, you thought that sounded like a hard way to live.

Unstable…and lonely.

“You know, it’s amazing how much you and Colter have in common,” Dory said. She folded her hands on the table and met her brother with a pointed look.

He huffed in response, though he glanced at you, then back at his sister. As if he was saying, You really want to do this now?

Dory had told you before that Colter was a “rewardist,” or some kind of bounty hunter. The nature of his work kept him busy, and seemingly too busy for his sister. But you also sensed there was an edgier history here.

For the first time, you felt like you were intruding in a moment between brother and sister that went beyond words.

After a moment, Russell shook his head.

“Look, I tried with him, all right? He won’t talk to me,” he said. He went back to eating, polishing off his fries. He offered you one that was half-smothered in sriracha.

“Come on. Live on the edge with me,” he teased.

You eyed the sauce-covered fry in distaste, but after glancing up at his more playful smile, you accepted his offer. You chewed in contemplation, and found that the tangy hint of kick wasn’t so bad.

“Eh? Eeeh? Delicious, am I right?” he said, his hands going wide.

You rolled your eyes, but you nodded in agreement.

“It’s all right,” you replied.

“Yes!” Russell’s hands swept up higher, like he was celebrating a touchdown. "See, I told ya."

You couldn’t help but laugh. Dory shook her head fondly and gave him a clean napkin for the bit of schmutz she spotted at the corner of his mouth.

“Here, wipe your sriracha face.”

“You really don’t have to,” you said, as Russell helped you gather your stack of papers and slung your work bag over his shoulder.

“No, no. I’m a bonafide gentleman. Ain’t that right, D?” he asked his sister. She barely resisted the urge to roll her eyes again, but she did give you a knowing smile.

“Oh, his intentions are pure,” she said.

And by that, you both understood her meaning. His intentions couldn’t be any clearer than a mallet over the head, but you kind of found it endearing.

This man really carried your stuff from the Sciences building across the entire campus to your office. All the while, he asked you about how you and Dory met, the kinds of things you two did together, and if you thought she was happy working here.

You had a feeling he was trying to learn more about his sister’s life. On one hand, it was rather sweet. On the other, it made you realize that there was distance in this family, both literal and figurative. You were glad to hear that Russell, at least, was trying to bridge that gap with his sister. Dory deserved to have more of that in her life.

As you explained to Russell while you led him down the hall to your office, your friendship with her had just…clicked. From the very beginning.

“Dory, you know. She’s more than kind,” you said. “She’s a real one. I can rely on her, even when I can’t rely on my own family.”

Russell hummed at that. “That sounds like a story.”

“Yeah,” you said, glancing away for a moment. You smiled and met his gaze once more. “Maybe one for another time.”

“So you’re on board with a ‘next time.’ Good to know,” Russell remarked. Your smile deepened.

It was good timing when you two finally reached your office. You unlocked it and let him inside, so he could set down your bag, and the god-forsaken stack of internship applications back onto your desk. You’d probably be stuck here working late on those.

“Well, thank you so much. You really didn’t have to schlep for me,” you said.

When you turned, Russell was a bit close. Not uncomfortably so, but enough to make a trill of something zip up your spine. You smelled more intensely his cologne, woodsy and warm. Looking up at him, you once again found his smile.

“It’s no problem,” he said, but his eyes met yours for a moment, as if he lost his train of thought.

“What?” you asked, a bit nervous.

“Anybody ever tell you, you got soulful eyes?” he asked.

It took your brain a second or two to compute, but when his words registered, you had to laugh. You held it behind your hand, while the other went to steady yourself on your desk.

“Well, that’s a line if I’ve ever heard one,” you said, shading your “soulful” eyes with a hand.

You didn’t know it, but Russell’s face warmed in slight embarrassment. He recovered though, taking in your pretty laugh, and the shade of your hair, let loose around your shoulders, and yes, your eyes, when you let him see them again.

If he hadn’t known before, now he was convinced.

He wanted to see more of you before he left town.

“Hey, now that was 100% genuine,” Russell said, but his grin spoke volumes. When your mirth died down, he scratched the back of his head.

“Okay, cards on the table. Would you be interested in grabbing a drink with me sometime?” he asked.

You took in a breath at that. You actually did consider his offer, because homebrew and sriracha fries be damned, there was something more to him. It was lying in wait, behind those eyes that were drawing you in.

However, this was also a man whose job basically made him a nomad. It didn’t exactly scream relationship material.

Which only left the alternative: something…casual.

You just didn’t know if that alternative was such a good idea. Not with your best friend’s brother.

“Just a drink. No frills, no more grilling you about my sister,” Russell said, breaking you from your deliberation. He gestured a hand between the two of you. “Just this. You and me.”

Eventually, you sighed. Your lips raised into a more genuine smile.

“Sometime, huh?” you asked.

He smiled back. “Tonight?”

You hesitated, but despite your better judgment, you nodded before you could change your mind. You still weren’t sure what to make of this guy, but you were willing to find out.

“Sure,” you said. “Howley’s at eight?”

“Well, all right,” Russell said.

He surprised you by sweeping up your hand into his. You looked up at him, curious, but not wary. Anticipation tingled down your spine.

He pressed his lips to the back of your hand. Soft shock made your eyes widen as you blushed, feeling the subtle graze of his beard against your skin.

Who is this guy, Cary Grant? you thought.

But when he pulled away, you had to remind yourself to breathe. Again, you caught sight of his cheeky grin.

“See you tonight,” he said.

AN: He is beauty he is grace, he is Mr. Sriracha Face. 😆

Let me know if you guys liked this! 💜 It's my first time writing a character based solely on one episode, but next up is a series that will continue this one-shot. It's called Every Second Counts.

Next Time in Part 1:

“Are you absolutely sure?” you asked, with your hands on your hips.

You wanted no miscommunication here, no read-between-the-lines mishaps, no subtext or nuance to bite you in the ass later. So here you stood in the middle of your best friend’s office, still on the Wyoming University campus after your last class.

Dory had to laugh at you. She pushed away from her desk and threw her hands up.

“Yes, for the love of God, you can grab a drink with my brother,” she said.

▶️ Keep Reading: Part 1

Ko-Fi Me ☕

Russell Shaw Masterlist

Main Masterlist

Russell S. Tag List:

@kazsrm67 @letheatheodore @agothwithheavysetmakeup @jacklesbrainworms @foxyjwls007

@wincastifer @ades106 @iamsapphine @simpforbuckyb @roseblue373

@brianochka @branj19 @hazel-eye-coffee-shop-girl-blog @globetrotter28 @charmed-asylum

@waywardxwords @deanwinchestersgirl87 @this-is-me19 @rachiem4-blog @sweettimelady

@leigh70 @clinicallydepresso @xiphoidbones @skoveu @nyotamalfoy

@kmc1989 @jackles010378 @emily-winchester @waynes-multiverse @jessjad

@my-stories-vault @deans-spinster-witch @syrma-sensei @stellasfictionalworld @ultimatecin73

@jesllianaquilesrolonsworld @pieandmonsters @lhymer1995 @taehyungxjungkookistaekook @lovelystoriesaj

@nicksalchemy1 @spnwoman @onlyangel-444 @sexyvixen7 @illicithallways

@wolkenprinzessin007 @alwaystiredandconfused @carpenterswife @cheynovak @grilledcheeseandtomato

#A Line and a Half #russell shaw #tracker #russell shaw x reader #russell shaw x female reader #russell shaw x you #russell shaw fanfiction #russell shaw fanfic #dory shaw #colter shaw #jensen ackles #jensen ackles characters #tracker fanfiction #tracker cbs #russell shaw series #tracker series #zepskies writes

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m00nkissedlover · 6 months ago

Text

・｡Paper Rings 📄

You've ordered: chocolate marble ice cream! enjoy!

"I wanna ruin our friendship, we should be lovers instead."

Evan Rosier x childhood bf! reader | word count: 1,084 words

Summary: from paper rings to promise rings 📄

Warnings: none! (kinda messy since i wrote it all in one sitting)

Note: first fic of 2025! 🌟 tried my hand at writing for someone other than regulus. in my mind, evan is a total lover boy (sorry not sorry-).

You sat in Professor Binns's class, completely bored out of your mind. The time seemed to tick by at an excruciatingly slow pace, your mind numbing from his constant lecturing. Every word of today's History of Magic lesson went in one ear and left straight out the other.

You were jerked out of your little daze when a slip of paper flew onto your desk. You peeked over at the seat next to you, your childhood friend, Evan Rosier giving you a slight nod. You thanked merlin that you two sat in the back, hidden from Binns's prying eyes. You carefully unfolded the slip of paper, reading over its contents.

"i feel like my brains are turning to mush @_@"

You peeked over at the blonde, trying not to laugh as he made a face, pretending to puke. After glancing up to see if Professor Binns was looking, you quickly scribbled something down onto the paper slip, tossing it back.

"i know -_- i'm falling asleep here"

Evan let out a quiet laugh as he read your response, your little written conversation going on for a bit longer.

Evan: "wanna hang out in the slytherin common room after class?"

You: "sure! i'm down :o"

Evan: "oh, also! i have something for you :)"

You: "what is it?? :0"

Just as you were about to pass the paper back to evan, a hand came down to snatch up the slip.

"Is there a problem, Mr. Rosier? It seems my lesson is so boring that you and Mr./ Ms. Y/n are engaging in something else." Professor Binns stated as he crumpled up your written conversation.

"Oh, no sir! I was...just asking them if they wanted to study with me after class." Evan said, a skeptical look in binns's eyes.

"Mhm, yeah. We decided to study in the Slytherin common room sir." you added, giving evan an appreciative look. Luckily, Professor Binns let you two off the hook.

After class was over, you headed over to your dorm, telling Evan you'd meet him at the common room. You threw your bag onto your bed, thinking back to Evan's note from class.

"oh, also! i have something for you :)"

He had something...for you. You felt your heart flutter a bit as you thought of all the things he could possibly give you. But one thing came to mind almost immediately.

A paper ring.

Evan had been making them for you since you two were around 12 years old, the paper jewelry a symbol of your friendship and maybe something more. Most people would probably find it silly now and throw them away. But you...you kept them. You kept every single one in a jar under your bed, putting ring after ring inside.

You fished the jar out from under your bed, turning the glass container in your hands as you admired the rings of all different colors, some even made with patterned paper. You wondered if he'd ever make you more...

Just then, a knock on your dorm door pulled you back to reality. "Who is it?" you asked, the answer making your heart beat a bit faster.

"It's Evan. Can I come in?" You quickly scrambled to hide the jar, placing it back under your bed and letting your duvet cover it up from the side. You fixed yourself up, acting as if you had been getting ready. "Come in!"

Evan stepped inside, closing the door behind him. "What's up? Weren't you in the common room?" you questioned.

"I came to get you. You were taking a bit too long to get there and i got worried." he admitted, shyly looking around your room. Then he saw it: the jar jutting out from beneath the duvet.

"You...you still have these?" Evan asked, walking past you and crouching down next to your bed. Seems like you didn't hide it well enough.

You could feel the heat rising in your cheeks as you watched him open up the jar and pull out a few paper rings. "Well...yeah. I mean, my best friend gave them to me." you murmured, taking a step closer to him.

Evan felt himself cringe internally at the words "best friend." Right...you only saw him as your best friend, while he saw you as...

"Y/n....why do you think i gave you all of these paper rings?" Evan asked, eyes trained on the jar. There was a moment of silence between you two. You didn't dare say anything...since you already knew the answer.

"You already know, huh? That I...that I'm in love with you? That I have been since we were kids?" you heard a soft thud as evan set the jar down on your desk, stepping back to give you some space.

You were silent for a while, finally nodding your head. "Yeah...I knew."

"Why? Why didn't you say anything?" Evan asked, now taking a step closer to you. You felt your heart start to beat faster, your hands getting sweaty.

"Because...I didn't want to ruin our friendship. I thought that...if I told you that I liked you too, you'd stop liking me."

Evan's breath hitched, his heart aching at your words. He held your face in his hands, his crystal blue eyes staring into your own.

"Y/n, you could never ruin our friendship. I like you just as you are, friend...and lover alike."

"I old myself that the day I confessed to you, I wouldn't do it with a paper ring." your eyes widened as Evan stuck his hand into his pocket and pulled out a ring...a real ring.

"Evan-" you uttered, the boy cutting you off.

"Don't worry! It's just a promise ring. I wanted to get something beautiful for the person who means the world to me." Evan admitted, reaching out to take your hand. "May I?"

You felt like crying, every single positive emotion flooding your senses. You nodded your head, giving Evan your hand. He easily slipped the beautiful ring onto your finger, bringing your hand to his lips hand kissing your knuckles.

"I love you, Y/n L/n. I have since we were kids and I always will."

Your heart swelled as you threw your arms around his neck, pulling him into a slow and sweet kiss. You could feel Evan freeze for a second before he eased into it, his hands cupping your cheeks.

The kiss lasted a few more seconds before you two parted, goofy smiles of joy plastered on your faces.

"I love you too, Evan Rosier. Forever and always."📄

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lost-rxverie · 3 months ago

Text

ordinarily i advocate against staying up late to get homework done, but. well. desperate times...

pull an all-nighter with me! live updates under the cut

6:00pm mood: ★★★★☆ 🎧 - man on the moon, R.E.M. ☕️ - iced coffee

i've settled in at the library with my comfiest hoodie, chargers for every single device i own, and a water bottle full of iced coffee. here goes nothing!

7:00pm mood: ★★★☆☆ 🎧 - maria, blondie ☕️ - water with electrolytes

my nanochem homework isn't taking any longer than it usually does, but i have so many other things on my list that it's stressing me out to not have anything checked off yet.

8:00pm mood: ★★★★★ 🎧 - if it wasn't for the nights, abba 🥨 - soft pretzel

moving on from nanochem to history, but not without a quick snack break.

9:00pm mood: ★★★★☆ 🎧 - zanzibar, billy joel ☕️ - latte

i've finished my homework for tomorrow's classes, so i'm switching to some more administrative tasks - first a training module on confocal microscopy, and then i'll start grading lab reports for the intro chem class i TA. docking one point off my mood because my airpods ran out of battery.

10:00pm mood: ★★★★★ 🎧 - big deal, lucy dacus ☕️ - water

done with the microscopy training module - took a while, but nice to get something done that wasn't too mentally draining. onwards to lab report grading!

11:00pm mood: ★★★★★ 🎧 - mrs. robinson, simon and garfunkel 🥨 - granola bar

still feeling surprisingly alert given it's now officially past my bedtime. or maybe that's just the caffeine? either way, i hope my intro students can't see what time i graded their assignments, since this is going to take me a while.

12:00pm mood: ★★★☆☆ 🎧 - all that jazz, chicago ☕️ - water

about 75% of the way through my grading, but also rapidly getting sleepier.

1:00am mood: ★★★★☆ 🎧 - good looking, suki waterhouse ☕️ - hot chocolate

grading is done! next up i've got a paper draft to read for my lab meeting tomorrow today. docking 1 mood point because this draft is 17 pages.

2:00am mood: ★★★☆☆ 🎧 - dance dance, fall out boy 🥨 - cheez-its

my ability to focus is diminishing as we speak, but i'm still making progress on my to-do list. a quick snack break, then back to my latest biochem reading!

3:00am mood: ★★★★★ 🎧 - na na na, mcr ☕️ - oh shit i should refill my water bottle

either i've reached the level of tired where everything is fun and exciting, or i'm just truly passionate about motor proteins. time to get started on my history readings for when i lead discussion on friday!

4:00am mood: ★★★★★ 🎧 - nocturne no. 20, chopin ☕️ - water

i can't wait to reread my paper annotations and discover if anything i wrote is comprehensible to my well-rested brain. with my history readings finished and discussion questions drafted, i think i'm at a natural stopping point – time to get a couple hours of sleep and then start it all up again in the morning. thanks for coming along for the ride!

in total: 10 hours of work (6pm – 4am)

#studyblr

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aggro-my-beloved · 10 months ago

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Long In The Tooth (LaskoxDear)

note: happy soulmate september! my heart’s probably still beating out of my chest with excitement when you’re reading this. brb, i’m off to listen to the milo panic attack audio but interact with this if you wanna (pretty pls) summary: *aging stops at 18 until you meet your soulmate* [lasko’s been eighteen for six years now, and frankly, he’s becoming sick of playing a juvenile. what makes his endeavor for a soulmate even more bewildering? they’re one of his students.] pairing(s): LaskoxDear (romantic), GavinxFreelancer (romantic), LaskoxDamien (non-platonic?) warning(s): none word count: 3k estimated reading time: 12 mins

taglist: @ther3alsweetheart @darlin-collins @professionallyyappinabtangst @elles-roses

“SO BE LOOKING FOR AN EMAIL FROM ME f-for your class schedule. Again, I'm sorry about not having a…physical copy on hand.” Lasko combs a clammy hand through his disheveled hair, sparing a discreet glance at his leather satchel lying by his feet. It defends an entire ream of charred papers, originally for the pool of students that Lasko has been bestowed the responsibility of meeting today, but instead, it mocks him. “My printer ran out of ink.”

His run-in with the stubborn fire elemental without patience for one's troubleshooting of his agenda went worse than the guidance counselor envisioned—a surprise to Lasko, who always depicts the worst scenarios before plunging head-first into any social situation. Guess what Freelancer said was true: you think better on your feet than in the air, he reflects.

“No worries. It’d be my luck,” The student laughs awkwardly, silently inviting Lasko to muster one of his own.

“Well, before I send you off, do you have my questions for me?” His hands press onto the thick desktop glass, shielding the wood. One spilled cup of coffee too many, and a sputtering request to the Dean was all it took to gain that.

“I do have one.” Lasko’s heart begins thumping uncontrollably, and he thanks every deity above that the water elemental is also not an experienced telepath. What will they ask me? Maybe they want to pick my brain about the theory of shade resurgence. How much research have they done on me as an alumnus? Perhaps they find me unfit to be a counselor and a professor, being human-reared. They don't think I have the history, nor the fundamental teachings from my unempowered parents. Oh, who are you kidding Lasko? They’re probably wanting to know which food from the cafeteria won’t give someone massive—

“You look a little young to be a counselor, don’t you?” As if intrigued by their curiosity, the student creeps forward in the armchair sat opposite Lasko’s, and finds respite for their folded arms on the mahogany desk between them. Before Lasko’s lips could part, the pupil emits a gasp at their presumption. “I’m so sorry, please take that as a compliment. Your soulmate must be lucky to have someone with such a…youthful glow.” The excruciating cringe on their face is palpable (and noticeably lacking age lines), but Lasko revels in the sight of it. For once, he is not the one digging a grave mid-conversation.

He could only muster a chuckle, eyes settling on his chewed-down fingernails and fidgeting knuckles—the only visible skin on his body that had wrinkles. This presumption is one he’s been unwillingly catering to for his past six years under the university, and his answer, like his relationship status, is unchanging.

He offers a modest shrug. “Y-yeah, counselor, and professor. B-but you…you’re not wrong. I only look this young because I haven’t met mine yet—soulmate, I mean.” The pinch on the bridge of his nose from his glasses feels abnormally tight as he gauges the student’s reaction. A curious raise of the brow, slow nod—awed. And rightfully so, with how capable and convenient the modern age has made it to scout for one’s “better half.” Apps and chat rooms galore in addition to personal soulmate seekers (a bunch of glorified PIs with hopeless romantic tendencies, as Lasko refers to them) for hire. These things leave a person little reason to go more than a year after eighteen with no celebrated crow'sfeet or growing pains. People think he’s inept or simply non-committal. Lasko considers himself stodgy for yearning to encounter his soulmate organically.

“Well, if it’s any reassurance, you aren’t the only one.” They don’t elaborate, and Lasko doesn’t pry. He remains seated, silently watching them wrangle each strap of their backpack over their shoulders. “Thank you again for the chat, Mr. Moore.”

“Ah, just Lasko is fine. I’m not near old enough for all that 'mister' stuff.” At least, I don’t look like it, he tacks on mentally.

“Right. I guess I’ll see you around then.”

He clarifies, “Monday at ten,” which earns him a tilted head. “For DAMN 101, which should be on the schedule that I'llemail you.” A small, upward twitch of their lips leaves Lasko satisfied with the conversation but prepared for the tens of other students who will receive the same news.

“I can’t wait.”

He hopes for his sake that the rest are as understanding as this one.

“Well well, professor, how was orientation today?” Had the man still not reeked of liquid smoke and sweat from his earlier encounter with the fire elemental, or suffered from cramping fingers and aching wrists from the barrage of emails he sent out today, Lasko’s answer may not have been so curt.

A trace of a scowl lingered in his voice, “Not in the mood, Gav.” At the evil hiss of his name, the demon transferred his gaze from the television to the strung-out university employee entering the den. Lasko makes a show of shrugging off his blazer and settling his fatigued body into the armchair perpendicular to the sectional Gavin and his soulmate were occupying. His roommate proceeds to turn his attention to him, chorting sarcastically, “Who pissed in your Wheaties this morning?” Freelancer takes the opportunity to bury their face in the bared crook of Gavin’s neck, releasing a languid sigh of contentment.

Lasko strives to obscure his frown, but the envy boiling in the depths of his stomach wins while the muscles of his jaw tighten. “Some fire elemental with serious anger issues almost sent me up in flames with my office, destroyed all of my paperwork, and cost me two and a half hours of emailing students their schedules and trying not to sound passive-aggressive. Do you realize how hard it is to type ‘Please see attached for your semester schedule. Thank you.’ without sounding like the biggest assho–”

Amidst his rant, Freelancer’s head pops up from the den between Gavin’s neck and collarbone. “You met Damien?”

The question Lasko volleys is an answer in itself. “You know him?” Wide eyes with a visible twitch urge Freelancer to dig through the sofa cushions for their phone.

“Yeah, he texted me earlier. A whole string of back-to-back messages about some university nobody screwing him over with his schedule. I didn’t think anything of it until…” They purse their lips. Lasko watches his friends’ eyes soaking in his appearance–blackened shirt cuffs, tousled tendrils of hair, and all. Should Lasko be expecting some vengeful threat? A stolen personal belonging replaced with a ransom note? A dead sprite in a wrapped box outside his office door?

“How mad was he?” He scrubs his hands against his face, hoping to wipe the day away with his sour expression.

“I wouldn’t check your Rate My Professor anytime soon.” Lasko throws his head back in defeat. Tarnishing his paperwork and his reputation in a single day? The ransom note wasn’t looking as unfavorable in comparison.

“I thought it’d be water that didn’t get along with fire,” Gavin muses with a smirk. Lasko’s mind trails away from the soot-stained carpet of his office to the friendly water elemental he had the pleasure of speaking with earlier. Their curious nature and self-loathing sense of humor is something Lasko would have never considered himself attracted to, seeing as Gavin’s unyielding confidence and inflated ego always put his stomach through a spin cycle.

A sharp inhale from Freelancer resounds through the house. “Oh my goodness, Lasko!” Instantly, he was patting down his body, checking his pulse, and looking around for the nearest mirror. He already knew he looked like shit, what was the big deal?

“What, what is it?” Still, he turned his head every which way expecting a large bug or “kick me” sign on his back from Damien—perhaps the earlier onslaught of flames was merely a distraction. Or, the man’s just paranoid, per usual.

“You have smile lines!” As if imitating a mirror, Freelancer offers a ballooning grin of their own, presenting the faint creases surrounding their lips to him. “You thought you could meet your soulmate and just not tell us?” They motion excitedly between themselves and Gavin, who was absorbing the scene before him.

“I-I didn’t though, did I?” Did he? He thinks back to all of the students he spoke with earlier in the day, Damien included. A shiver courses down his spine at the thought—he’s always heard the saying ‘opposites attract’ but having a soulmate who wanted to momentarily kill him seems like a stretch. Having a soulmate be one of the many bodies in his class is equally as horrific, but—as he now recognizes—a possibility. “Holy shit, I-I met my soulmate.”

Gavin inquires after a few seconds, “Who are they?”

Lasko's head darts up, donning a veil of “oh fuck” on his visage. “I have no idea.”

Much to Gavin’s chagrin and Freelancer’s enthusiasm, the couple agreed to aid him in compiling a list of the students he’d met in the last twenty-four hours, and omitting the ones who’ve been blessed to find their other half, according to Freelancer’s in-depth “research” when inputting their names online.

“Sami Tryst is in my Thursday lab! They’ve got an engagement ring, though.”

“Hudson Lang won a medal in the E&E games last year. He thanked his partner in his acceptance speech.”

“Jacquelyn Gardner?” Freelancer snorts with a shaking head. “Definitely not your type.”

Lasko’s head hinges up from the sheet of paper he was eyeing—scrawled with names, and taken straight out of Freelancer’s DAMN 101 notebook. With furrowed brows and an insulted scowl, he beckons “How would you know?”

“She has an eyebrow slit and ‘grade-a carpet muncher’ written in her Instagram bio next to her girlfriend’s name. You really wanna try competing with that, professor?” Lasko stays quiet, even through the contagious mixture of laughs flying around the room from the couple.

He finally mutters, “Whatever”, and is nonetheless satisfied with a name being crossed off of the list. Four hours and one order from Max’s Rustic Pizza later, the trio is splayed across the living room carpet. Three names remain uncrossed on the sheet, staring back at them tauntingly.

“Wait, you forgot about Damien.” Freelancer reminds Lasko with a small nudge. Not that he needed the reminder, but a small part of him was hopeful that leaving him off of the list would rule out the chance of them being soulmates entirely. His hands are reluctant when grabbing the pen set beside him, but are deft when writing the fire elemental’s first name below the rest. A last resort.

“This is-it’s so…so stupid! I mean, aren’t you s-supposed to feel something when you first meet your soulmate? Like, I don’t…I don’t know, butterflies in your stomach or-or, or lightheaded?” Lasko exasperates, tossing the paper aside. It flutters to the ground and lands face-down on the carpet.

“My jeans felt a little tighter when I met you, deviant.” Gavin’s admission is not lost on Freelancer or Lasko. The professor shields his face from the luminous ceiling fan whirling above him, both his arms locked over his eyes. As he does this, he jerks up and emits a harsh grunt.

“Agh, my neck. What the hell?” He sits up to allow his fingers to assess the tight skin. The invisible knot is yanked once more when he tilts his head too far to the left. “Ow!”

In unison, Gavin and Freelancer are quick to diagnose it. “Growing pain.” Freelancer adds with a fond smile, “It means they’re thinking of you.”

His head snaps towards them excitedly, and this time, he grits his teeth and bears the stiffening of his muscles. “That’s it! I know exactly how to find them.” An accomplished smile overcomes his face. Complemented by his bloodshot eyes, something unsettling brews in the pits of Freelancer’s stomach.

“Okay, can you stop looking at me like that now? It’s creepy.”

“I would, but I don’t think I can move my neck anymore…”

The awkward quiet grows thicker with every student that files into Lasko’s classroom the following Monday morning, broken occasionally by a squeaking chair or thump of a bookbag colliding with the floor. He studied the roll call list the entire weekend like he was presenting a dissertation, but now that he had reached the time to present, only four names were on his mind.

“G-g-good morning every-everybody. My-my n-name is Lasko Moore, and I’ll be your professor for DAMN 101 this semester. Don’t think of this as a refresher course of things you may have learned in past institutions, b-but an opportunity to gain knowledge of…of Dahlia’s magical entities, specifically.” He’s afraid if he breathes too deeply, the hefty silence will suffocate him. “Now, I-I’m aware it's a bit—it’s a bit rudimentary to take attendance, but this is only for me to become acquainted with all of you. I’ll only do this for the first few classes until I’m comfortable putting names to faces.”

The professor wastes no time going down the list. Each name he uttered–even ones that had been crossed off from the list–he let settle into the silence while concentrating his thoughts specifically on that person. It is the most foolish theory he's tested in a while, but he is desperate to know who could complete him so marvelously, and remain so subtle about the fact. The further down the list he goes, the tighter his airway constricts when he sees no visible flinch or sign of pain from any of his students.

Hesitantly, he chokes out the next name on the sheet.

“Damien Rhone.” He looks up to find no hand raised, nor the rest of Damien’s body. Seconds tick by without a response, and Lasko feels even more on edge due to the lack of his presence. If the names that follow elicit no reaction from any of the students, either his “fool-proof” plan would be marked a failure, or he’d have to settle with the fact that he and his soulmate wouldn’t have the cutest “how we met” story amongst his friends. There’s a lot that can beat a late-night run into seven-eleven, but almost going up in flames might have to take second place.

As he feared, the last name on the list gets crossed off when he marks the student present (and taken) judging by the early age spots marking their skin. He huffs but doesn’t make his agitation any more visible. After all, he is at work and his soulmate…who knows where they are. Hosting this lecture felt more taxing than all the others he’s taught within the last six years at the university. Discussing DAMN’s cornerstone neighborhoods for different magical beings is something he merely cites, amid his daydreams of arriving home to a relaxing cup of tea and a lengthy video essay to put him to sleep on his couch. The thought became so enticing, that he cut the class short by a whole twenty minutes and sent each departing student with instructions to acclimate to the university campus. While shoveling manilla folders and stray pens into his bag, he gets interrupted by a tap against his shoulder.

“Excuse me, Lasko?” He cranes his neck at the voice, dripping anxiety. They offer their name and elaborate when Lasko furrows his brows. He swears he can feel a crease in between them that wasn’t there last night. “We met yesterday. I made a fool of myself, and then you said you’d email me my schedule. You never called my name when you were taking attendance, though. This is DAMN 101, right?”

Lasko recalls their conversation vividly. He was post-adrenaline rush and flustered as all hell, but somehow their blunders were enough to take the edge off of him and his “broken printer”. Now, he studies the crease between their eyebrows. It wasn’t there when they met originally when they inquired about his age and backpedaled into embarrassment trying to fix their mistake. “Yes, it is. And I’m so sorry for leaving you off the roll call sheet, I’m not sure what happened.”

Halfway through their understanding nod, they emit a wince and introduce the nape of their neck to their hand. “I-it’sokay, I just wanted to double-check.” Lasko tilts his head, blue eyes turning into twinning seas of concern.

“Are you feeling alright, dear?”

“I think I may have slept wrong.”

“What are the chances of it being a growing pain?” Lasko voices his internal demand, throwing caution to the wind, as it were.

“I’d say fat chance because I don’t have a…” They lock eyes with the man before them. Sleeves buttoned to elbows and crooked frames and smile lines. Crow’s feet decorated his orbital rims like fireworks and the creases of his hands mimicked scored clay. “Oh.”

“That's about the reaction I was expecting.”

“I’m sorry, but to be fair, this is new to both of us. Tomorrow I might wake up beside you but I’ll have gray hairs sticking out. Nobody prepares you for that kind of stuff.” Was this a rejection disguised in a prophecy? Lasko will have to hand it to them, it’s one of the more poetic ways to turn someone down.

“If-if y-you’d like to wait b-before we j-jump into…jump into anything, that’s fine. I just, I uh…I just wanted to find you. So bad.”

“What? No, of course, I want this! I want you—I mean…this is just a lot to take in. Aren’t you supposed to feel something when you meet the person? Like increasing body temperature or…” They carry on rambling, with Lasko admiring no more than a foot away. A fond smile adorns his face, pink lips settled high on his cheeks and draped like a streamer.

He had found them.

“Excuse me, Professor Moore?” A panting voice interrupts their discovery as the two watch a student barreling toward Lasko with clear desperation. “I’m so sorry about being late. Did I miss anything important?” His eyes flutter around the room, finding all of the seats bare. “Where the hell is everyone?”

“Hey, Dames! Meet my soulmate, Lasko. Lasko, this is Damien, my stepbrother.”

“Soulmate!”

“S-stepbrother?”

soulmate september schedule | main masterlist | abt author

#redacted asmr #redacted audio #redactedverse #redacted fluff #redacted angst #redacted damn crew #redacted damien #redacted lasko #redacted dear #redacted freelancer #redacted gavin #soulmate au #redacted headcanons #redacted fanfic #redacted fanfiction #redacted imagine #redacted imagines #redacted oneshot

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eod-agent-13-12 · 2 months ago

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Some Guides to Writing / Depicting my Phoenix (Florian)

I honestly don't mind it if people put my Phoenix in for an easter egg or cameo for their own works. Please just tag me when you do and please follow common decency practices!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

General Florian things:

Florian tends to "balance out" whoever they're with. So if they're with someone more extroverted, they tend to let the other take the stage. However, for more introverted individuals, they do tend to intiate contact more often.

Florian tends to use they/them in agency premises and during missions. However, civilians typically use she/her when Florian gets brought up. They don't mind either being used.

Classmates and coworkers tend to call them "Fe" as a nickname. (The name stuck since elementary and people just got used to calling them that.) Typically, fellow Agent Phoenixes (and those they consider family) are usually the only ones who can call them "Florian" or "Flor".

They're more reserved when one doesn't know them much but are physically affectionate when they're close. They platonically hold hands with friends quite often if the other wants to.

Science is something they find fascinating. Computers and chemistry would've been something they know a lot about due to a mix of college education and mere curiosity.

They have hints of "burnt out gifted kid" occasionally and tend to underestimate and downplay their abilities, especially their intelligence.

Sentimental to a fault. Archiving and preserving memories is important to them due to a history of individuals rewriting the narrative and archival loss.

Candy. They always have candy on their person and passes it to people who seem hungry. And snacks. It's a survival tactic formed by "classes sometimes take too long and it's already past lunch already."

Agent Firelight (Also known as 13-12) - This is the agent Florian would've been had they not been assigned to Reginald or the same set of missions (in the case Reginald did start off with handling multiple agents). Some of these traits do appear when they're Phoenix as well.

The codename "Firelight" didn't come from any achievements. It's from a nickname their pa gave them as a kid. Fellow agents found out about it and it just stuck because they tried to hide it.

The agent number 13-12 is part of a longer string that comprises agent numbers and designations. (I still have to make that system.)

Paperwork is something they dislike but know how to move around in. Bureaucracy and legal processes were something they had to handle due to their choices to help the community before they joined the agency. Due to this, the person who can reasonably file forms quickly and accurately is them. They don't like to admit they could so this trait only appears during emergencies.

One would know the sender is Florian if the envelope they send had three signatures as a way to prevent tampering. Other similar anti-tamper measures is in their arsenal.

They keep two copies of the papers that pass through them. One is for the main office and the other is for archival purposes and evidences.

Plushies. They love plushies and huggable things. Their hugs are often tight. They like hugging a pillow while they sleep but they can do without.

They often joke that they're the "walking backpack" as they typically carry things most people might need. (Safety pins, bandages, extra pens, they have it.)

There are more but please feel free to ask if you have any questions. I'm happy to blab about the lore! :DD

#agent 13-12 #13-12 lore #agent phoenix #ieytd #My agent Phoenix

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my-autism-adhd-blog · 2 years ago

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Hi so I’m an incoming freshman I have autism and ADHD I was wondering do you have any tips for high school specifically for people with autism and ADHD like me? Thank you for your time!!

Hi there,

It’s been out of school since 2015, so I’m rusty with tips. However I did find one article listing 12 tips that might help:

1. You don’t need ONE study space.

A well-stocked desk in a quiet place at home is key, but sometimes you need variety. Coffee shops, libraries, parks, or even just moving to the kitchen table will give you a change of scenery which can prompt your brain to retain information better.

2. Track more than HW in your school planner.

Keeping a calendar helps you plan ahead—but you’ve got more going on than just homework assignments! Make sure you’re marking your extracurricular, work, and social commitments, too. (Tests, band practice, away games, SAT dates, half-days and holidays are just a few examples of reminders for your planner.)

3. Start small.

If you’ve got a big assignment looming, like a research paper, stay motivated by completing a piece of the project every few days. Write one paragraph each night. Or, do 5 algebra problems from your problem set at a time, and then take a break.

4. School supplies (alone) don’t make you organized.

Come up with a system and keep to it. Do you keep one big binder for all your classes with color-coded tabs? Or do you prefer to keep separate notebooks and a folder for handouts? Keep the system simple—if it’s too fancy or complicated, you are less likely to keep it up everyday.

5. Get into a routine.

When will you make the time to do your homework every day? Find the time of day that works best for you (this can change day-to-day, depending on your schedule!), and make a plan to hit the books.

6. Learn how to create a distraction-free zone.

A study on workplace distractions found that it takes workers an average of 25 minutes to return to what they were working on pre-interruption. Try turning off your phone notifications or blocking Twitter (temporarily) on your computer so you can concentrate on the homework tasks at hand.

7. Get real.

When you’re looking at the homework you have to get done tonight, be realistic about how long things actually take. Gauging that reading a history chapter will take an hour and writing a response will take another 30 minutes will help you plan how you spend your time.

8. Use class time wisely.

Is your teacher finished lecturing, but you still have 10 minutes of class left? Get a jump on your chemistry homework while it’s still fresh in your mind. Or use the time to ask your teacher about concepts that were fuzzy the first time.

9. Look over your notes each night to make sure you've got it.

Fill in details, edit the parts that don’t make sense, and star or highlight the bits of information that you know are most important. Interacting with your notes will help you remember them. You can also use Homework Help to get your questions answered 24/7.

10. Study a little every day.

Cramming Spanish vocabulary for a quiz might work in the short-term, but when comes time to study for midterms, you’ll be back at square 1. You might remember the vocab list long enough to ace the quiz, but reviewing the terms later will help you store them for the long haul.

11. Don’t let a bad grade keep you down.

A rough start to the semester doesn’t have to sink your GPA. Take proactive steps by checking your grades regularly online and getting a tutor if you need one.

12. Make a friend in every class.

Find a few people you can contact from each of your classes if you have a homework question or had to miss class (and do the same for them!). Then when it comes time to study for exams, you'll already have a study group.

The article will be below:

I hope this helps. Thank you for the inbox. I hope you have a wonderful day/night. ♥️

#inbox #inbox reply #inbox is open

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spacetimewithstuartgary · 9 months ago

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It's twins! mystery of famed brown dwarf solved

Astronomers have discovered that a well-studied brown dwarf is in fact two that are orbiting closely around

Hundreds of papers have been written about the first known brown dwarf, Gliese 229B, since its discovery by Caltech researchers at the Institute's Palomar Observatory in 1995. But a pressing mystery has persisted about this orb: It is too dim for its mass. Brown dwarfs are lighter than stars, and heavier than gas giants like Jupiter. And while astronomers had measured the mass of Gliese 229B to be about 70 times that of Jupiter, an object of that heft should shine more brightly than what the telescopes had observed.

Now, a Caltech-led international team of astronomers has at last solved that mystery: The brown dwarf is actually a pair of tight-knit brown dwarfs, weighing about 38 and 34 times the mass of Jupiter, that whip around each other every 12 days. The observed brightness levels of the pair match what is expected for two small, dim brown dwarfs in this mass range.

"Gliese 229B was considered the poster-child brown dwarf," says Jerry W. Xuan, a graduate student working with Dimitri Mawet, the David Morrisroe Professor of Astronomy. "And now we know we were wrong all along about the nature of the object. It's not one but two. We just weren't able to probe separations this close until now." Xuan is lead author of a new study reporting the findings in the journal Nature. A separate independent study in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, led by Sam Whitebook, a Caltech graduate student, and Tim Brandt, an associate astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, also concluded that Gliese 229B is a pair of brown dwarfs.

The discovery leads to new questions about how tight-knit brown dwarf duos like this one form and suggests that similar brown dwarf binaries—or even exoplanet binaries—may be waiting to be found. (An exoplanet is a planet that orbits a star other than our Sun.)

“This discovery that Gliese 229B is binary not only resolves the recent tension observed between its mass and luminosity but also significantly deepens our understanding of brown dwarfs, which straddle the line between stars and giant planets," says Mawet, who is also a senior research scientist at JPL, which is managed by Caltech for NASA.

Gliese 229B was discovered in 1995 by a Caltech team that included Rebecca Oppenheimer, then a Caltech graduate student; Shri Kulkarni, the George Ellery Hale Professor of Astronomy and Planetary Science; Keith Matthews, an instrument specialist at Caltech; and other colleagues. The astronomers used Palomar Observatory to discover that Gliese 229B possessed methane in its atmosphere—a phenomenon typical of gas giants like Jupiter but not of stars. The finding marked the first confirmed detection of a class of cool star-like objects called brown dwarfs—the missing link between planets and stars—that had been theorized about 30 years prior.

"Seeing the first object smaller than a star orbiting another sun was exhilarating," says Oppenheimer, who is a co-author of the new study and an astrophysicist at the American Museum of Natural History. "It started a cottage industry of people seeking oddballs like it back then, but it remained an enigma for decades."

Indeed, nearly 30 years after its discovery and hundreds of observations later, Gliese 229B still puzzled astronomers with its unexpected dimness. The scientists suspected Gliese 229B might be twins, but "to evade notice by astronomers for 30 years, the two brown dwarfs would have to be very close to each other," says Xuan.

To resolve Gliese 229B into two objects, the team used two different instruments, both based at the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope in Chile. They used the GRAVITY instrument, an interferometer that combines light from four different telescopes, to spatially resolve the body into two, and they used the CRIRES+ (CRyogenic high-resolution InfraRed Echelle Spectrograph) instrument to detect distinct spectral signatures from the two objects. The latter method involved measuring the motion (or doppler shift) of molecules in the atmosphere of the brown dwarfs, which indicated that one body was headed toward us on Earth and the other away—and vice versa as the pair orbited each other.

"It is so nice to see that almost 30 years later, there has been a new development," says Kulkarni, who is not an author on the current paper. "Now this binary system stuns again."

These observations, taken over five months, showed that the brown dwarf duo, now called Gliese 229Ba and Gliese 229Bb, orbit each other every 12 days with a separation only 16 times larger than the distance between Earth and the Moon. Together, the pair orbit an M-dwarf star (a smaller, redder star than our Sun) every 250 years.

"These two worlds whipping around each other are actually smaller in radius than Jupiter. They'd look quite strange in our night sky if we had something like them in our own solar system," says Oppenheimer. "This is the most exciting and fascinating discovery in substellar astrophysics in decades."

How this whirling pair of cosmic orbs came to be is still a mystery. Some theories say brown dwarf pairs could form within the swirling disks of material that encircle a forming star. The disk would fragment into two seeds of brown dwarfs, which would then become gravitationally bound after a close encounter. Whether these same formation mechanisms are at work to form pairs of planets around other stars remains to be seen.

In the future, the team would like to search for even more closely orbiting brown dwarf binaries with instruments such as the Keck Planet Imager and Characterizer (KPIC), which was developed by a team led by Mawet at the W. M. Keck Observatory in Hawai'i, as well as the Keck Observatory's upcoming High-resolution Infrared SPectrograph for Exoplanet Characterization (HISPEC), which is under construction at Caltech and other laboratories by a team led by Mawet.

"The fact that the first known brown dwarf companion is a binary bodes well for ongoing efforts to find more," says Xuan.

The work described in the paper, titled "The cool brown dwarf Gliese 229B is a close binary," was funded by NASA and the Heising-Simons Foundation. Other Caltech authors include Yapeng Zhang, a 51 Pegasi b Postdoctoral Scholar Research Associate in Astronomy; Aniket Sanghi, a graduate student; Konstantin Batygin, professor of planetary science; and Heather Knutson, professor of planetary science.

IMAGE: This artwork highlights a pair of recently uncovered brown dwarf twins, named Gliese 229Ba and Gliese 229Bb. Gliese 229B, discovered in 1995, was the first-ever confirmed brown dwarf, but until now astronomers thought they were observing a single body not two. New observations from the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope in Chile revealed that the orb is two brown dwarfs tightly orbiting around each other every 12 days (as indicated by the orange and blue orbital lines), with a separation only 16 times larger than the distance between Earth and the Moon. The brown dwarf pair orbit a cool M-dwarf star every 250 years. Credit K. Miller, R. Hurt (Caltech/IPAC)

#science #space #astronomy #physics #news #astrophysics

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bestiascoaching12 · 1 month ago

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Best IAS Coaching in India for UPSC 2025: Compare Top Institutes, Courses & Reviews

When it comes to preparing for the prestigious Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), choosing the right coaching institute can be the most crucial decision an aspirant makes. Among the several IAS coaching institutes in India, Plutus IAS has emerged as a leading name, especially for UPSC 2025 preparation. Known for its hybrid model of teaching, personalized mentorship, small batch sizes, and a result-oriented approach, Plutus IAS is increasingly being recognized as one of the Best IAS Coaching in India. This article offers an in-depth and unbiased review of Plutus IAS, covering its history, courses, faculty, teaching methods, fee structure, online and offline modes, optional subject support, student reviews, and final verdict.

Introduction to Plutus IAS

Plutus IAS is a Delhi-based coaching institute that has become a popular choice among serious UPSC aspirants due to its strategic and well-researched pedagogy. Widely regarded as one of the Best UPSC Coaching in India, the institute offers a blend of online and offline learning, thereby catering to aspirants not only in Delhi but across India. Established over a decade ago, its commitment to quality education, personalized attention, and continuous evaluation has set it apart in the increasingly competitive coaching industry.

With the growing demand for digital learning, especially post-COVID, Plutus IAS quickly adapted and designed an advanced hybrid learning model. This model provides both in-person classes at its physical center in Rajendra Nagar, Delhi, and online sessions accessible across the country. Unlike many traditional institutes that rely solely on physical classroom interaction or prerecorded lectures, Plutus IAS offers live interactive classes, recorded sessions, detailed notes, one-on-one mentorship, and personalized feedback mechanisms. This ensures that students receive consistent support throughout their UPSC journey.

Teaching Methodology and Course Structure

The most distinguishing feature of Plutus IAS is its student-centered approach. The institute maintains a small batch size of 30–40 students, which allows teachers to give personal attention to each aspirant. This is a huge contrast to many big-name coaching centers where batch sizes often exceed 100 students. At Plutus IAS, students can directly interact with faculty, ask questions in real time, and receive feedback on their answer writing. This environment mimics a tutorial-style format that is proven to be more effective for competitive exam preparation.

The General Studies (GS) foundation course is structured to cover the UPSC syllabus comprehensively within 10–12 months. The curriculum is designed to cover all four GS papers for Mains, along with CSAT for Prelims, and includes essay writing, ethics (GS Paper IV), and interview preparation. The course schedule ensures timely completion of syllabus, regular revision, and daily answer writing practice. Weekly tests and monthly mains answer writing assessments help track progress. Plutus IAS also provides daily current affairs analysis, making students aware of relevant news and helping them build analytical and writing skills crucial for Mains.

The CSAT classes are taught by experienced faculty and include practical problem-solving sessions with live interaction. This is especially beneficial for aspirants from non-mathematical backgrounds who often find CSAT to be a hurdle.

Optional Subjects at Plutus IAS

In addition to the GS course, Plutus IAS offers coaching for several optional subjects. Optional preparation is a critical component of UPSC Mains and can significantly influence final ranking. Plutus IAS currently offers optional courses in Political Science & International Relations (PSIR), Geography, Sociology, History, Law, Public Administration, and Psychology, among others. Each optional subject is taught by specialized faculty with years of experience and expertise in their respective fields.

For example, Dr. Huma Hassan’s classes in PSIR are widely appreciated for their depth and clarity. Similarly, Ankit Sir’s classes in Current Affairs and General Studies are popular for integrating contemporary issues with syllabus topics. Optional classes typically run for 4 to 5 months and include full syllabus coverage, previous year question analysis, answer writing sessions, and detailed notes. These subjects are taught both online and offline, with access to recordings for future reference.

Faculty and Mentorship

Faculty is the backbone of any coaching institute, and Plutus IAS is known for hiring some of the best educators in the UPSC preparation domain. Most teachers have years of experience in civil services coaching and have either appeared for the exam themselves or guided successful candidates. The faculty at Plutus IAS includes notable names like Dr. Huma Hassan (PSIR), Shashank Tyagi (Polity & IR), Ankit Sir (Current Affairs), Siddharth Sir (Geography), and Pankaj Sir (Sociology).

What sets the faculty at Plutus IAS apart is their availability and interaction with students. Each aspirant is assigned a personal mentor who monitors their academic growth, answers subject-related queries, and provides moral support during tough phases. Mentors help create personalized study plans, discuss test performance, suggest improvements, and provide detailed feedback on answer writing. This 360-degree support system helps reduce the burden on aspirants and improves their chances of success.

The mentorship continues beyond classroom hours and is available even after course completion, especially during the Prelims and Mains phases. During the interview stage, mentors assist in Detailed Application Form (DAF) analysis, mock interviews, and soft skill development.

Test Series and Answer Writing Programs

Plutus IAS is widely regarded for its high-quality test series, especially for Mains. The institute conducts both Prelims and Mains test series with full-length and sectional tests. The tests are based on the latest UPSC trends and are followed by detailed model answers and evaluation. Every test is designed not just to assess knowledge but also to enhance the student’s ability to think critically, articulate clearly, and structure answers effectively.

The Mains Answer Writing Program (MAWP) is one of Plutus IAS’s most appreciated offerings. In this program, students write answers daily or weekly, which are then reviewed and marked by subject experts. The feedback is personalized, constructive, and aimed at helping students develop the writing skills necessary to tackle UPSC’s analytical and dynamic questions. This continuous practice ensures that aspirants are ready for the real exam well in advance.

In addition, the Essay Test Series covers a wide range of philosophical, socio-political, and economic topics, helping students develop a balanced and coherent essay writing style. Plutus IAS also offers specialized crash courses and booster programs before Prelims and Mains for quick revision and intensive practice.

Online Learning and Hybrid Model

One of the biggest advantages of Plutus IAS is its hybrid coaching model. With the rise of digital education, the institute has invested heavily in building a reliable and user-friendly online platform. All live classes are recorded and made available to students for revision. Online students get access to the same material, mentorship, test series, and faculty support as offline students. This model has enabled students from remote regions, working professionals, and college students to pursue UPSC preparation without relocating to Delhi.

The learning management system (LMS) of Plutus IAS includes video lectures, PDFs of class notes, daily current affairs updates, test portals, and doubt-clearing forums. Students can attend classes from their mobile or laptop, interact in real-time, and revisit any lecture multiple times for better understanding. This flexibility ensures that students can learn at their own pace while still being part of a structured environment.

Fee Structure and Payment Options

Plutus IAS offers competitive pricing, especially considering the quality of education, small batches, and individual attention it provides. The fee for the General Studies Foundation Course (Prelims + Mains + Interview) is approximately ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,25,000. The optional subject courses range from ₹35,000 to ₹50,000, depending on the subject and duration. The Prelims and Mains Test Series are available separately at a cost of around ₹20,000 to ₹30,000.

Student Reviews and Success Stories

Plutus IAS has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from students over the years. Many aspirants who have qualified Prelims, Mains, and even reached the final interview stage credit their success to the focused environment and mentorship provided by Plutus IAS.

Ritika, an aspirant who cleared UPSC Mains in 2023, shared her experience saying, “The mentorship at Plutus IAS kept me on track during my toughest days. The personal guidance helped me stay disciplined and improve my answer writing over time.” Another aspirant, Amit from Lucknow, mentioned, “Being from a small town, I always thought cracking UPSC would require moving to Delhi. But Plutus IAS’s online classes brought Delhi-level coaching to my doorstep.”

Final Verdict: Is Plutus IAS Worth It?

To summarize, Plutus IAS has successfully combined the best aspects of traditional classroom teaching with the convenience and scalability of digital education. The institute’s focus on personalized mentorship, rigorous answer writing practice, expert faculty, flexible learning modes, and updated content makes it a top contender among UPSC coaching institutes in India. Recognized by many as the Best IAS Coaching in India 2025, Plutus IAS is an excellent choice for UPSC 2025 aspirants—especially those who value small batch learning, quality interaction, and performance-based support.

Whether you are a full-time aspirant or a working professional looking to prepare alongside your job, Plutus IAS offers the flexibility and structure required to prepare efficiently. Its test series, optional coaching, and interview preparation further ensure that students are covered through all three stages of the examination – Prelims, Mains, and Interview.

#best upsc coaching in india #best ias coaching in india #best ias coaching in delhi

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studentessa-socit · 10 months ago

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My first year as a sociology student

social psychology: 31/30, 8 CFU

This is the first exam I took, I studied a textbook on social psychology, a book about traditional masculinity, and then wrote and essay in which I had to apply the things I learned from the class on a current topic with another student (we did this by applying the theories on traditional masculinity to Adrew Tate). The essay gave me the bonus point thanks to which I was able to get the honours. I loved this classe and was very proud about my preparation for this exam.

sociology institutions: 28/30, 12 CFU

This class was about the basics of sociology, we just had a simple textbook to study, we did some debate in class in which we engaged with different kinds of articles but it wasn't graded. I hated the teacher and didn't organize well for the exam, but 28 is still a VERY high grade. I was surely prepared enough, but it was my least favourite class.

history of sociological theory: 23/30, 12 CFU

I LOVED this teacher and this class, I prepared well for this exam (one textbook). I really enjoyed to engage with all of the different approaches people had through the history of the discipline and the way they disagreed with one another, it was almost like studing philosphy. Unfurtunately the professor was very demanding and I just got a 23 (I'm ok with it).

law and society: 30/30, 6 CFU

This was basically a public law class about Italy and the EU which focused a bit more on how and why the laws are made and compared different european constitutions. I thought I would have hated it, instead I loved it. We had one textbook assigned but I was able to rely just on my notes. Very nice professor too.

accademic writing: passed, 2 CFU

A seminar in which they teached us how to write at an accademic level (since in Italy is not very common to assign essays and papers to bachelor students but you have to write an extensive thesis to graduate, and they realized no one never teaches us how to). We excercized to structure a sociological paper and then wrote it and submitted. I passed but there was no grade. Very useful.

methodology of sociology: 26, 8 CFU

This is the exam I was preparing this august while I was doing the study challenge. The reading consisted in a textbook and 10 articles we had to analize. I went to take this exam on september 5th, kind of confident in my preparation, and realized I didn't study a part of the material because I didn't know it was assigned. I learned the lesson and will always double, triple check the material assigned BEFORE organizing the study, I was also very unlucky because on the previous dates of the exam there weren't question about this topic and a lot of other students didn't expect to find it in the questions. Anyway, I withdrew and will take it again this semester. edit: I took this exam at the beginning of january 2025 (second year's first exam season), it went well, and I actually loved studying for it when I came back to it more calmly.

contemporary history: ??, 8 CFU

I simply gave up on this exam because I couldn't study for two while working full time. Will take it next semester.

So... this is who I am. My results are above average, but I'm not an academic weapon.

To take one or two exams of the first year on the second year is not at all an issue. But it makes the second year more difficult obviously.

I was not a good student in high school, so when I started university I was motivated, but didn't know how to actually study and organize, this year was a learning process, and after this summer I know I am stronger, more consistent, more motivated and conscious than I ever been.

I will do my absolute best form the start this year, and I will catch up.

#studyblr #realistic studyblr #study blog #study inspiration #study motivation #uni life #productivityboost #studyspo #università #university #italy

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wilsons-striped-ties · 11 months ago

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april tc challenge (days 1-30 one shot)

April TC Challenge by @morethanwords0475

done this back in may, don't know why i didn't post this but it's updated to passion fruit!

Day 1: Happy April Fool's! Have you ever pranked your tc; if so, how did they react?

nope but ive surprised him with a birthday present and he was so stunned

Day 2: What is the earliest thing you can remember about your tc?

i was walking around with some seniors and saw him and back then i was like year one so i didn't know who he was and my seniors were like oh that's passion fruit, he's super scary but he's a good teacher

Day 3: Do you like your tc's subject? Do you consider yourself to be good at it?

MY FAVOURITE SUBJECT!! i used to be the top of his class

Day 4: How do you feel about your age gap?

i don't even know our age gap

Day 5: Have you ever said anything to you tc that showed you favored them? Have they said anything like that to you?

HELP ME last saturday i went back to my high school for their 100 year anniversary musical and somehow ended up telling him that he's my favorite teacher before running down the stairs :' he's called me his star history student and apparently bragged about me a couple times before

Day 6: Have you ever noticed any small habits they have? If so, what comes to mind first?

he paces a lot while standing up and his resting position is hands behind is back. he never buttons his shirts to the max, there's always at least two buttons undone unless he needs to wear a tie, and he'll run his hand through his hair absentmindedly, and he talks softer when he's one on one, or when he's giving instructions to me, and he'll always say "come on lah" in the same tone, same facial expression, same pronunciation. when he doesn't remember a particular detail about the chapter, he'll wave his hand around in the same way, and he will always lean to the side and shift his weight around whenever he's talking, he just can't stand still :'

Day 7: What gift would you like to be able to give them, regardless of if it's realistic or not?

i'd like to gift him my book, like be able to dedicate it to him in the dedications because he's the muse and main character of my book, but it's still in process

Day 8: Does your tc ever talk about what it was like when they were still a student?

yup, he was telling us once how he used to play truant HAHA

Day 9: Does your tc have a significant other? If so, what do you know about them, and how do you feel about them?

he has a wife and three kids, i don't know anything about his wife but his kids i know some stuff about, and ive seen his youngest son a lot because he goes to the middle school that's affiliated with my high school

Day 10: What is the longest time you've gone without seeing them?

maybe a month or two? i try my best to go back to my high school every now and then

Day 11: What do other people usually think of them?

those who have been in his class say he's super funny and his predictions for the national exam topics are eerily accurate, those who haven't been in his class say he's scary looking, they think he's a gangster LMAO

Day 12: Do you often make up excuses to speak to them? What kinds of excuses do you like to use?

OH FOR SURE i go back to school in hopes of seeing him, i ask him questions when i was still a student, i did so many practice papers for him to go through with me

Day 13: Other than the subject they teach, what are they really passionate about?

i feel he's passionate about family, he always seems so gentle around the topic of his family and he's really a compassionate and understanding person, he values family and kindness a lot and i that about him, he's also big on knowledge in general and also feel he's passionate about his looks LMAO he always dresses really cool and he always wants to look good and stuff and it's kinda cute

Day 14: What is a skill you really wish your tc had?

i wish that he would sing more, he has such a good singing voice but he doesn't sing out of teasing us :( i also wish he wrote poems or books or short stories or anything really, he looks like he has a really interesting perspective on life and just looks so poetry coded please and why does he look like such a guitar player...

Day 15: Which MBTI personality do you think they are? (If you don't do MBTI, which Hogwarts House do you think they'd be in?)

he's definitely a slytherclaw, not sure about his mbti but i would KILL to know his mbti

Day 16: if you could go back in time and choose, would you still choose to develop feelings for your tc?

I WOULD SLAP MY YOUNGER SELF how could i have been so blind??? the most perfect man (him) was right in front of me and i stupidly chased after mango... i regret my entire prom man i could have made so many memories with passion fruit :'

Day 17: If it was the last time you would ever be able to see your tc, what is one thing you would never leave without saying to them?

would tell him that he's built my confidence and self esteem up and never brought it down before, something that nobody has ever done before and he's taught me not to be afraid to put my opinions out and that I'll never know if I don't try, so he's given me the spirit of curiosity and trying no matter the circumstances and the odds and that he's genuinely my favorite teacher and that i do love him :'

Day 18: When was the first time you cried because of them?

never cried cause of him before <3

Day 19: How well do you think you know them?

i definitely only know like 30% of him :'

Day 20: Do you ever lie to them? About what?

i hardly ever lie so nope

Day 21: What is the longest time you've spent with them?

one on one maybe around forty minutes or so, in a class/with people maybe an hour plus

Day 22: If you have had other tcs in the past (or right now), how are they similar to or different from your current (or primary) tc?

mango vs passion fruit: I guess the difference between the two of them is that they're polar opposites HAHA

Day 23: Have you ever seen your tc in clothes they don't usually wear? Casual clothes if they wear formal attire or the other way around?

he always wears a dress shirt and dress pants 24/7 but during photo takings/formal events he wears ties and I'm like woah okay, and ive seen him wear our house shirts or just polo/soccer team shirts and it looks quite cute on him, ive seen him in shorts before and ive died before

Day 24: When was the last time they made your heart thump?

every. single. time. i. see. him. especially when we make eye contact ajajsjdgfdks

Day 25: How do you think your tc would react if you confided in them that you felt sad or stressed or anxious?

i think he would show me so much care and concern that it would physically wrench my soul, he's always so sweet and he is the kind of person to check in on you if he knows something's up, or follow up with you and he would definitely reassure me that he has full confidence in me :'

Day 26: What is the best dream you've had of them?

i dont knowww unfortunately i dont dream a lot about him but there was one time in a dream he initiated a photo with me

Day 27: What is the saddest/scariest dream you've had of them?

glad to say that I haven't got any dreams like that regarding him before

Day 28: Does your tc ever bring you up to other students/teachers that you know of?

oh definitely, my friend from another class told me he praised me in front of them 😭

Day 29: Do you see them as being a romantic person? Are you?

HE WOULD BEEE hes so tender and thoughtful and really really really sweet and he takes the initiative and hes just so wonderful hes definitely romantic... im a hopeless romantic enough said

Day 30: How have they changed since you two first met? How have you changed?

hes played around with his hair more and the way his beard outlines his jawline is insane now, hes more casual and comfortable around me and hes also able to joke with me more hehe. im more confident in terms of speaking my opinions out, im more comfortable with being myself around him, and i think because of them, im more thoughtful and i put in more effort in studies and gifts and my wardrobe too HAHAHHA

#teacher crush #teacher x students #teacher x student #teacher attachment #male teacher x female student #tc community #female student x male teacher #male teacher crush #tc crush #teacher crush community #unrequited affection #unrequited crush #unrequited romance #unrequited love #delusional

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moments777 · 1 year ago

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When I was a HS sophomore – decades ago! – my World History teacher was Mrs. Holloway, but we all called her Granny Holloway. She was a slight woman, scarcely 5 feet tall, seemingly fragile, but full of vim and vinegar….you know the type. She could speak for hours about the Fall of the Roman Empire, the Inquisition, the Industrial Revolution, and the World Wars. She never sat while she lectured, never stood at a lectern, but moved around the room making eye contact with all of her students. She was demanding too, and I can’t remember how many papers were sent back to me because she would note “you can do better than this, Miss Schaal.”

One day during class, an office aid interrupted her lecture to hand her a note. She read it silently, apologized, and said she needed to leave the room. We knew it had to be important because Granny Holloway stopped lectures for no one.

We sat in the room talking to one another when the door opened, and in walked Mrs. Abels, another teacher in our HS. She explained to us that Granny had been faced with an emergency, a serious one, and it was questionable if she would even be returning to finish out the semester. We were stunned. Would we get a chance to tell her goodbye? Would we get updates, so we would know she was ok? Mrs. Abels assured us that we need not worry, that Granny was safe but needed time away, and that the best thing we could do for her, and the best way we could show our devotion to her, was to be cooperative with her replacement. Mrs. Abels confirmed that she had been asked and had agreed to step in as Granny’s replacement.

Cheer up, she told us, this could be a good thing. Other teachers still believed in endless homework and projects with deadlines and hard work. She would not bring that into our class. She believed in clean slates. If there were grades that we did not like, she could give us a chance to bring them up. She asked us what suggestions we had to make the semester a better learning experience. Someone mentioned that lectures were boring and we wanted more films. Done, she said. Someone else mentioned that a free day now and then would help us if we needed to catch up on work in other classes. She didn’t see a problem with that. She asked us how we felt about an end-of-semester party. Um, yeah, sounded very good to us. And on and on. Mrs. Abels listened intently and agreed to all of our suggestions, continually emphasizing that her concern was that we have a good learning experience and enjoy the semester. She also reminded us that we were lucky to not be sent out to other classes where we would be working to catch up, and that of course this was all for Granny.

Near the end of the period, shortly before the bell rang, the door opened and Granny sauntered in with her usual Granny Holloway attitude. “How did they do?,” she asked. “Marvelous,” said Mrs. Abels. “They were completely in my hands.”

Granny then faced us and said “And that, my students, is how a dictator takes over a nation. Not with guns or tanks or laws or mandates. They do it using false promises and gifts”

I can’t remember a lesson all through 12 years of public school that made such an impression on me, and has stayed with me.

We are among wolves in sheep clothing, many are being deceived.

Stay awake! And buckle up.

Put on the FULL armor of God, we are going to need it in the days to come.

#unkown 🪶🐺

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apexsainikacadem · 4 hours ago

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Sainik School Coaching: The Ultimate Guide to Cracking the Entrance Exam

📌 What is Sainik School?

Sainik Schools are a system of schools in India established and managed by the Sainik Schools Society under the Ministry of Defence. Their main aim? To prepare students academically, physically, and mentally for entry into the National Defence Academy (NDA). These schools follow a disciplined lifestyle and offer CBSE curriculum blended with military training.

🎯 Why Sainik School is a Popular Choice

Parents dream of giving their children a life of honor and discipline. Sainik Schools are a stepping stone to that dream. Not only do they promote academic excellence, but they also instill leadership, physical fitness, and patriotism from a young age.

📝 Understanding the Sainik School Entrance Exam (AISSEE)

The All India Sainik School Entrance Exam (AISSEE) is your ticket to these prestigious schools. Conducted by the NTA (National Testing Agency), this exam is held for admissions in Class 6 and Class 9.

📚 Exam Pattern at a Glance

Class 6: Mathematics, Language, Intelligence, and GK

Class 9: Mathematics, Intelligence, English, General Science, and Social Studies

Total Marks: Varies by class

Mode: Pen and paper (OMR based)

📋 Eligibility Criteria

Class 6: Age between 10–12 years

Class 9: Age between 13–15 years

Must be studying in the preceding class at a recognized school

🚀 Why Sainik School Coaching is Important

You might ask—Is coaching really necessary?

Here’s the truth: Thousands of students compete for limited seats. Coaching helps streamline preparation, identify strengths and weaknesses, and build the confidence needed to ace the test.

🔑 Coaching Helps You:

Understand the latest syllabus

Practice with real-time mock tests

Learn shortcuts and time-saving methods

Get mentorship and motivation Read More:- Rimc Coaching

📍 Key Features of a Good Sainik School Coaching Institute

Not all coaching centers are created equal. A good one should offer:

👨‍🏫 Experienced Faculty

Teachers who are familiar with AISSEE’s pattern and challenges can make all the difference.

🗂️ Structured Curriculum

From day one, there should be a roadmap. Random learning doesn’t help anyone.

📝 Mock Tests and Assessments

Regular testing keeps the brain sharp and tracks your improvement.

❓ Doubt-Clearing Sessions

No question should go unanswered. Personalized doubt sessions help bridge gaps.

💻 Online vs Offline Coaching

With technology, preparation has become flexible. But which one’s better?

✅ Online Coaching Pros:

Study from anywhere

Flexible timing

Cost-effective

❌ Online Coaching Cons:

Lack of physical interaction

Easy distractions Read Also:- Rms Coaching

🏫 Offline Coaching Pros:

Real classroom environment

Discipline and peer competition

🤷 When to Choose What?

If you live in a remote area—go online. If you need structured discipline—offline wins.

📌 How to Choose the Right Coaching Center

Before you commit, evaluate the following:

Location: Is it easy to reach daily?

Success Stories: What’s their result history?

Faculty Profile: Do they specialize in Sainik School exams?

Free Demo Classes: Test before you invest

📚 Top Subjects Covered in Coaching

Each subject plays a crucial role. Here’s what coaching focuses on:

📐 Mathematics

Concept clarity, speed, and accuracy are vital. Most students fear math—coaching makes it easy.

📖 English

Reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary—all get covered with smart techniques.

🌍 General Knowledge

Dynamic and static GK are both important. Daily current affairs and quizzes help.

🧠 Intelligence/Reasoning

This tests logical thinking. Puzzles, analogies, patterns—it’s like solving riddles every day!

🧪 Role of Mock Tests and Practice Papers

Think of them as dress rehearsals. The more you practice, the better your final performance.

Helps in time management

Builds exam temperament

Reveals weak areas early

📅 Daily Study Schedule for Aspirants

A good routine is half the battle won.

Weekdays:

2 hrs daily study + coaching classes

30 mins revision before bed

Weekends:

3-4 hrs focused preparation

Mock tests and analysis

And yes, don’t forget breaks! A refreshed mind learns better.

👪 Role of Parents in Preparation

Parents, your role is massive.

Be a motivator, not a drill sergeant

Celebrate small wins

Avoid adding pressure

Ensure a peaceful environment at home

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s not fall into these traps:

Cramming at the last minute

Skipping mock test analysis

Ignoring NCERT basics

Not managing time in exam

🏆 Success Stories that Inspire

Meet Raj from Bihar—he cracked AISSEE after a year of dedicated coaching and consistent mock test practice.

Or Ananya from Rajasthan—scored in the top 1% after switching to online coaching during COVID.

These stories prove coaching works—when you do!

📚 Additional Resources for Preparation

Besides coaching, keep these in your arsenal:

Books: Arihant’s Guide, Class 5/8 NCERTs

Apps: Sainik School Practice App, GradeUp

YouTube: Defence Career Academy, MKC Classes

✅ Conclusion

Getting into a Sainik School isn’t easy—but it's absolutely possible with the right coaching, disciplined study, and determined mindset. Whether you opt for online or offline, just make sure your preparation is focused, consistent, and smart. Your dream of wearing the uniform starts with that one entrance exam—and the right coaching can get you there!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the best age to start Sainik School coaching?

Most students begin in Class 4 or 5 to appear in Class 6 AISSEE. Earlier is better for a strong foundation.

Q2. Can a student crack AISSEE without coaching?

Yes, but it requires a strong strategy, dedication, and access to quality materials.

Q3. How long does the coaching usually take?

Generally, 6 months to 1 year of consistent coaching is ideal.

Q4. What is the fee structure for Sainik School coaching?

Fees vary from ₹15,000 to ₹50,000+ depending on duration and facilities.

Q5. Is there negative marking in the AISSEE exam?

No, as of now, AISSEE does not have negative marking.

#sainik #rms #aissee #sainikschool #rimc

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seogosparrow · 3 days ago

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Is One Year Enough to Prepare for the Civil Services Examination?

Introduction

The Civil Services Examination (CSE), conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is one of India’s most prestigious and competitive exams. It opens doors to elite services like the IAS, IPS, IFS, and more. Every year, lakhs of candidates appear, but only a few make it to the final list. This leads to one common question among aspirants: “Is one year enough to prepare for the Civil Services Examination?”

The short answer is — Yes, if approached strategically.

With the right planning, disciplined study, and expert guidance, one year is absolutely sufficient to crack the UPSC exam. Let’s explore how you can turn 365 days into a life-changing journey.

Understanding the UPSC Exam Pattern

To understand the feasibility of a one-year plan, you need to be familiar with the exam’s structure. The UPSC CSE is conducted in three stages:

Preliminary Exam – Objective in nature, consists of General Studies Paper I and CSAT (Paper II).

Mains Exam – Descriptive in nature, with nine papers including Essay, four GS papers, two Optional Subject papers, and two qualifying papers.

Interview/Personality Test – A final assessment of a candidate’s personality, attitude, and awareness.

Each stage demands a focused preparation plan, and that’s where time management becomes crucial.

Is One Year Really Enough?

It Can Be, If You Prepare Smartly

One year is enough — provided you have the right strategy and are willing to commit fully. Today’s aspirants have better access to structured resources, expert mentors, and online/offline test series than ever before.

One-Year UPSC Preparation Strategy (Month-by-Month Plan)

To make the most out of one year, divide it into phases with clear objectives:

Months 1–3: Build Your Base

Read NCERTs from Classes 6 to 12 for History, Geography, Polity, Economics, and Environment.

Begin daily current affairs with The Hindu or The Indian Express.

Understand the syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly.

Refer to standard books like Laxmikant (Polity), Spectrum (History), and GC Leong (Geography).

Months 4–6: Dive into Advanced Preparation

Start Mains answer writing practice.

Pick your Optional Subject and begin studying.

Enroll in a structured coaching program for consistency. We recommend Chanakya IAS Academy, Chandigarh for expert mentorship and test series.

Keep making short notes for revision.

Months 7–9: Master Testing and Revision

Join a comprehensive Mains and Prelims test series.

Focus on past 1-year current affairs using reliable sources like PIB.

Complete your Optional Subject syllabus.

Attempt essay writing once a week.

Months 10–12: Final Sprint

Take at least 10 full-length mock tests for Prelims.

Revise notes, CSAT practice, and current affairs.

Prepare for interviews with mock sessions and soft skills enhancement.

Internal & External Support Matters

Many aspirants struggle with planning and execution. This is where coaching support and structured guidance matter. Institutions like Chanakya IAS Academy in Chandigarh offer customized one-year courses that:

Help streamline preparation

Provide quality study material

Offer mock interviews and tests

Assist in doubt-solving and personalized mentoring

Explore the top-rated IAS coaching in Chandigarh for aspirants looking to crack UPSC in a year.

4 You’ll Find Helpful

Top IAS Coaching in Chandigarh You Should Consider

Master UPSC Mains Answer Writing in Chandigarh

IAS Mock Interviews in Chandigarh to Boost Your Confidence

UPSC Coaching in Chandigarh With Personalized Mentorship

These posts provide in-depth insights into how you can align your one-year preparation strategy with expert help, saving both time and effort.

Tools & Resources You Need

To succeed in one year, you need to work with precision. Here's a quick checklist:

Books:

Indian Polity – Laxmikant

Modern India – Spectrum

Geography – GC Leong

Economy – Ramesh Singh

Environment – Shankar IAS

Newspapers:

The Hindu

Indian Express

Websites:

UPSC Official Website

PIB for Press Releases

PRS India for Legislative Analysis

Test Series & Platforms:

Chanakya IAS Academy Test Series

InsightsIAS or ForumIAS (for online backup)

Optional Subjects: Choose based on your background or interest. Popular choices include PSIR, Sociology, Anthropology, and Geography.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in One-Year UPSC Preparation

Too Many Resources: Limit your sources and revise repeatedly.

Skipping Answer Writing Practice: Start early, even if it’s just 2–3 answers per week.

Ignoring CSAT or Optional: Both are equally important for clearing the exam.

Poor Time Management: Every hour counts. Have a day-wise study schedule.

Final Thoughts

So, is one year enough to prepare for the Civil Services Examination? Yes — if you bring in discipline, direction, and dedication.

Thousands have cracked UPSC within a year. With the right plan, expert guidance from institutes like Chanakya IAS Academy Chandigarh, and a never-give-up mindset, you can too.If you’re serious about your goal, start today. Every single day matters when you have only 365 to chase your dream.

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