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noxturnalmoth · 6 months ago

Text

Literary Service

Summary: Life is a cruel mother but a great teacher. In Noxus, where life is but an afterthought, war raises its people with an iron fist. Whether they like it or not. So when one is courageous enough to escape, they learn to take all that life has to offer, even if it has to be by the skin of their teeth. What would happen if the scholarship that provided you with an escape made you encounter a man as great with his words as he is with hiding the festering wounds in his heart? And what if he was your teacher?

Warnings:

Word Count: 6,724

Masterlist: here

Chapter 2 - The Art of War

"You can call me Mr.Marlowe or Professor Marlowe, no casual naming shall be used when talking to or about me. I will be your literature professor this year, and should you find yourself unlucky, for the remainder of your years in this major as well." His voice no louder than the noise of the chattering surrounding you, yet commanding silence as soon as its gravelly drawl bounces in the large room. High ceiling carrying his voice, the sound wrapping around each student and inspiring total obedience. His gait was slow, deliberate like a predator waiting on its prey, and with his gaze on you it certainly felt as if you were his next meal.

You remember his warmth the day prior, although his pale skin was as cold as fine porcelain, and the gentleness of his touch. You also remember the burning orange eye, scalding as the flames that destroyed your home long ago, the bright iris glowing in the middle of a sclera as black as the obsidian freezing the rolling rage deep below your skin. He was an entirely different man in the class, all traces of softness gone, instead stood a commandeering presence; a relaxed and practiced straightness elongated his spine, prolonged by strong squared shoulders.

His eyes leave you as he drags them lazily over the rest of your class, a hand caressing his desk as he walks around it, sitting himself nonchalantly in his chair as he fishes a flash drive from his briefcase. When he turns the class computer on and turns the projector on, showcasing a list of titles, you brighten up. When you arrived in Zaun and were cradled back to health by your benefactors, you couldn't move for a month and searing pain took you as you walked for the next two. So you decided to use the time you had before class to do some research, entering your name in the Zaun Tech site and entering the student space. There were displayed your name, origin, major, and some messages from the board and teachers were in your message box, mainly congratulating you and welcoming you to the school. One was out of the ordinary though.

First year literature students,

as I do each year year, I have compiled here titles that you can, if you so wish, browse through at your leisure. The mind, like a blade, needs sharpening and the long summer break leaves it dull. So hone your reading lest you wish to complicate your back to school with warming up the slow inner mechanisms of your heads.

And if you find this to be a hassle, do not come whining to me about being unable to follow my class as I will not wait for you. You should read at least one book to spare both yourself and I some extra work.

Welcome to the Zaun Technical College,

S. Marlowe.

And attached to it was a list of ten books ranging from classical literature, to science-fiction, horror, gothic romance, young adult, poetry and even military strategy. The last one was no stranger to you, and although the other books had been delightful reads from the depth of your bed with your left leg and back surrounded by braces, your thoughts compiled into your notebook, something about the Art of War brought an uneasy sense of relief to you. It was waters you had sailed through before, and reading through the book felt more like gazing at memories you'd rather forget, with all its words ingrained in your head, the book quickly discarded before you devoured what remained.

Mr. Marlowe walked back in front of his desk, leaning against it with his hips held by its edge as his wiry form crossed both arms and legs. "Although the list was not mandatory I hope you have read from it. Who amongst you has read through at least half of it?" His voice all but sneers, a dark irritated edge hardening the curve of his eye as he looked to the handful of hands spearing the air. "And I don't suppose anyone has read all of them."

He says, words clipped and cold, rattling through the rest of the young people surrounding you. But his face tenses into a surprised frown as you raise your hand, his eyebrows softening in the early afternoon light. His tight sneer calming into a relaxed slight smirk, his head tilting to the side.

"Did you now? Then I suppose I will hear a lot from you in this class?"

He croons teasingly, his eyes disbelieving, the tumultuous seas of his stormy ocean eyes softened by the glow of something fonder. And as you place your arm back on your table and fiddle with your fingers at the sudden attention from everyone in the amphitheater, you nod a single assured shake of the head that has him huffing. Although from how he relaxed, it was something more akin to a genuine laugh than a mockery, but this man didn't seem to be the type to do the former so you could only theorize.

The class falls into complete silence as he snaps his fingers towards the first title, The Divine Comedy, an echoing sharp sound that sends your atoms in a frenzy as you straighten. A couple of classmates scramble to explain the book's plot, its genre, its author Dante Alighieri, and its publishing date in a messy and unstructured heap of words. An almost bored nod shakes Mr.Marlowe's head as he listens to the rushed and simplified explanations from students that either read through an explanation of said book, or simply skimmed it. Another snap of his fingers rang, slicing through the meek scrambling voices like a seamstress' scissors through silk. The next title, The Mask of The Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe, was described by mumbled answers forced out of students' mouths followed by yet another snap. The Shining, snap. The Hunger Games, snap. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, snap. Again and again, until the last book. Your face screwing in discomfort at obvious fallacies and poor research or reading comprehension as your classmates presented the tomes compiled in the professor's list. The atmosphere became heavy as the last snap rang, students looking at each other and whispering in rushed and scared voices from the display of power from the tall, lithe and commanding man. His dark clothes sucking up all the light in the warmly lit cream colored room, wordlessly ordering attention towards his form, eye lidded, body relaxed yet seemingly ready to pounce, although at what you had no idea.

"The Art of War by Master Sun Tzu, sir." His head tilts as a heavy exhale leaves his lungs and a small rictus makes its way to his sneering lips, slicing through his face like a butcher's cleaver saws flesh and bone. Dissatisfied nonchalance replaced by something akin to patient curiosity, nothing but the slight shift of his shoulders and the light unclenching of his hands and jaw to prove the change.

"The Art of War or Sūnzǐ Bīngfǎ, was written approximately in the 5th century by Ionian born Noxian commander Master Sun Tzu. It contains 13 chapters, each devoted to a certain skill set or as he called them 'arts' and their applications in military strategy and tactics. Another Ionian born Noxian warrior, Sir Shenzong of Song, used The Art of War to create his anthology: the Seven Military Classics. The original is mostly known for the quote 'know thy enemy' although one of those most revered amongst Noxians is: 'When the enemy is relaxed, make them toil. When full, starve them. When settled, make them move'."

You recite, words flowing from your mouth before your brain could follow, it was an easy yet impossible task to speak those words that were carved into your flesh many years ago. But as you look back up, your ashamed gaze heavy and dragging your head down into a bow, your eyes find Mr.Marlowe.

His face had relaxed, jaw unclenched, arms holding him in a backwards lean against his desk as the teal of his iris drank in your form, like small sips from a tumbler full of expensive whiskey. The intensity of his gaze was akin to a sandstorm in the burning deserts of Shurima, but it was not violent. No, it was inquisitive, your words had been too smooth and calculated, as if repeated time and time again, your body had stiffened in a strained familiar manner, eyes blank; and you knew it. Just like he'd uttered his commands yesterday, your body reacted to the book similarly, bone deep obedience dripping from your very being yet no weakness in sight, a perfect little carved wooden soldier albeit worn by time and use. Your lips purse.

"Piltovan priest Jesuit Jean Joseph Amiot translated it and published the final version in 1772, although it was republished in 1782. The Demacian Lionel Giles also published his own annotated version in 1910."

You trail off, hands cupping over one another in an attempt for comfort as your classmates eyes pierce through you like poisoned daggers. The acrid taste of what feels like bitter judgment slowly pooling in your stomach before being soothed by three, slow methodical claps coming from the man at the front of the room.

"You lot should take notes into how to properly present literary works like.."

He tilts his head at you and you reveal your name, voice tight at uttering it around so many people whose attention was placed solely on you. Mr. Marlowe nods and repeats your name, using it to end his sentence, finality ringing like a blacksmith striking his hammer onto glowing metal.

The rest of class is spent with the svelte man describing the syllabus, his office hours and explaining what his teaching method entailed. He was harsh, expectant, refused to push deadlines unless catastrophic events struck, but he would never refuse to help and re-explain as many times as needed and was just in his grading. Soon came the time to leave and as you stood up, one hand holding your table and the other your crutch, you felt the throbbing pain of earlier's rushing make its way through your weary bones. A quick look at your phone showcased the hour, your next class would be in quite a while but with how unfamiliar you were with the campus and your limp you knew it'd take longer than it would've, had you been able bodied. Your spiral notebook and pencil case were soon back in their place in your messenger bag as you made your way out of the room.

"Could I steal you for a moment before you get to where you need to be?"

The gravelly yet deceptively soft voice of Mr.Marlowe made itself known as you turned. Eyeing the now sitting man, one hand elegantly holding a pen as he wrote down notes while the other held his head up, at his words you felt a pull and, unable to resist it, one foot stepped forward.

So you made your way towards him, body reacting before you could even process the words, like a sailor succumbing to a siren's song. Yet again the man had puppeteered your body, it was vexing and terrifying. A heavy weight in your stomach as you struggled to figure why he had such control over you. Were you such a well trained beast that you obeyed orders blindly even from a stranger, or was it just him. But if it was, why was it that he could wipe your mind of all the constant, loud, parasitic noise; how did he do it, and most importantly why did it look like, albeit he was in control, he was as surprised as you were. Maybe it was his gentle touch and patient words from yesterday? It couldn't be that, at least not entirely, because he had broken you out of your violent, monstrous rage before that. Your face sours in thought as you lose yourself in the noise yet again, body straight from your feet to your head as settle into the classic Noxian stance, body searching for any familiarity to comfort itself from your confused train of thought.

"At ease."

And yet again, all the tension in your muscles ebbs away like sea foam on jagged boulders, piercing the saltwater surrounding them. Your eyes trail to the sitting man who was still preparing his notes, his handwriting an elegant cursive flowing from his pen with practiced ease.

"You seemed to want to correct a lot of what your classmates said."

He sighs as he leans back, pen settled on the ink covered paper, arms draped over the arms of the chair, and his eye staring at you with a calm curiosity you were not used to.

"Well a lot of their facts were shallow, and I suppose they just didn't organize their ideas properly at times and it felt messy. They also got some informations false. For example The Mask of the Red Death is a gothic novella, not a fantasy. And Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was published in 1997 unlike what they said, the movie though was indeed released in 2001."

Voice steady yet almost meek you explain the reasons of your tension during class, one hand rubbing at your nape as a hum vibrates the air around you. Mr.Marlowe was softly swerving to side to side on the office chair, right elbow planted on one of the arms as his hand holds his chin, eyes pensively staring through you, a small smile making its way on his scarred lips.

"You did read them all then. Something I have stopped expecting after some time as a professor. There is chance for us yet."

He nods absentmindedly and leans forward, elbows on the desk as his hands fold together to hold his chin, the crows feet cornering his eye slowly erased as a sigh pushes its way from his throat as if it was escaping his lungs, rushing out of him.

"How have you been fairing since yesterday? I hope rest came easy after such an episode, gods know the remnants of inner demons can still drag you back to hell."

Your eyebrows furrow at that, not only had he helped you but he also took it upon himself to oversee your state afterwards. It was strange being given such attention, and although kind people took you in when you arrived in Zaun and nursed you back to health, you still couldn't trust such gentleness blindly; the voices in your head growling and hissing in distrust like a pit of starved vipers. But even through the loud fussing, you still couldn't find it in yourself to lie or hide such informations from him, at least out of respect for his earlier kindness.

"I immediately caved in to sleep, sir. Unfortunately it seems I exhausted more energy than I believed and slept through my first two classes."

You hear a sharp intake of breath and, looking up, see his eye narrow, eyes raking up and down like clawed beastly paws trying to rip at your carefully crafted facade. One which showed more control than you could actually execute over yourself, your life, or others.

"Then I believe I should be glad you've decided to show up to mine. Another class of uninterested young adults would have frayed the last of my patience for the day."

His voice almost purrs, dark and playful, like the slow rumble of thunder under rolling black clouds, a flash of chipped teeth in his smirk serving as the lightning punctuating his sentence. His gaze was analytical, each part of you picked apart and pulled back together but from the twitch of his eyebrow it felt like he didn't find whatever it was that he was looking for.

"I have also taken the liberty to contact the board about yesterday, you will not be held accountable for your episode as I have made it very clear that what happened was beyond even yourself."

It was your turn to inhale, a sharp hiss leaving you as your lungs expanded and your spine strained at the movement, eyes narrowing at the man sitting in front of you in question. Lips pursing in thought as he threw you off yet again, why was he doing all of this, what were his intentions and what did he want in return?

"I don't wish to sound ungrateful, but why sir?"

His eye closes as he shakes his head, two strands of tar black hair spilling over his forehead like ink in water.

"People like us are rarely seen in a good light when our demons take a hold of us and twist us into a monster. If we do not have each other's backs, who will?"

His hand rakes through his hair, placing the strands back in place. Your heart was heavy, as if the blood pumped through it was lead, your stomach churning as one piece of the puzzle was revealed to you, people like us. He was like you, different yes, but he knew the horrors of the world as well as you did and came out alive, born anew. Before you could let your train of thought bring you back to the recesses of your mind you look at the clock and wince at the time that has passed.

"I will not keep you any longer, do not rush to class, you'll need your energy for it. I will see you on Thursday."

And with that, you leave, only answering with a nod as you grip your crutch and bag tighter, your throat too closed up for any words to leave your mouth. The rest of the day goes by fast after Mr.Marlowe's class and luckily you can rip your mind away from the thoughts of him. It may have been hidden, but you shiver at the thought of the eye beneath the eye patch, the scars marring his face like paths leading to the gates of hell. It was as if it still looked at you, through you, even through the thick leather it pierced you like a hunter's bullet pierces his prey. At home later, a boiling shower akin to the ones you were given in Noxus cleared your mind of the nagging curiosity slowly growing stronger. Food was simple and rest was back to the usual terror filled nightmares, cold sweat carving into your skin like water eroding stone.

So instead of going back to sleep, you read, preparing homework that you had weeks to finish to occupy and cool your frenzied mind. You were not late for or missed any class that day and the day went quite well, a soft and gentle smile stretching across your lips at the prospect of your life being so tranquil now as you walked to the college's grand library. A beautiful carved stone building topped by a glass dome, the inside showcasing rows of tables and immense bookshelves stretching for what seemed like miles on end. By the time you left to return to your dorm, all of the homework you were assigned was done, neatly pinned together in small files. In Thursday's literature class you gave back the homework given on Monday as you entered the room, hands brushing Mr.Marlowe's as he hummed in surprise, taking the neat file.

"I didn't expect anyone to be so dedicated, yet it's no surprise that if someone had to be it would be you."

A twinge of delight colors his dark voice, brightening it enough for you to hear it. And somehow, and without your consent, your body preens at the praise, as if you were a cat being pet lovingly by its master. The mere thought bringing both discomfort, and something bitter and unknown, it was envy but not in a way you knew. It was more raw.

"The grand library is the prime working environment, I finished my homework before I knew it. It was as if I was possessed."

You chuckle softly, remembering how after entering the library everything felt more like a blur as you excitedly worked over your assignments, finishing them quickly yet not rushed. The man nods softly.

"I'm glad it felt that way, the library is indeed a beauty and it's a shame not more people see it the way we do." You agree quickly before making your way to the same desk as last time, crutch laid on the ground and necessary material set on the desk as more students poured into the room, the class soon beginning.

"As explained Monday, our first semester will be focusing on Demacian literature from the previous century, its themes and its growing influence over the mentalities in its homeland and all over Runeterra."

The man says pacing as the presentation is projected over a blank screen, his long fingers holding a remote and pressing to change slides whenever Mr.Marlowe finished explaining it and its contents.

"We will begin reading The Stranger by Albert Camus in class, but I expect all of you to have it by Monday to facilitate all the aspects of our work together. You are also encouraged to get the rest of the books annotated in the syllabus list for the semester so you don't need to worry about getting them later."

His voice drawls, eyes raking through the crowd lazily before he opens the book and starts reading. Voice spearing through the warm air of the class like the blades you held once upon a time ripping through the flesh of your enemies, innocent or not. Minds compelled and coaxed into listening by the dark velvet of his tone, like children entranced by the pied piper, leading them to the ends of the world. He was focused, not a word fumbled, pacing guiding you through the words with impeccable timing, voice changing just a smidge when he needed to voice a character, different yet still very much him. Sometimes his eye would trail off, mouth still speaking the words etched onto each page as if he carved them in the bedrock of his mind. And sometimes, you would catch him, nodding in what could only be described as reverence, a certain admiration at his perfected reading; as if he channeled the very essence of the author through his being and offered it to his students, wrapped up with a bow made of his voice.

And you took the gift, cradling the words in your heart and drinking in Mr.Marlowe's timbre as he uttered the sentences inscribed on the pages. As he comes to a stop the slow tap of his closing book resounds through the room, sounding more like a bomb than a pile of pages bound together by a string.

"What can you tell me about this book that makes it so different than usual Demacian tomes?" He leans against his desk, legs and arms crossed like on Monday, teal eye tracing a line through the class like the horizon separates the sea and the sky.

"Demacia is known for being a nation of strong morals and honor, which could be a good thing but their pride also serves as a fault. They see themselves as judge and jury more often than not. But Mr.Camus, in this book, describes a man lacking any passion, any grief, any honor or morals. He is empty, some thoughts even make him seem nearly despicable. He is flaccid, takes no initiative, he's like driftwood in the ocean, impassible and flowing wherever the waves bring him. He seems more like an object than a human."

You say, voice strong yet a slight waver concludes your explanation and Mr.Marlowe nods an appreciative hum coming from his throat.

"Indeed. Whereas traditional Demacian behavior is usually confident, morally strong and leaning towards an almost impossible sense of self-righteous justice, Camus here depicts a man at the complete opposite. It doesn't mean he is actively trying to do wrong, no, that would require effort that our protagonist has no intentions of giving. Whether he can or cannot is something I will let all of you theorize. He is indeed empty, a shell with human shape but lacking anything that would make him remotely human in a philosophical sense. He does not even grieve his deceased mother."

You absorb every word, pen gliding on paper as you write all that is discussed. "While his lack of grief could possibly be explained by depression or any other psychological cause of the like that could hinder his emotional response, he also shows no contentment. None at spending time with his friends, none at doing anything at all, no motivation whatsoever in seeking contentment either. He seems to be in a stagnating state of disinterest at everything in the world, even more so towards himself, albeit self-centered at times in his reflection."

A teal eye cuts to you, dragging you to the depths of its self contained ocean. "What do we call this lack of motivation and drive, this lack of want or need to feel anything pleasurable or good?"

His voice questions, voice seemingly darker, hands braced on each side of his hips against the desk. "Anhedonia, sir." His chest grows in a heavy, quick breath, that almost sounds like a hiss as he releases it. As if a vicious serpent crawled out of his body, but no bitter venom came at you, only the vision of his stiffened shoulders and hands clenching a little more over the edge of the desk.

"Indeed."

His voice is back to its usual controlled drawl and his body relaxes as class continued, ending just short of two minutes after the appointed time. As students rush out, you take your time, not wanting to get pushed and trampled as you limped your way out, you've learned the hard way since becoming disabled that not many care for proper etiquette and you would have to look out for yourself alone.

"Not only are you extremely well versed in military strategies and tactics, able to recite excerpts of ancient manuals with practiced ease and explain them clearly and in their entirety. But you are also very attentive at every new project you are given. I applaud you for your dedication."

A soft gasp escapes you as Mr.Marlowe's voice shakes the empty room, stopping your slow walk to the exit. "You must be one of the more passionate students I've had the chance to teach."

Your back screams at you as you turn towards the man, slowly pacing towards him as he talks, and a small smile stretches on your face. Your heart once again warming at his praise, drinking it like a drunkard does alcohol.

"I am here because I love reading and writing, I love thinking, I love seeing all the ways we can show our humanity through literature, the good and the bad. Why would I not pay attention? Why would I not want to dig deeper within the pages until I can find the hidden meanings?"

He chuckles, a short soft sound leaving his throat before he can wrangle it into submission. "The Noxian determination is without limit I see. Maybe your ethic will spur on your classmates into taking less time to wake up from their holiday filled stupor. I, for one, would appreciate that very much."

His legs cross in his chair as he writes down, notes and pages filled with cursive shaped black ink. He sighs softly and a page turns, his eye tracing over your face pensively before he clasps his hands together in a relaxed manner.

"I would like to make an inquiry. It would be an indulgence for me to ask, but I figured that it wouldn't hurt to try." You tilt your head at his words.

"What is it, sir?" Clasped hands tighten and cheek twitches almost lost to your keen eye had you blinked.

His hands separate and he holds his pen again, writing a succession of words on the blank page, the cursive becoming intelligible as he turns the paper your way.

The Odyssey by Homer

You bend softly, a wince stopping your descent, and grasp the paper.

"I would like you to, if you wish, read this book and come to see me during office hours to discuss it. Take the time you need, do not rush yourself, I am simply asking you to indulge me. Not many students have your passion, or at least they hide it quite expertly, so it is a refreshing sight. I would like to share some time sharing knowledge with a like minded individual rather than simply entrusting it upon someone."

His words sink in, he only wished for someone to be as interested in literature as he was? Coming from a man with such a strong, commandeering aura, it felt almost childish. Yet you couldn't bring yourself to refuse, the books you were given in the list were nothing short of great and if they were anything to go by, you'd guess the rest of his picks were just as pleasing to read.

"Of course sir, I'd be honored. I've finished all of my assignments for the moment so I'll try to read and analyze this book over the weekend. I could come.."

You trail off, thinking about how you wanted to make good of your free time to read and maybe read again the book he proposed to give a discussion worth his expectations.

"Next friday, at around 5 p.m?"

He caps his pen and tidies his desk. "That would be perfect. I'll be expecting great things in your report, but especially that you enjoyed my recommendation." His voice is soft as he places his books in his briefcase. Coat plucked from the back of his chair as he rose up.

"If it's anything like what you put in the summer list, I know I will." You nod a respectful goodbye and wish him a good weekend as you walk out, heading to the library to get the book so you could read it in the comfort of your bed.

At home, before sleeping, you slip in the comfort of your bed and open The Odyssey, notebook and pencil next to you so you could take pauses and note your thoughts and ideas. Falling asleep after hours of reading as your eyes trace the words written on the pages. Nightmares waking you in the dead of night and making it impossible to fall back asleep. You decided to continue and opened your book back up, realizing that reading will at least soften the anguish provided by the nightly horrors you face. Friday wasn't anything special, and at night you tucked yourself into bed with your books again. The epic of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, and the trials and tribulations he had to face exciting you, pulling at your heartstrings and lulling you to sleep. Saturday and Sunday were spent all day reading, book clutched in your hands as you ate and did your daily chores, even taking it for grocery shopping or to get the books Mr.Marlowe wanted for class. Monday's class went fast.

"I am done with the book but I want to read it again to see what I might've missed." You utter to the tall man as his fingers click on a laptop's keyboard and he hums. His face lifting a bit to look at you.

"Be careful, you'll make me raise my expectations." He teases, voice light and you huff out a laugh.

"Whatever expectations you throw at me I'll put all my might into exceeding." It was his turn to chuckle as you smile.

"I know you will." And with that you leave, evening routine continuing until friday.

The whole day was spent pacing in your dorm, you sat in bed, then in one of the chairs near your small kitchen, then back on your bed. It was as if you were a starved, caged lion, the prospect of discussing the book with your professor warming you from the inside out. You were making someone proud, and it was not by accomplishing deeds of great violence and being a glorified mass murderer in an army originating from the depths of hell itself. No, he was proud solely because you were passionate about the subject he was teaching. It was as simple as that. So when the time came to leave, you went to the building his office was set in with a metaphorical pep in your pained step.

After asking around at the reception you walk towards the left corridor, stepping in its empty space while windows let in the golden light from the setting sun. You straighten and knock three times, a hummed "come in" making you turn the doorknob and shuffle inside. The smell of tobacco immediately hitting your senses as you close the door behind you. Turning around you see Mr.Marlowe at a big mahogany desk, decorated with carved mythological figures, pouring over files as he smoked a cigar. The window was wide open, probably to not to imbibe the room with the smell, although it seems that was too late. Bookshelves lined the walls, filled with books of all sizes, some thicker than others, and to your left were a small coffee table and a maroon velvet covered couch, the same maroon velvet that was on the seats and backrest of the chairs facing the grand desk.

"Ah, there you are. I will not lie that I've been expecting you, even since before the appointed time. Take a seat."

Your body obeys him again, slowly setting yourself on one of the chairs you sigh at your unwilling reaction before setting your crutch down and fishing for your notes in your bag, left leg stretched to the side of the desk. When you came back up, his papers had been discarded in neat piles on the side of his desk and one of his hands held up his head, his eye patch discarded.

"I won't lie that I've been pacing all day too, sir. I read the book three times in the span of a week so I could be as thorough as possible and I couldn't wait to get to you."

Your voice softly declares with a smile as you open your notebook and he chuckles, waving his hand for you to begin. Words fall from your lips, at first hesitant and unsure but at his gentle stare, the burning eye somehow coaxing you with warm kindness instead of burning you with scalding anger, your voice turns more confident and, with time, even excited. He nods and quips as you describe all your notes, lending them over to him, your hands accompanying your words in frantic movements. It was as if your mind turned off, his approving gaze, encouraging words and small smirk enough to spur you on. By the time you're finished, almost panting after gods know how long, you notice just how satisfied Mr.Marlowe looks, almost proud. And your insides shiver in delight at that, his approval causing reactions in your body and mind that you didn't even know you could have.

"Needless to say you liked it?"

You nod as you drink from a water bottle he handed you and he chuckles.

"A life of violence can do multiple things. Leave you dead, leave you unable to move on, or leave you with a thirst for all that humanity has to offer. I'm glad to see you are the latter, as am I."

Your eyebrows furrow and your head tilts, eyes appraising the man in front of you. His teal eye, the other being similar to a topaz cushioned on black velvet, the scars on his face, the grey hairs caressing his temples, the black shirt, slightly opened at the top. He wasn't acting any different than usual, but maybe it was the proximity or the fact you were alone with him in his office that made his words ring so much louder. The remnants of the class' energy not here to protect you from the commandeering aura of the man in front of you, who looked to be observing you just as much as you were observing him. Two predators in the wild, but one was always going to be the prey, and as his eyes picked you apart yet again, you realized it was you. It was terrifying, someone wanting to know and see you, because no matter what he had seen you knew he'd probably turn in disgust and shun you if he knew and saw everything that you were. A monster. Your nightmares never failed to remind you that fact as they stopped you from getting more than 5 hours of rest per night.

"You left."

His voice takes you away from the spiral of your own mind.

"What do you mean, sir?" Your voice shakes and he sighs, stubbing out his cigar as the smoke escapes his mouth.

"I look at all of my first year students' profiles, it helps me decipher their motivations, ways to push them to do their best. You are from Noxus, and gods know leaving this hellish place is hard if you aren't a noble. Actually, you would know too, wouldn't you?"

The bottle crinkles as you hold it tight, fighting off a sneer as you look away in shame.

"What if I do?"

"Then I'd say your crutch is a consequence. And that the episode you had that day was but the surface of the deep painful abyss left behind by the war, filling every crack of your broken mind with unfathomable darkness."

Breath stuttering, your eyes find his, but you don't find disgust, no you find gentle understanding.

"And what do you want from me then, sir?" His eyebrows furrow and he leans forward.

"For you to see that you can and deserve to heal."

He rises, chair creaking at the loss of his weight as he walks towards one of the bookshelves, perusing the selection until his long fingers grasp a tome. Your body is tense, shaking slightly as he approaches you from the side, gently placing a book in front of you as he leans back on the table.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

"Why?"

You try as hard as you can to keep your voice from cracking while looking down, in confusion or from the whirlwind of emotions currently clashing in your heart you do not know. And although your voice stays steady, the grit in it is unusual enough for Mr.Marlowe to sigh as his hand finds your chin and turns your face to him gently.

"So you can indulge me some more, I enjoyed our discussion today and would love to have more if you'll have me."

His voice purrs low, a softness to it that you would think impossible to be directed towards you.

"That's not.."

Your voice chokes out, that's not what I meant, was what you meant to say. But it seems like he knew with how his grip on your chin slightly clenches, bringing you back to Earth before your mind sunk back down into the ocean of self-hatred that was your soul.

"You will come next friday, same time. If you haven't finished the book by then, we'll read it together, but I will still listen to what you have written about it."

His grip leaves your chin with what almost felt like a caress as you grab the book. Heart pounding, head turning and stomach churning. Who was he, and what did he want? Your mind yells at you against following him in the dance he wishes to lead, warning you about bad intentions, about darkness both your own and his, about violence and pain. But as you look into his eyes and remember his praise and gentleness, your mind and body separate, the latter operating without a pilot as it itches to answer.

"I'll do my best not to disappoint you, sir." Is what you utter, obedience bleeding into the inner hatred you hold towards yourself, burnt into every fiber of your being. And as he brushes his hand over one of yours, brows furrow, tears almost threaten to leave your eyes and your throat closes up.

"I don't think you ever will."

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solarwonux · 2 years ago

Text

Business Proposal || knj (7/?)

pairing: namjoon x f!reader || ex friends to lovers!au friends to lovers!au

Genre: fluff, angst, smut, slow burn, fwb!au, non idol!au, unrequited love

Warnings: slow burn, angst,

Rating: mature, 18+

w.c: 5.8k

Synopsis: Namjoon is living on borrowed time, and it’s time to cash in. His father is months from taking his last breathe and his life long dream is to watch his oldest son say “I do.”

a/n: hello hello hellooooo, this one is more of a filler one to get everything started. Still, I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. lmk your thoughts and if you want to be added to the tag list!

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10 years ago

The first time you ever met Kim Namjoon, the leaves were just beginning to change in color. The fall season was approaching. The greens of the summer were slowly fading into vibrant autumn hues. Replacing the obnoxious sticky heat, for humid and cooler winds. The leaves still hadn’t fallen, the foliage was at its peak and you were desperately trying to stay afloat.

Somehow, you had gotten roped into a math class. Well, you weren’t necessarily roped into it. You were forced into it. It was part of the prerequisite requirements and because you had barely passed all of your Algebra exams in high school, you couldn’t plead the advisory board to accept those credits. They would’ve just laughed in your face and sent you away with a list of professors who specialized in the devil made subject.

Now, you had hoped that college algebra was a bit easier, after three weeks of a summer intensive course you were proven wrong. You weren’t necessarily failing, but you weren’t passing either. Though, in a panic-induced state full of hope you had done the math - ironic, and came to the conclusion that if you didn’t pass the final exam, you wouldn’t be able to move onto part two of the class.

If you had done things differently, you would’ve taken the classes at the start of your degree, just as your academic advisor had suggested. You didn’t and now you are two semesters away from a beautiful bachelors degree in arts. Achieving an impressive double major in Writing and Rhetoric and Journalism with a minor in International Communications, along with a tasteful three point nine GPA.

You were almost there. You could savor it as you looked into master degree programs. The looming debt of your student loans was the least of your worries. At least for now. If you didn’t pass the stupid final exam, in one of the easiest math classes you could ever take in college. You would be growing a larger hole in your loan repayment agreement with the prestigious HYBE U.

At this point you were desperate. Almost to the point in which you considered cheating. A blaspehmous thought that you only ever had in high school during science labs. Those gizmos computer stimulations were a quizlet file away, and the sweet taste of victory was even closer.

Yet, quizlet wouldn’t work out in this scenario and finally you caved, putting away your pride for a little bit to admit that you needed help.

A math tutor was the best option for you. Lots of college kids were desperate for another quick buck along with their less than promising part time jobs, while they struggled with juggling school in the process. You only hoped that the ad you posted on the HYBE U facebook group would workout, even if it had been a week ago and still hadn’t gotten any engagement.

Maybe it was time to accept the truth, what’s one more extra semester. Sure, it interferes with your descriptive five year plan, but you could somehow modify it. Right?

Wrong? So very wrong.

You needed a tutor quick. Probably in the next hour or so, because you refused to step foot in another math class again. Your life revolved around your rhetorical readings, feminist discoverings in Ancient Greece. You loved research, writing papers on things you found interesting, and developing a new perspective to already made discoveries. It was a rush. Not necessarily the writing part - it was tedious and sometimes you wondered why you even decided to pursue writing in the first place; but the sense of achievement and the ego boost you got when you typed the final sentence and the final period was euphoric. To then scroll through twenty plus pages of times new roman double spaced text that came from your brain, was a thrill. And one you would never achieve when it came to math.

Ugh!

“You good there?” You knew that voice. It was all too familiar. You had spent countless hours sitting in a lecture hall with him telling you jokes and writing you notes retelling you the rumors he heard about your math professor.

So, maybe, your total inability to see patterns when it came to numbers wasn’t completely your fault. But the fault of the raven haired, toothy smile of the muscle bunny that you had befriended in both your science lab and college algebra courses.

You lift your head up to see Jungkook with his head cocked to the side. His right eye was a bit swollen due to the sty he had developed from scratching his eye too much with his dirty germy hands. So, he had to opt to wear his glasses, his right eye lens was a bit thicker than the left, making his eyes look a bit disproportionate. If you weren’t aware of how successful he was at getting around with both women and men you would’ve thought otherwise, due to his geeky look and fascination with RPG games.

You groan, messing your hair with your silver ring cladded fingers. “No offense but math is the worst subject in this entire world. Why do we need it? I’m not going to use it to calculate the circumference of the can of beans I’m going to buy at the grocery store. Nor will I use the pythagorean theorem to measure the circumference of my pizza.” You rant, glancing at the time and closing your laptop.

Your self study session was unsuccessful because all you did was refresh the facebook page hoping someone would take your twenty dollars an hour offer.

Yes, you were incredibly desperate, even considering upping the price to appeal to more money hungry college students.

“The fact that you’re using geometry terminology regarding a simple college algebra class tells me everything I need to know.” He grins, partially leaning his body to the side, resting his weight on the umbrella handle he was carrying.

Fuck, you forgot it was going to rain today.

Your day couldn’t get any worse.

“Anyway, I’m guessing the tutor search isn’t working?”

“Bingo,” you snap your fingers at him before proceeding to gather the rest of your stuff.

This was the part you dreaded the most. The agonizing walk to your math lecture. Honestly, if it weren’t for Jungkook consistently meeting up with you in the cafe that connected to the hallway in the math building to walk to class together. You would’ve probably never turned up after the first class. Hence why you’re not in a sinking boat. Just a partially sinking boat.

Jungkook sighs, scratching the back of his head, watching you scoot out of the booth. He wishes he could offer you more help other than moral support and a few ‘You can do it,’ air punches. But between his computer science classes, and increasing doubt regarding his degree plaguing his mind, he’s found himself with zero free time.

That’s when he remembers something. A small passing comment made on his way to bathroom last night as he was getting ready for bed. Maybe he does have a way to help you. His face lights up, alerting you.

“What, why do you look like you’ve just seen a cheesecake on sale?” You adjust the strap of your leather bag, against your shoulder and make your way to his side, eyeing his umbrella.

Would it be weird to ask him to walk you home after class?

Shaking your head at the thought, a problem for later, you decide.

You shift your gaze to meet his. He’s biting the inside of his cheek and you’ve never been so desperate at knowing what goes on in that questionable head of his. He also never takes this long to say something. Once a thought pops into that head of his head, it's out in seconds because he’s afraid he might lose it.

You can thank his ADHD for that one.

“I think I might know someone who’s free on Tuesday and Thursday evenings that can probably help you out.” He squints, nodding his head, and you feel your mood turn right side up.

You knew befriending Jungkook would end up benefiting you one day. Though, you do feel a little bit irritated, couldn’t he have told you this wonderful news, um, I don’t know a week ago as you two sat in this exact same booth, while he watched you make the stupid facebook post.

You shove him a little, his umbrella buckling under his weight and he stumbles a bit, shock written all over his face. “What was that for?” He complains, taking a hold of his right arm in mock hurt.

“You’ve seen me suffer and you’re now just telling me that you magically happen to know someone who can tutor me this entire time.” You huff, shoving past him, glancing at your phone screen for the time. Class was in five minutes, unfortunately.

“That’s not necessarily true.” He speaks from behind you, and you throw him a glare making him buckle under the pressure. The dramatics. He’s only been your friend for almost four weeks, but he’s already gotten used to you and he knows he’s hit a vein, and that you’re so stubborn any explanation wouldn’t work. It is always worth a try.

“Okay maybe that’s true, but they’re pretty busy and I just assumed he would have a full schedule and no time to tutor you.” He explains, keeping up with your steps. The two of you arrive in front of the lecture hall with a minute to spare, you take it upon yourself to open the door, revealing the room full of stressed induced faces, quietly whispering to each other.

You shake your head at Jungkook’s explanation, making your way to your usual seats. In the middle but on the outside for a quick escape if ever needed. “How do you even know this person? I thought you only had two friends.” You place your bag gently onto your desk and sit down.

“Actually, including you, I have three friends.”

“My friends don’t count either.”

Jungkook rolls your eyes and slumps down next to you, spreading his legs wide, taking up all his leg room and part of yours. God, he was such a guy.

“Do you want my help or not?” He says in feigned annoyance.

You unzip your bag, fishing out your pencil and notebook, while he takes out his laptop. You could never understand how he was able to take math notes on a computer, but he was the self proclaimed computer genius. Well, his straight A’s in all of those freakishly hard classes were also proof, so, there must be a method to his madness.

You sigh, setting your bag down in the empty seat next to you. “Fine, yes, please, my perfect Jungkook. I’m desperate, put me out of my misery.” You plead, hands clenched in front of you as the hushing of the students dies down, and the greeting of your Spanish accent written professor echoes throughout the class. It’s your cue to shut up and hopefully pay attention.

“First, don’t ever say things like that.” Jungkook begins, leaning in closer to whisper, “it’s weird.” He says in disgust–the audacity. “Second, do you have plans after class?” He finishes leaning away and opening up a new blank document on his laptop.

You shake your head at his question and click down on your mechanical pencil. You were determined to at least understand one thing in today’s lesson. Jungkook doesn’t answer, your professors voice booming throughout as he begins the lesson of the day, and you’re distracted in seconds by the light tap on your shoulder.

You look over at your friend, his laptop screen turned in your direction so you can read the tiny invitation written in cosmic sans font. He’s a child.

Come with me to Serendipity after class and thank me later :p

You look up at him rolling your eyes at the ending emoji. A child indeed. But you nod in agreement, you don’t know what or who is at Serendipity. Except for a solution. At least that is what you hope for because there’s a reason why you haven’t stepped foot in there since childhood, despite Jungkook raving about it time and time again. The overpriced vanilla lattes is the main reason why.

Yet, desperate times come along with desperate measures. And if you need to drop a couple more on your favorite caffeinated drink in order to pass math. Then so be it.

Serendipity stood in between two worlds. It separated the lively college town from the perfect four person familial neighborhood. On weekday afternoons it was mostly frequented by college students who needed a change in scenery or remote workers with their bangs still in rollers and their eyes puffy from sleep. On Friday nights it was home to young adults grabbing dessert after a fulfilling dinner or a late caffeinated drink for a long night out. Tired office workers, likely forced to attend a company dinner, usually took up the long tables in the back wall of the first floor.

Sunday’s were a favorite at Serendipity, young families would come from different parts of town to enjoy a late brunch. And morning runners would waltz in for a late caffeine kick before the strenuous work out around the lake that offered the cafe it’s most famous view.

Dionysus Lake.

Just as its name implies. The lake was a place for celebration, festivities, and madness. It’s where everything would happen for the first time. Your first fall, your first scrape. The graduation ground from a four wheeled bike to a two one. The first time you saw your crush outside of school. The first time you held hands with someone and the downfall of your first friendship with your childhood best friend—Sabrina. I was the breeding ground of impulsive decisions like getting drunk on the steps that led to the bank. With beer and soju you had gotten because you paid a broke college student scrambling in between odd jobs to buy them for you. The breeding ground of many triple dog dares and the place in which you decided what your future would be like.

It was a right of passage from childhood to teenagehood and finally adulthood.

It’s where couples that beat the test of time go to enjoy their last moments of humanity. Both the cafe and the lake are full of nostalgia, and so famous that it now became a must see spot from people all over the city. With inflation and the influx of people both the cafe and the lake were places you and your family had started to frequent less, until eventually it was out of your minds completely and the longing for just a fleeting moment to visit before the chaos was gone.

That is until today.

Everything had changed so much. The rustic decor was now replaced with a mixture of antiques and plants hanging from every possible surface. The windows were now floor to ceiling and they opened up to a very cooling outside patio, where you could enjoy the view of the famous lake. They had even expanded to a second floor, and added a rooftop with fiery lights and wooden tables. It basically looked nothing like what you had grown up with and more like a pinterest board of garden core had thrown up on it.

It also had more menu options, and gone was your favorite blueberry and mint tea you and your mom would enjoy whenever your anxiety spiked to levels in which you could not control. Everything had been replaced with something more expensive and trendy. A complaint that had been surrounding the cafe for years by everyone who grew up inside the walls. Though you hadn’t really believed it until now because you were finally working up the courage to see it for yourself. And the one thing you can only really think about—apart from the overpriced vanilla latte you had just paid for—was how could a place so familiar feel so unfamiliar at the same time.

“Hobi always gives me a discount when I come.” Jungkook throws into the wind while he plays with the white buzzer in his hand.

Unlike you, Jungkook and his family—from what you have gathered—were regulars. As soon as he arrived every worker greeted him with a warm smile and a simple hand wave. Some had added a mention of seeing his mom earlier. And if you hadn’t been convinced, the barista with the high nose bridge, sporting the floral shirt, a bright yellow beanie and khaki pants had already inputted his order before Jungkook could mutter the words ��iced americano with a splash of vanilla syrup please.”

“I’m sorry who?” You move your head closer, eyeing the way his hands wrapped around the buzzer. Desperately hoping for it to ring because although it was almost three and you probably shouldn’t really be drinking any form of caffeine at this time. Your body desperately needs something to keep you alert. Especially now that you were meeting your classmate's brother for the first time.

A brother who could possibly save you from failing your college algebra class. He had told you a little about him. Apparently, he wasn’t really his brother, but his mother remarried his father when Jungkook was young, so to make matters easier for everyone involved. He would just introduce him as his older brother. He called him Joon and he was currently working on his masters in philosophy. A real pretentious nerd if someone were to ask you. They lived together in an apartment just outside of the college town, and according to Jungkook, who you have noticed likes to input his opinion where it really doesn’t matter. He was still a virgin, because he lived and breathed philosophy like one of those weird philosophers from ancient times. The only thing he needed was a laurel crown and a toga.

His words not yours.

Basically he didn’t really do a very good job at painting a good image of his older brother. And you were already having some negative opinions regarding him because you have dealt with a handful of pretentious boys in many of your classes that you really didn’t feel like adding another one to the mix. But again, you’ll push your preconceived notions aside. This was for your four point zero GPA and your five year plan. One more insult to your psyche and intelligence wouldn’t hurt.

Right?

“The one that rang us up. He gave you one too, vanilla lattes are usually seven and you only paid six.” He points out before jumping at the sound of the buzzer going off. “I’ll get it.” He smiles standing up faster than you can protest, and walking off to the pick up counter.

It’s strange that the two of you became friends or clicked so well. And you like to think that it was mainly because you shared a few classes more than anything else. He was a little energizer bunny, a right arm sprinkled with a few tattoos and a scar right above his eyebrow where a piercing had been. You were not far from the opposite, but you did have a social battery that would often run out before the end of the day. You valued the quiet and apart from the many earrings decorating your ears and the hot pink peekaboo dye job you had your mom do. You were deathly scared of needles and didn’t look nearly as rebellious as Jungkook did, even with his stupid nerdy glasses.

“Hobi gave us cookies, on the house.” Jungkook says as he sets down the tray in front of you. “I think he might want your number.” He adds with a nonchalant tone before taking up his previous seat and getting a head start at setting the table.

You tilt your head in confusion as he pushes a plate with a matcha cookie your way. “You’re talking nonsense. I heard you ask for a chocolate chip cookie before you paid.” You roll your eyes, grabbing your tall glass of coffee.

Jungkook rolls his eyes, pushing the brown tray to the side. “I ordered a cookie but I didn’t order two.” He points to your cookie. “Plus he couldn’t take his eyes off you while you ordered.” He finishes and takes a long sip of his drink. He finishes with a refreshed ah and smacks his lips together in satisfaction.

The drama.

That’s probably another thing the two of you did have in common. You’re both dramatic in your own ways. Something the two of you discovered about each other two weeks into knowing one another. It was a long story that involved a stubbed toe and a papercut. One that wasn’t worth reminiscing about now because it added nothing to both of your lives.

“I doubt that Kook, he’s just doing his job and he knows you.” You raise a finger at him and you take a long awaited sip of your coffee.

Jungkook crosses his arms in front of you. “Okay then why did he ask me if you were single.” He adds in a matter of fact way. Cocking an eyebrow to prove his point.

You narrow your eyes at him and kick him under the table. He recoils in pain, whispering explicits to not draw any more attention to the two of you. “You’re lying and I know you’re lying because I saw you order another cookie when you went to pick up our drinks.” You say leaning in closer so he can hear your whispering.

Here’s the thing. Jungkook has been trying to set you up with every guy he deems is cute. You on the other hand are not interested, mostly because you’re still young with your whole life ahead of you. And right now the only thing that matters is your degree.

What’s the rush?

He pouts, uncomfortably cradling his shin. “Fine, he didn’t give you a cookie on the house, but he did say you were cute. And he’s a nice guy. My brother is friends with him and he’s really funny.”

You sigh, breaking a piece from your cookie. “I'm happy to hear that but you know that’s not a priority of mine now.”

Jungkook rests his elbows onto the table and leans forward. “Have you ever heard of a work- life balance?” Because all you do is work and you should be out and partying. Your twenties are supposed to be full of fun.”

“I do have fun, Jungkook.” You point out, putting the piece of cookie into your mouth before crossing your arms in annoyance. If you had a coin for every time someone in your life tried having this exact same conversation with you, then you’d probably be able to afford more of these over priced lattes.

Jungkook sits back with his arms crossed, tonguing the inside of his cheek in suspicion. Sure, he’s only known you for a short amount of time, but every time he sees you around campus or meets up with you. You have your head buried in either a book or your fingers are flying across your laptop keyboard. He’s positive you don’t know how to have fun.

“Fine name one instance in which you are not doing school work.” He challenges

“My friends and I have board game nights every Wednesday and Sunday night.”

Jungkook sits up a bit straighter, a look of shook written all over his face. “Wait, you actually have friends.” He says before lifting a hand to cover his mouth in disbelief.

Before he can stop you, you kick his shin one more time and this time harder than the first time. This is exactly why you are surprised you’ve chosen to be friends with him. Sometimes he could get under your skin by just existing.

“You know I have friends, Jungkook. You’ve hung out with them.”

He doesn’t answer, instead he nods his head while he once again cradles his shin in pain. Maybe he crossed the line this time. He met Taehyung and Jimin more than once. And from what he was able to gather in the few times he’s hung out with the three of you. Is that Jimin might have a huge crush on you and Taehyung’s jokes aren’t nearly as funny as you make them out to be. Still, he thinks they’re cool.

“Sorry I’m late, I missed my bus.” An unfamiliar voice speaks up and it makes the man in front of you sit up so straight you’re positive he’s going to break his back.

You raise a brow in confusion before turning your head to look towards the person who has the energizer bunny fix his posture and shut his mouth.

The first thing you see is the flowy khaki pants, then his simple t-shirt topped with a blue and white checkered flannel. And finally your eyes land on his face, and the black framed glasses sitting on the bridge of his nose. His hair hides under a navy beanie and your mouth almost falls open in disbelief.

Holy fuck, wait a second. This is the man Jungkook was describing. The nerd of a brother who could possibly still be a virgin and has his nose stuck in philosophy textbooks? Out goes your preconceived notions of the man in front of you and now you’re downright confused because this man was hot and reeked of chillaxed energy. He probably owns a few plants, and bike rides on the weekend and visits a few buddhist temples for the experience.

Nobody says anything as the man—which you perceive is now Joon—slides into the spot next to Jungkook’s. He hasn’t really looked in your direction, except for the short glance he sent your way when he first appeared.

Jungkook scoffs in annoyance as he scoots over making it a huge show like it’s inconvenient for him to move over. “This is Joon.”

“Namjoon.” The older one corrects before he extends his hand for you to shake. You hesitate for a second before shaking it and telling him your name.

He nods, retrieving his hand and sets it down on his lap. There’s a brief silence as he looks in between you and Jungkook probably trying to make sense of the situation himself because if you were being honest you’re still stunned yourself. Though you know Jungkook and his brother aren’t blood related you can’t help but feel like good genes simply run in the family somehow.

Namjoon shrugs once he’s silently done making his assumptions and sets his arms on the table, clasping his hands together. In an instant his face is replaced from a pleasing and welcoming one to one that screams he’s honestly here for business and not to fuck around.

“Are you the one that Jungkook tells me needs help?” He questions, earning a jab from the younger one. He doesn’t react and instead keeps going. “Have to ask because he’s been trying to set me up on blind dates thanks to our mom, so if this is what this is then I’m sorry but I’m not interested.” He nods before leaning back. Joon, or Namjoon doesn’t let you respond before he stands up and walks towards the order counter. There you see him greet the same barista who you now know is Hobi thanks to Jungkook.

You don’t linger on his figure before you turn to face Jungkook. Who looks mortified beyond belief and you can’t help but laugh because things are simply just making sense. All of Jungkook’s backhanded praises involving his brother made so much more sense. He did mention he was an asshole but you just assumed that was a simple sibling thing. No, he was most definitely right. And he fit more into the description you had once assumed before even meeting him, minus the typical nerd look you had conjured up with the brief descriptions Jungkook had provided. He was hot, and could probably crack your heart open into two, but he was exactly like those pretentious classmates you’ve had the unfortunate pleasure of encountering all throughout your degree. But for some reason you aren’t as bothered by it, because in a way it was hilarious.

Jungkook whines, “He can’t even try to be nice for a little bit.”

You throw your head back laughing even harder, while Jungkook continues to grumble underneath his breath in annoyance. You laugh until your stomach begins to hurt and until someone clears their throat making your giggles die down slowly.

“Why is Hobi giving out free cookies?” He points out before setting his tray down and taking up the seat next to his brother again. To which Jungkook silently gestures to the cookies and you as if to prove his earlier point. Namjoon rolls his eyes at his brother's actions before turning to face you.

“He also told me to give you his number but I told him that I didn’t know you and that if he wanted your number he should just ask you himself.” He shrugs, taking a sip of his dark liquid and making the same satisfied noise Jungkook had made earlier.

Ah, maybe dramatics also run in the family.

You stir the liquid of your latte with your straw. “Um thanks I guess.” You take a sip of your drink as he nods.

The atmosphere is so awkward that you want the entire cafe to fall through a hole in the ground. The three of you are silent before Jungkook’s phone lights up and starts buzzing. He quickly grabs it and silences it before standing up. “Sorry, I have to go. I forgot I had this thing to do.” He says inconspicuously before grabbing his book bag and throwing it over his shoulder.

You scramble eyes going wide as he adjusts the straps and straightens his black long sleeve. “Wait where are you going? I thought we had plans after this.”

Jungkook bites his lip, silencing his buzzing phone again when it goes off a second time. “Sorry Bun, I have to really go, it's important. I’ll see you at home Joon.” He salutes before basically running out of the cafe.

“Typical.” Namjoon catches your attention and rolls his eyes. “I knew he had something planned when he asked me to meet him here last minute. I’m really sorry about him but I’m really not interested in dating right now.” He says before grabbing hold of his bag and going to stand up.

Your body is filled with panic as you watch him. You do have a few choice words for the person that just ditched you with his brother. But this could be your last resort and you weren’t going to let him walk away. “Wait.” You extend your arm in his direction. He stops slipping on his bag and raises a brow at you in curiosity.

“I actually do need help. I’m close to failing my college algebra course…well I will fail it if I don’t pass the final exam.” You begin to explain, finally grabbing his full attention as he stuffs his hands into the pocket of his pants. “Jungkook mentioned you could probably help out.” You bring down your hand, circling both of them around your watered down latte. “That’s why I’m here. I promise this isn’t a blind date or anything.”

Namjoon nods, looking at the entrance before sitting down again, sighing, his shoulders relaxing instantly. And you’re once again met with the same nonchalant demeanor he had approached you and Jungkook. Once again things started to make sense, why he had made the switch so quickly. It was something he was probably so used to by now, but now as he adjusts himself in the seat in front of you. You can see that maybe he could not really be that bad.

“In that case I can stay.” He grins, pushing his iced coffee to the side. “I should warn you I’m not the best when it comes to math but college algebra is easy so I can help you out.”

You let out a big sigh of relief and nod your head. “Thank you so much you don’t understand how much you’re already helping me out by agreeing.”

Namjoon chuckles lightly before reaching into his side bag and taking out a plain black notebook with a pen. “In that case we should figure out our schedules.” He opens the notebook to a blank page and uncaps the pen. “Does Tuesday and Thursday at seven work for you?” He tilts his head in question.

You nod rapidly. “That’s perfect for me.”

He hums and writes down your name with the agreed days and times next to it. He closes it quickly and puts it in his bag. “Great, I'll see you next Tuesday.”

That’s it? It was that easy? Then why the heck did it take such a long time for someone to respond to your Facebook post. Especially when you had increased the payment.

Payment. Oh you had forgotten about it, and from

What it seems like so did Namjoon because he was already getting ready to go again.

“Wait.”

He stops, eyeing you in confusion but you decide to continue. “How much do you charge?”

Namjoon opens his mouth and closes it quickly. He puts a pensive hand on his chin before snapping his fingers in front of him. “I think you’re the one Jungkook mentioned about studying writing.”

“Writing and Rhetoric.” You correct before he can continue going. He nods in acknowledgment.

“Yeah, that’s what he said. I’m sure he mentioned what I was studying and if I’m being honest I hate revising my own writing. So, instead of paying me in money you can just revise my work in exchange for tutoring lessons.” He offers with a shrug.

You would be a fool to not take up this magnificent offer, so quickly you agree, extending your hand for him to shake. He takes it and for a second you swear you feel your heart drop down to your belly from just his touch. But you brush it off quickly when he retrieves his hand. It’s probably just the caffeine anyway.

“Great, it’s a pleasure doing business with you.” He smiles, and this time it is wide enough in which you can see his cute little dimples. “See you on Tuesday.”

Before you can respond with the same statement he’s already rushing out of the cafe. Leaving you alone in the booth, with three unfinished iced coffees and cookies.

You can’t really make out anything, just that this was probably the longest day of your life. And that unbeknownst to you, you can slightly feel the light crack in the corner of your heart. One that you will later on learn was the moment Namjoon had started to infiltrate it.

hope you liked it!

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pixeldistractions · 7 months ago

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Presenting Sarah Harris for Dating Deanna by @changingplumbob

Sarah’s love story starts with Summer Phoenix. But that’s not unusual—most of her high school and now half of the world is in love with Summer Phoenix, action superstar and her big sister’s childhood best friend. But Summer was never into girls like that, and neither was anyone Sarah knew at their small suburban high school in Lakeside Heights, Michigan.

So Sarah’s love story ends with Raquel Herrera, who couldn’t have been a sweeter first love. And it’s not her fault that Sarah came to college and they met and fell fast into a comfortable two-year relationship.

Lately though, Sarah has a wandering heart. All the new freshman on campus this year are single, throwing wild parties full of exploration and flirtation and discovery. It makes Sarah think of all the girls she never got to meet. Sassy girls, sultry girls, curvy girls, bitchy girls, smart girls, sweet girls—and Sarah envied all that freedom. She kind of wants to kiss them all!

She doesn’t know what she wants in a romance, but she knows she wants to see what’s out there. Is the grass greener on the other side? Maybe, maybe not. But she sure is ready to find out!

So when she found the casting call for Dating Deanna, she knew it was time to say goodbye to her first love, not her forever love. Sorry, Raquel, it’s not your fault.

But if that makes Sarah sound like a wishy-washy person, be reassured that she is not. She was top of her high school class, earning scholarships to university to study computer science. Now half-way through her third year, she boasts an A+ GPA, never earned a B in her life. You’ll most likely find her at the library, arcade, the college computer labs, or even singing some terrible karaoke with her friends. She aims to start her own game development company some day, and as a lifelong gamer, she plays to win.

Will she win Deanna’s heart? Well, Sarah doesn’t like to lose, so we’ll see.

Sarah Anne Harris

[blog profile here]

age: 20

star sign: Aries

traits: ambitious, geek, noncommittal, night owl, independent, speed reader, mentally gifted, quick learner (competitive)

aspiration: knowledge, computer whiz

career: full-time student, 3rd year computer science // part-time freelance programmer

gender/Sexuality: cis female, lesbian

entry style: all in

romance building: okay with any lady she feels a spark with!

Maybe polyamory if it goes that way. She is in a very experimental phase of her life right now.

woohoo, sure! If the mood is right!

Joey? Sorry, bud, it’s not gonna happen.

link: will send via ask (may show up as @lauraraeamos) ^ Hope I packaged the sim right, this is my first time sharing a sim on TS4. Let me know if it works!

#dating deanna #sarah

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mangionebabymama · 3 months ago

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hiiii i was just curious — as u mentioned you're in college and i'm not very educated about the system anymore — if you had any insight about lu's uni life! (i had to drop out after my first semester years ago for health issues, would love to go back and be in an academic environment again but.. sigh unfortunately it feels like mid 20's is too late to start again, along with the risk of not knowing what degree would be right and it being costly — ahh sorry i'm side tracking) i know he got his bachelors and masters in 4 years with honours (which sounds like a crazy feat in itself) but was also wondering how that fit in with him also being a counsellor (?) ta (?) at stanford! i saw someone say he did it for like a year (don't quote me on that) so was curious how that side of things work, and at what year into his degree he did it! was it part of a program that gave him credits he could transfer back to penn? or was it something that cut into his degree time and was mainly for experience? another thing i saw ppl talking about is the amount of time in which he completed his degree, i typically thought a bachelors is a 3-4 year mark and then masters is another year or 2 on top of that, so how did he complete both so quickly? i could be completely wrong here so sorry for all the questions, and thank u for being such a big sis like safe space!

Hello!

This is the best insight that I can give you from his uni life:

So, first off, yes, he was a counselor and also a TA while in college, and these two roles were two completely different experiences that he had while at UPenn and outside of his time while in school. He was a head counselor for the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies, an academic program that middle and high school students can attend to learn advanced coursework in different subjects. As a counselor, he supervised the residential aspect for students attending the program and taught them artificial intelligence during the summer of 2019 while on summer break; he did this during the summer after his junior (3rd) year and before the start of his last (4th) year at UPenn. This had no affiliation with him going to UPenn; he participated in this probably out of his own interest. So no, it was not part of a program that gave him credits. My educated guess on why he did this was to first gain more and broaden his leadership skills, explore more with his computer science background, and add an impressive experience to his resume and educational experience.

Then, between his second and third years of college, he was a teaching assistant for an actual class at UPenn for about a year and a half. Now, I don't know if he actually received credits towards his degree as a TA, but it is very common to earn college credit by assisting with teaching courses, depending on the institution and program you're a part of.

And then about his Bachelor's and Master's degrees—yes, typically, a Bachelor's degree takes about 4 years to complete. On the other hand, a Master's can take about 1-2 years, although it can vary based on different factors like the program requirements, the enrollment type, and how fast the program goes. I don't know what the Computer Science program at UPenn is like, but he probably completed his degrees that quick because of either an accelerated or a dual-degree program, where the curriculum of your field of study allows you to earn both degrees in a shorter time at an accelerated rate. Many universities offer this kind of program for a number of different studies, where you can earn both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree concurrently within 4 years.

A little side note: I'm sorry you dropped out early because of health issues. I know that wasn't the easiest decision to make, but know that you did the right thing by taking care of yourself first and foremost. Please understand that you are never too late to start all over again, and it's okay if you don't necessarily know that you want to study first—at some point, it will come to you when you see what you want to do and what matters the most to you. If this gives you any sign of reassurance, I did not go to college for my first degree until an entire year after graduating high school. I decided to take a gap year. I was severely ill with a virus, and I nearly fought my last year of high school being extremely sick. When I graduated high school, I realized then that I wasn't ready for that next transition—I realized that I needed to take care of myself first before starting that next part of my life. I'm glad I did because I was ready when I finally started college. I know many people who are older than me who have either started school later in life, whether to get their first ever degree or their next one, whether it was because of a job change, family life, or financial reasons. Remember, do what you want to do and what makes you content in your life, and don't think you have to compare yourself to another person—we all have different choices on what we want to achieve in life, which means we may have to go about them differently. That doesn't automatically mean you're on the wrong path! 🤍

#mangionebabymama asks

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lightofraye · 9 months ago

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All About Glen

I'm in the mood for something... easy.

Or, rather, I thought this would be easy. Then I went deep diving and have yet to surface. This post will likely edited a few more times in the next few days (maybe? I'll let you know either way), so keep an eye out!

So... who is Glen Powell? Besides a possible new rising star in Hollywood. (Certainly his upcoming projects say he's in high demand!)

Come with me, and I shall tell you!

Also, I had so much fun diving into his background! Learned more about this guy than I realized!

(And I also turned my daughter into a Glen Powell fan! I'll explain why/how in a bit!)

Raised in Austin, Texas, born on October 21, 1988, to Glen Powell Sr and Cyndy Powell, he's the middle child of three. And the only boy. He has an older sister named Lauren and a younger sister, Leslie. Named after his father, the Original Glen (no, seriously, that's his Instagram!), Glen was a child actor. He started performing with the Austin Musical Theater program when he was in the fifth grade, learning to tap dance--according to Leslie, there is video evidence--and appearing in The Music Man and 42nd Street.

Oh, he explored all sorts of extracurriculars' growing up. Football, lacrosse, all sorts. However, his passion and fascination were movies.

The actor recalled that he would be “picking dandelions” in the outfield while playing baseball as a kid, and his parents, Cyndy and Glen Sr., were ready to let him try something else.

“I played violin for a bit, and all of a sudden, I was like, ‘No, not into this anymore.’ They let me give it up,” he continued, noting they were supportive until Powell found something he “really loved.” That’s where his acting career comes in.

At the precious age of 5, his father took him to see Steven Spielberg's megahit, Jurassic Park, in the summer of 1993. Glen ended up watching the movie multiple times in theaters, and again on home video, trying to figure out the secrets of the film's special effects.

In an interview with Austin Monthly, Glen said he began making his own science fiction films growing up. He'd use a home video camera, computer, recruited his friends to be actors, and searched for props in his family's basement. Seeing this, his parents encouraged him to enroll in acting classes.

His second grade project was on Steven Spielberg's use of practical effects in Jurassic Park. In 2003, when he was 14, he got his first movie role as "long-fingered boy" in Spy Kids 3: Game Over. His location in Austin helped him land the role. Director Robert Rodriguez discovered Powell, then 14, while looking for "local hires" to accompany the primarily Los Angeles-based cast.

"You're just trying to find someone locally that won't get nervous, that'll give a performance that kind of measures up to the other actors. He walks in with a stature and confidence and just nails it," Rodriguez told IndieWire. "So now, it's no surprise to see [he made it as an actor], but he already had that quality at 14 and clarity of vision that that's what he was supposed to be."

Two years later, he played a paperboy in The Wendell Baker Story, a part that required him to get hit by a car, which he practiced with his mother in a church parking lot.

In 2006, everything changed. His mother, Cyndy, drove him five hours to Shreveport, La., to audition for Denzel Washington, who was directing and starring in The Great Debaters. Powell got the part--and a powerful agent: Ed Limato, who represented Washington.

Powell also starred in Fast Food Nation (2006), and The Hottest State (2006) over the next few years.

Still in high school at Westwood, Powell even considered deprioritizing his acting career until receiving a pep talk from Denzel Washington during the filming of The Great Debaters. In the movie, Powell played Harvard University student Preston Whittington and impressed the two-time Oscar winner. "Denzel Washington really pushed me out of the nest a bit and said, 'You should double-down on yourself. You should give [acting] a shot'," Powell said.

A year later, Limato called Powell in his dorm room at the University of Texas at Austin.

"Ed said, 'If you're going to spin the wheel on an acting career, now is the time to do it'," Powell said.

Taking a chance, Powell dropped out of college and moved to Los Angeles in 2008. “Ed always told me, over and over, that the definition of a movie star is somebody who guys want to grab a beer with — fun, not threatening — and who women want to date and bring home to meet their parents,” Powell said.

Limato had a history of helping turn actors into big stars--among his clients? Mel Gibson, Richard Gere, and Kevin Costner. Limato also gave Powell a crucial career tip: Don’t take on a role in a big franchise too soon, however tempting the paycheck; stars are built in smaller movies of varied genres.

Unfortunately for Powell, Limato died two years later, leaving him without an advocate.

It was a rough and learning time for Glen. He supported himself through coaching community sports and small acting jobs (a Dockers commercial, an episode of The Lying Game, a cable series).

Not long after Powell moved to Los Angeles, Limato introduced him to Lynda Obst, a fellow Texan and a producer of hits like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Contact, and Sleepless in Seattle. She hired Powell as an intern, a job that involved reading scripts and giving feedback.

It helped him learn how Hollywood ran.

Obst recalled, "He was adorable--charm off the charts. But that is not what impressed me, and it's not why he's succeeding." She went on: "Actors can turn on charm, but they can't turn on intelligence. Glen is smart and learned about developing scripts and the structure in movies. It made him independent and wily."

He eventually got dropped by the William Morris Endeavor talent agency. He began to question whether superstardom was even achievable anymore. He took to writing scripts and sold several to help keep himself afloat during his shaky start.

Glen took Washington's advice and gradually began appearing in more prominent titles, including the Christopher Nolan-directed Batman movie, The Dark Knight Rises, in 2012 as an unnamed Gotham Stock Exchange Trader. He also appeared in the ensemble movie, The Expendables 3, in 2014, appearing alongside action stars such as Sylvester Stallone, Harrison Ford, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

In 2016, he played astronaut John Glenn in Hidden Figures. Glen was cited as saying that upon viewing a rough cut of the film with unfinished special effects, he was critical of his performance. "I just remember being like 'I ruined this beautiful movie, the legacy of these amazing women'," he explained in an interview with Variety.

Fortunately, critics and the audience disagreed--the movie made more than $230 million at the box office and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture.

He took a detour into comedy for his next roles, including the teen movie Everybody Wants Some!! (2016), and the Netflix rom-com Set It Up (2018).

In between all that, he went onto a recurring role on Scream Queens (Ryan Murphy's show on Fox), and appear in The Guernsey Literary and Potato Pie Society. He's even done voice roles, such as the Netflix cartoon, Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous, and an episode of Rick and Morty.

How he got the huge leap to everyone's attention was something he nearly turned down. He lost out on blockbuster roles including Captain America, Han Solo in Solo, in addition to pieces in films ranging from Friday Night LIghts to Cowboys & Aliens and The Longest Ride.

His break was something he nearly missed out on.

When Miles Teller beat him out of the part of Rooster in Top Gun: Maverick, and Tom Cruise and director Joe Kosinski offered him the role of Hangman instead.

The problem?

"If I were editing this movie, I would cut him out immediately," Powell said to British GQ. The original version of the character was a lousy pilot who made it to Top Gun through nepotism, a storyline Powell thought did the film a disservice.

Luck was with him. Cruise and Kosinski decided to hear him out and ended up convinced, rewriting the character based on Powell's notes.

“What we were talking about is, how can Hangman service the story and give the flavour of the original Top Gun that you need?” Powell said.

“I said my piece to Tom about what I do and what I do well, and he listened. Tom’s a listener. He listens to the crew members, he listens to his collaborators, and he hears people.”

And good thing he did — Top Gun: Maverick went on to become a box office phenomenon, and Powell’s career got the kickstart he had waited so long for.

2022 was his year. He appeared in the war drama Devotion, the Netflix animated comedy Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood, and Top Gun: Maverick. The latter, the sequel to the 1986 vehicle--became the biggest movie of the year, grossing nearly $1.5 billion at the global box office.

Powell underwent extensive training for the film, including underwater escape simulations and flights in F-18 aircraft to prepare for the G-forces he would experience on camera. Cruise even paid for the actor to complete flight school as a Christmas present, allowing Powell to earn his pilot's license.

We all know what happened after this. His role with Sydney Sweeney on Anyone But You brought him even more attention. His future projects will keep him busy for at least a couple of years. (He did tease he has a start date for Top Gun 3, but has refused to say more than that.)

He's been romantically linked to Nina Dobrev in 2017, Australian TV host Renee Bargh from 2018 to 2019. He began dating model Gigi Paris, starting in 2020. We know in April of 2023, they broke up for good.

Glen Powell Sr, his father, was an executive coach. His mother? A stay at home mom. Leslie is working on her career as a singer, and was fortunate enough to have had a song be used for the Olympics!

Both parents have trolled the hell out of Glen during the premiere of Hit Man. In a way, his family is what keeps Glen grounded.

Amusingly, Us Weekly described his parents as the first ever nepo parents.

“The greatest gift that my parents gave me is never making me sit in things I didn’t want to sit in and letting me chase the passions I wanted to chase, no matter what,” Powell, 35, told Us Weekly exclusively while promoting his new movie Twisters. “I am really grateful for my parents for not trying to deter me from a job that has such a low success rate.”

As his fame continued to rise, his parents have made various cameos in his movies over the years.

His Instagram is full of photos of behind the scenes, with family, and of course, Brisket.

There was a rumor that Glen was opening a restaurant in Austin. This has been researched and debunked. I did go into detail about his future projects here.

So how did I convert my daughter into a fan?

Because I was talking to her about the gossip regarding him and Sydney Sweeney. I showed her the photos, then I showed her how he was with his other female costars.

With Adria Arjona from Hit Man.

With Daisy Edgar-Jones from Twisters.

And her first thought: "He makes them comfortable. He's safe. That's why they're so relaxed."

In that instant, she became a fan. That's all it took.

So yeah. Got fans here.

We're looking forward to more about this green-eyed Texan!

BONUS: Glen also is rather hilarious on Twitter! Check this out!

Hilariously, he decided to run with it!

We love a star who can make a joke like this!

Sources (with blatant lifts when possible): New York Times (using web archive due to paywall) Entertainment Weekly Us Weekly Biography Los Angeles Time Variety *I freely admit/acknowledge I relied on existing writing to put all this together. I added, rearranged, edited, as necessary. I am grateful to the access of this information that allowed me to compile this biography!

#glen powell #celebrity biography #celebrity gossip #gossip columnist #expert on green-eyed texans

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pixelatedollhouse · 2 years ago

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Have a few simming friends who have been looking for a renovated high school lot lately, so I figured I'd finally share mine after teasing it last summer.

The lower level contains all the important rooms for active school gameplay - your two main classrooms, the cafeteria, office, and bathrooms, plus some change rooms if your teens are in need of a shower. It also has some bonus rooms that are mostly good for storytelling, like a staff room, conference room, and nurses' office.

Upstairs are the more hobby-based classrooms if you'd like your students to be productive while skipping class, featuring a fine arts room, a music room, science lab, computer lab, library and a bonus study space.

There is an extra whiteboard in the science lab, so you can reassign classrooms to your liking.

Lightly playtested, I have not actually done a lot of high school gameplay myself yet, but the times I have used it I haven't had any issues! CC-free, but heavily features a lot of the packs as most of my builds do. It can be downloaded on the gallery under the ID pixeldollhouse.

#sims #sims 4 #ts4 #sims 4 vanilla #ts4 vanilla #cc free #community lot #s4 build

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lboogie1906 · 9 months ago

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Trish Millines Dziko (1957) is the co-founder and Executive Director of the Technology Access Foundation. A native of New Jersey, she focused on college and became a first-generation college student. She made history by becoming the first woman to be awarded a full basketball scholarship for Monmouth College. She received her BS in Computer Science.

She spent 15 years working in the high-tech industry as a software developer, manager, and consultant as well as a database designer in such industries as military weapons, business systems, communications, and medical equipment.

She became one of the early employees at Microsoft Inc. She became active in promoting awareness of the importance of diversity in the corporate world. She became a co-founder of the Technology Access Foundation, a Seattle-based organization designed to provide science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills to children of color. She became the full-time TAF Executive Director. As one of the young Microsoft millionaires at 39, She contributed over $150,000 to establish TAF.

TAF’s programs seek to increase mathematical and literacy competencies for K-8 students through project-based activities that use technology as a tool for learning in an after-school environment. Each year about 70 teenagers enroll in the Technical Teens Internship Program which includes courses in programming, website development, networking, and career development skills. The program provides job-readiness training, college entrance preparation, and paid summer internships with local corporations or small businesses for practical experience. In addition, about 200 five to twelve-year-olds take computer classes to enhance their reading, math, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Since its founding on October 1, 1996, TAF has taken the lead in preparing African Americans and other students of color for training in science and technology fields in colleges and universities.

She received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Seattle University. She continues to guide the Technology Access Foundation. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

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laxmiree · 2 years ago

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[CN] MLQC Lucien's Through Thousands of Mirrors event translation (Day 1 -Thursday)

⚠️ SPOILER ALERT ⚠️

This post contains a HEAVY SPOILER for the event that has not been released in EN yet! Feel free to notify me if there are any mistakes in the translation~

Through Thousands of Mirrors Event | Day 1 (You're here!) | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | HS/Uni SSR Story: Monochrome Scenery

[Tidbits: I don't wanna break the flow so I'll put some information here first 😂. Dr. Lawson is Lucien's post-grad professor. Before, he also appears in UR MQ Distant Similarity. During his post-grad he has three seniors Colt, Elliot, and Caroline.]

[Math]

Seeing the particularly puzzled expression on the classmate next to him, Lucien starts to consider whether he should offer some assistance within his capabilities.

For instance, he thinks about telling the classmate that the topic currently being discussed on the blackboard is not from the same chapter as the one in the textbook he's currently reading.

[MATH/BIOCHEMISTRY]

After the vending machine devours Lucien's one dollar and twenty-five cents for the third time, and with only three minutes left to get to his next class, he begins to seriously contemplate whether he should try some mysterious repair method—like giving it a good smack or a swift kick.

[BIOCHEMISTRY]

Lucien coincidentally runs into Colt by the sports field, just as Colt is about to attend a cricket practice session.

Upon realizing that his senior from the lab is not only managing coursework and a significant project workload but also juggling a 20-hour weekly part-time job and daily school cricket team training, Lucien begins to contemplate whether there is any room for further optimization in his own schedule.

[PREVIEW/COMPUTER SCIENCE]

During the brief half-hour period, Lucien typically uses the time to prepare for the upcoming class or visit the library to research and gather information.

In any case, that time should not be spent on arguing and explaining to people, like the enthusiastic campus volunteer in front of him.

"No, thank you. I'm not a high school student attending a summer camp. This is my student ID, and I'm indeed a student here, a graduate student. Yes, I'm not lost, and I need to get to my class. Can you please let me go?"

[COMPUTER SCIENCE]

Lucien presses the enter key, intending to ask the teacher if he can leave early once his coursework is done. However, the error message on the screen deters him from that thought. So, he sits back down and begins to examine it again.

But that's okay, he does understand the commonality between computer science and experimental research: it's often hard to know right away if the thing at hand will work, why it's not working, or even why it's even working.

[LAB]

Come on, come on, come on. After moving this box, there's another.

And after moving that box, there are three more to go.

The prospects for the future and the shine in one's eyes are often taken away by the God of research in such necessary yet mechanical repetitive work.

[LAB]

Lucien goes out to get some water and returns to find a school burger on his desk.

Colt, with dark circles under his eyes, waves at Lucien and saying, "No need to thank me, newcomer. Have some food, we might be staying here today."

Lucien quietly eats the burger, hesitant to tell Colt that he has spent more time in the laboratory than in the dorm.

[LAB]

When Dr. Lawson enters the laboratory, what he sees is a scene where his graduate and doctoral students are sleeping and sprawled all over the place.

On the laboratory whiteboard, several words were written in large letters: "Publish immediately! Guaranteed to be published in Nature!!"

Dr. Lawson retrieves small blankets from the cabinet, covering each of these research madmen.

He proceeds to organize the data and take over the finishing work on the project. Of course, when it comes to authorship in the paper, not a single one of these kids' names can be left out.

#OK BUT this whole event and story kinda explain why he has a some attachment to Dr. Lawson 🥺#mlqc lucien #mr love queen's choice #mlqc cn #mlqc spoiler #mlqc #mlqc translation #mr. love queen's choice #mr love lucien #mlqc xu mo #mlqc spoilers

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cs-med-world-insights · 1 year ago

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How do you get into or interested in the Medical Field?

Start in High School (or Middle School): In Middle School, you can join/make clubs like Future Health Professionals (formerly known as Health Occupations Students Of America ) or start the club. You can join/make clubs like a Biology club, Medical Awareness Club, Anatomy Club, Science Club, Red Cross, etc. You can also do extracurriculars to get interested in the medical field like volunteering at hospitals, internships at hospitals, joining summer programs at hospitals, and getting first aid/CPR certification. Lastly, you can take classes in high school like biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, AP psychology, and (if CollegeBoard makes the class) AP anatomy and physiology.

2. Research the medical field: It is very understandable if you cannot join clubs after school. There can be various reasons why you cannot participate like if you have a job, your parents cannot pick you up, you don't know anybody in the club, or the people in the club aren't nice. Instead, you can conduct your own research on the medical field jobs that are available. Research what you must do, the education you need, salary, etc. With AI rising, research of these jobs is important since they can grow or shrink based on how advanced AI is getting (especially in the computer science field). However, in the medical field context, AI can help medical professionals with diagnosing, analyzing X-rays, analyzing test results, and more. Nowadays there are doctors online, so AI can help provide information, vitals, symptoms, etc.

3. Skills and Qualities: In the medical field (depending on the job you desire) you will be working with each other as a team. For instance, if you are working in the emergency room, you will need to work with nurses to put medicine in the IV and other doctors if you need help with a case or diagnosing an illness/condition. You will need kindness and empathy because there will be patients who are in pain and suffering. Some may not have enough money to pay or are homeless.

4. Diversity in Jobs: There are numerous jobs you can pick. From doctors to nurse practitioners to biomedical engineering to being part of the lab, testing viruses. For instance in biomedical engineering, you are not only doing things in the medical field but in the biology field, computer science field, and more. Some jobs like being a doctor take a longer time than being a nurse. It will definitely be hard to be in school for a long time, but think about the reward which is helping people have a better quality of life and live better. You can also get a big salary (around 90-120,000 dollars). But there are challenges (depending on the job you pick) like seeing your patients suffer and not be alive, working 12-hour shifts, working almost every day, and working in a busy environment.

5. Challenges: There will be challenges from Medical School to the workplace. For instance, many students stay up late studying, have a side job or internship, or are trying to get a good grade in their class/MCAT. The best way to try to avoid it or lessen it is by time managing. By using a calendar, block off your free time and busy time. For instance, 1pm Friday is lunch, and 4pm Saturday is your internship. There will also be Financial issues as well. You will need to get a scholarship and if you cannot that's okay. Try to see if you qualify for financial aid using FAFSA or try getting a grant. If you do take a loan, there are also loan forgiveness programs as well. In the time you are in your workplace as a doctor/medical professional, there are ethical concerns involving patients. For instance, a patient's medical privacy and not talking about it with anyone unless that medical professional is working with you, or a patient wanting you to not resuscitate them If you resuscitate them, they could be angry, hurt, sad, and sue you.

Thank you for reading! Please like, and reblog if you liked this post or are interested in the medical field!

Please comment if you are going into the medical field, and tips for people interested in the medical field if you are already in the medical field!

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jcmarchi · 1 year ago

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Dealing with the limitations of our noisy world

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/dealing-with-the-limitations-of-our-noisy-world/

Dealing with the limitations of our noisy world

Tamara Broderick first set foot on MIT’s campus when she was a high school student, as a participant in the inaugural Women’s Technology Program. The monthlong summer academic experience gives young women a hands-on introduction to engineering and computer science.

What is the probability that she would return to MIT years later, this time as a faculty member?

That’s a question Broderick could probably answer quantitatively using Bayesian inference, a statistical approach to probability that tries to quantify uncertainty by continuously updating one’s assumptions as new data are obtained.

In her lab at MIT, the newly tenured associate professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) uses Bayesian inference to quantify uncertainty and measure the robustness of data analysis techniques.

“I’ve always been really interested in understanding not just ‘What do we know from data analysis,’ but ‘How well do we know it?’” says Broderick, who is also a member of the Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems and the Institute for Data, Systems, and Society. “The reality is that we live in a noisy world, and we can’t always get exactly the data that we want. How do we learn from data but at the same time recognize that there are limitations and deal appropriately with them?”

Broadly, her focus is on helping people understand the confines of the statistical tools available to them and, sometimes, working with them to craft better tools for a particular situation.

For instance, her group recently collaborated with oceanographers to develop a machine-learning model that can make more accurate predictions about ocean currents. In another project, she and others worked with degenerative disease specialists on a tool that helps severely motor-impaired individuals utilize a computer’s graphical user interface by manipulating a single switch.

A common thread woven through her work is an emphasis on collaboration.

“Working in data analysis, you get to hang out in everybody’s backyard, so to speak. You really can’t get bored because you can always be learning about some other field and thinking about how we can apply machine learning there,” she says.

Hanging out in many academic “backyards” is especially appealing to Broderick, who struggled even from a young age to narrow down her interests.

A math mindset

Growing up in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, Broderick had an interest in math for as long as she can remember. She recalls being fascinated by the idea of what would happen if you kept adding a number to itself, starting with 1+1=2 and then 2+2=4.

“I was maybe 5 years old, so I didn’t know what ‘powers of two’ were or anything like that. I was just really into math,” she says.

Her father recognized her interest in the subject and enrolled her in a Johns Hopkins program called the Center for Talented Youth, which gave Broderick the opportunity to take three-week summer classes on a range of subjects, from astronomy to number theory to computer science.

Later, in high school, she conducted astrophysics research with a postdoc at Case Western University. In the summer of 2002, she spent four weeks at MIT as a member of the first class of the Women’s Technology Program.

She especially enjoyed the freedom offered by the program, and its focus on using intuition and ingenuity to achieve high-level goals. For instance, the cohort was tasked with building a device with LEGOs that they could use to biopsy a grape suspended in Jell-O.

The program showed her how much creativity is involved in engineering and computer science, and piqued her interest in pursuing an academic career.

“But when I got into college at Princeton, I could not decide — math, physics, computer science — they all seemed super-cool. I wanted to do all of it,” she says.

She settled on pursuing an undergraduate math degree but took all the physics and computer science courses she could cram into her schedule.

Digging into data analysis

After receiving a Marshall Scholarship, Broderick spent two years at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom, earning a master of advanced study in mathematics and a master of philosophy in physics.

In the UK, she took a number of statistics and data analysis classes, including her first class on Bayesian data analysis in the field of machine learning.

It was a transformative experience, she recalls.

“During my time in the U.K., I realized that I really like solving real-world problems that matter to people, and Bayesian inference was being used in some of the most important problems out there,” she says.

Back in the U.S., Broderick headed to the University of California at Berkeley, where she joined the lab of Professor Michael I. Jordan as a grad student. She earned a PhD in statistics with a focus on Bayesian data analysis.

She decided to pursue a career in academia and was drawn to MIT by the collaborative nature of the EECS department and by how passionate and friendly her would-be colleagues were.

Her first impressions panned out, and Broderick says she has found a community at MIT that helps her be creative and explore hard, impactful problems with wide-ranging applications.

“I’ve been lucky to work with a really amazing set of students and postdocs in my lab — brilliant and hard-working people whose hearts are in the right place,” she says.

One of her team’s recent projects involves a collaboration with an economist who studies the use of microcredit, or the lending of small amounts of money at very low interest rates, in impoverished areas.

The goal of microcredit programs is to raise people out of poverty. Economists run randomized control trials of villages in a region that receive or don’t receive microcredit. They want to generalize the study results, predicting the expected outcome if one applies microcredit to other villages outside of their study.

But Broderick and her collaborators have found that results of some microcredit studies can be very brittle. Removing one or a few data points from the dataset can completely change the results. One issue is that researchers often use empirical averages, where a few very high or low data points can skew the results.

Using machine learning, she and her collaborators developed a method that can determine how many data points must be dropped to change the substantive conclusion of the study. With their tool, a scientist can see how brittle the results are.

“Sometimes dropping a very small fraction of data can change the major results of a data analysis, and then we might worry how far those conclusions generalize to new scenarios. Are there ways we can flag that for people? That is what we are getting at with this work,” she explains.

At the same time, she is continuing to collaborate with researchers in a range of fields, such as genetics, to understand the pros and cons of different machine-learning techniques and other data analysis tools.

Happy trails

Exploration is what drives Broderick as a researcher, and it also fuels one of her passions outside the lab. She and her husband enjoy collecting patches they earn by hiking all the trails in a park or trail system.

“I think my hobby really combines my interests of being outdoors and spreadsheets,” she says. “With these hiking patches, you have to explore everything and then you see areas you wouldn’t normally see. It is adventurous, in that way.”

They’ve discovered some amazing hikes they would never have known about, but also embarked on more than a few “total disaster hikes,” she says. But each hike, whether a hidden gem or an overgrown mess, offers its own rewards.

And just like in her research, curiosity, open-mindedness, and a passion for problem-solving have never led her astray.

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hazalyildizs · 1 year ago

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Name: Hazal Ayşe Yildiz

Faceclaim: Melisa Asli Pamuk

Gender & Pronouns: CIS-woman & she/her

Age: 33

Birthday: February, 21, 1991

Occupation: Software Developer

Neighborhood: Masonboro

Does your character have a secret? No.

Biography

Hazal Ayşe Yildiz was born on February 21, 1991, in Izmir, Turkey, just minutes after her twin sister. Their parents, Ela and Kemal Yildiz, were overjoyed at the arrival of their twin daughters. Ela worked as an elementary school teacher, while Kemal ran a small grocery store in town. The family lived in a modest apartment above the store, where the twins often helped stock shelves and bag groceries after school. Growing up, the twins were inseparable. They spent their summers playing in the nearby olive groves and helping their grandmother make traditional Turkish dishes. She particularly loved math and was always eager to help her father calculate prices and inventory for the store.

When Hazal was 12, her parents decided to move to the United States for better job opportunities. They settled in a diverse neighborhood in Philadelphia, where Ela found work as a teacher's aide and Kemal started driving a taxi. The move was tough on the family, especially the girls, who struggled with the language and making new friends. Because of this Hazal threw herself into her studies, finding comfort in the universal language of mathematics. She joined the school's math club and slowly began to make friends. By high school, she had become fluent in English and was excelling in her classes, particularly in computer science.

After graduating high school, she earned a scholarship to study Computer Science at Penn State. During her freshman year, Hazal experienced a brief rebellious phase. Away from her parents' watchful eyes for the first time, she dove into the college party scene. She attended wild parties, drank more than she probably should have, and had a few casual flings. However, this lifestyle quickly lost its appeal, when some of her partners started wanting more, Hazal realized this wasn't the path for her. By the end of her first semester, she had refocused on her academics, channeling her energy back into her computer science coursework and extracurricular tech projects. She joined the international students' club, where she enjoyed sharing her Turkish culture with others. She also discovered a talent for coding and spent many late nights in the computer lab working on projects.

Upon graduation, Hazal landed a job at a mid-sized tech company in Philadelphia. She enjoyed the work but found herself missing her twin sister, who had moved to Wilmington for a job right. But she couldn’t leave her position just to be with her twin. That's when Wright Inc., a tech company in Wilmington, offered her a position. With a higher salary, and the chance to be near her twin—the offer was too good to pass up. In October 2023, she packed her bags and made the move. Unfortunately, Wright Inc. hasn't been the dream job Hazal hoped for. The CEO, Lincoln Reid, was a nightmare to work with. She often clashed with the guy. To say she hated the guy would be an understatement. Still, she wasn’t going to leave just because she couldn't stand the sight of him. He could suck on sour lemons for all she cared—she wasn’t going to leave.

tl;dr

Hazal Ayşe Yildiz, 33 was in Izmir, Turkey. She’s a twin. Her family moved to Philadelphia when she was 12. Struggling initially, she found solace in mathematics and later excelled in computer science. After a brief rebellious phase in college, she refocused on academics, graduating with a Computer Science degree from Penn State. She started her career in Philadelphia but moved to Wilmington to be closer to her twin sister—accepting a job at Wright Inc. Despite enjoying proximity to her sister, she finds her new workplace challenging, particularly due to conflicts with the CEO, Lincoln Reid.

Wanted Connections

(Boyfriend) Him: He's her boss, and the pain in her ass. They kissed at a work gala, slept together and are now dating. Lincoln Reid

Twin: Alara Yildiz

Friends: Shivani Rao, Armi De Leon

Best Friend: They met in California at a club. Each thought the other was attractive, but they worked better as best friends and have been friends ever since. Liliana Johnson

Pilates: Seyda Seven

Neighbors:

Volunteer: She volunteers at the animal shelter

#wnc.intro

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umichenginabroad · 22 days ago

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#0: Summer Bucket List & Beginning Reflection

(yes I count from zero, I'm a computer science major)

Hi!

My name is Aylin, pronounced like “Eileen”. If there is one thing you should know about me it’s that I love a good list. Flipping through my notebook now, I have pages titled “Books I want to read soon”, “End of semester to-do”, and of course, “Summer 2025 Bucket List”. Now that’s a pretty special one in particular.

I make a bucket list for myself every summer, and it all started with me and my childhood best friend. We got the idea when our families would go to Türkiye on loooong summer trips – I’m talking like two months. To deal with being away for so long, we decided to write bucket lists for each other to get out of our comfort zones and regale each other with each task’s story at the end of the summer.

So I’ve decided to do the same here as I begin my study abroad experience in Madrid, Spain.

1. Get better at Spanish

My high school Spanish had pretty poor timing: my first year was The Year of COVID, and my school didn’t offer anything past Spanish 3. That is to say I’m walking into Spain after three years of no practice after already having a good chunk of it interrupted by the pandemic. Though my classes are going to be in English (thank you, universe!) I’m still going to be in a Spanish-speaking country, so I’m hoping that this will be the best opportunity to force myself to brush off those conjugations and restart my Duolingo streak.

2. Make new friends

As fun as “study abroad in Madrid” sounds, “spend eight weeks in a foreign country away from your family and friends” is kind of terrifying if I think about it too long. Being an out-of-state student at Michigan has forced me to come to terms with this already, but trying to do it again while also assimilating into a new culture is daunting. I’m hoping to find people to experience the city with – it’s always better to try something new with a buddy or two.

3. Explore museums and Spanish history

In preparation for this trip, I checked out nearly every Spain or Madrid travel guide my local library had to offer, and the largest sections in each of them were about the museums. The collection of art in this city is vast and encompasses all the cultures and people that have lived on this land over the years. I don’t know if I’ll be able to see it all, but I’m definitely going to try.

The Catedral de Santa María la Real de Almudena. I haven’t been inside any museums yet, but the walking tour on our first night absolutely convinced me that I need to!

4. Read Spanish literature

Despite reading being my favorite hobby, I don’t tend to read more than a handful of translated works each year. While the English-speaking world produces more than enough books to get me through a lifetime, there is something particularly illuminating about a time, place, or culture when you read a story from it. Though my Spanish is not nearly good enough to give me the opportunity to read Spanish literature in its original form (see list item #1), I’d love to spend some time trying new authors and stories. Bonus points if they’re from Madrid!

Future Aylin here: A comic book store me and my roommates found in the neighborhood – it’s awesome to see so many childhood favorites in Spanish.

5. Find a new favorite food

For all the unknowns about going to Madrid for a whole summer, the one thing I’m certain of is that I won’t go hungry. How can I when Spain is sprawling with its love for food? A four-hour lunch break and nap is just what I need every day, and I plan to make the most of it. Between balancing cooking for myself in my apartment and tasting new foods and restaurants, I’m counting on ending this summer with a new favorite dish.

As I settle into Madrid, I hope I can find more things to add to this list and begin crossing them off. Two months is somehow an eternity and no time at all – either way, I hope to spend it with good books, good company, and of course, good food.

See you soon!

Chao,

Aylin

Aylin Ozdemir

Computer Science, BSE

Engineering in Madrid, Spain

#UmichEnginAbroad #IPEMadridSummer #AylinOzdemir #IPESummer25 #Spain

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mani022blogs · 28 days ago

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Germany Calling: Unlocking Global Opportunities for Indian Postgraduates

In a rapidly evolving world, students from India are seeking education that is affordable, globally competitive, and rooted in innovation. For many, Germany emerges as the ideal destination—a country that blends academic precision, world-class research, and generous education funding. Whether you’re aiming for a career in management or advanced research in science and technology, MBA in Germany for Indian students and MS in Germany programs are increasingly popular.

But the journey doesn’t have to be expensive. With numerous scholarships for Indian students in Germany, even those from modest backgrounds can pursue high-quality education without being buried under debt. This guide walks you through why Germany is an academic magnet, what programs to consider, and how scholarships can help fund your dreams.

Why Germany Attracts Indian Students

Germany is more than just Europe's economic powerhouse—it’s also a beacon of innovation, research, and affordability for international students.

1. No or Low Tuition Fees: Public universities in Germany charge little to no tuition fees, even for international students. This drastically reduces the overall cost of education compared to countries like the USA, UK, or Australia.

2. Global Recognition: A degree from a German university is globally respected. Institutions like TU Munich, RWTH Aachen, and the University of Heidelberg rank high internationally.

3. English-Taught Programs: Thousands of Master’s and MBA programs are taught in English, eliminating the need for German fluency (though learning it is still recommended for life outside campus).

4. Research-Driven Education: Germany’s emphasis on applied science and real-world learning is ideal for MS and MBA aspirants.

5. Work Opportunities: Indian students are allowed to work 120 full or 240 half days annually while studying, and the 18-month post-study work visa gives ample time to find a job.

MS in Germany: Engineered for Innovation

The MS in Germany programs focus on STEM, engineering, data science, and natural sciences. Germany is home to several top technical universities that maintain deep collaborations with industry leaders such as Siemens, Bosch, SAP, and BMW.

Top MS Specializations in Germany:

Mechanical Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Computer Science

Data Analytics

Robotics and AI

Renewable Energy

Environmental Engineering

Leading Universities:

Technical University of Munich (TUM)

RWTH Aachen University

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

University of Stuttgart

TU Berlin

Eligibility:

4-year Bachelor’s degree (some accept 3 years with conditions)

GRE may be required by some universities

IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught programs

German language is a plus for internships and local life

Application Deadlines: Typically in July for winter intake and January for summer intake

MBA in Germany for Indian Students: Strategic and Global

The MBA in Germany for Indian students offers rigorous business education with a European edge. Most programs are 12 to 18 months long, and many do not require a GMAT. Germany’s location in the heart of Europe also means exposure to a wide variety of business cultures.

Popular MBA Specializations:

International Business

Finance & Accounting

Supply Chain Management

Digital Marketing

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Top Business Schools in Germany:

Mannheim Business School

ESMT Berlin

WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management

HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management

Frankfurt School of Finance & Management

Typical Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree

Minimum 2-3 years of work experience

IELTS or TOEFL

GMAT (optional for some schools)

Cost Range: €15,000 – €45,000 Living Expenses: Approx. €850–€1,200/month

Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany

Germany offers a wide variety of scholarships to Indian students, making it highly affordable despite its reputation for academic excellence.

1. DAAD Scholarships

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the most well-known scholarship provider.

Covers full tuition, living expenses, and travel

Open to Master’s, MBA, and PhD students

Highly competitive and merit-based

2. Erasmus+

A European Union initiative

Offers full/partial scholarships for joint Master’s programs across European universities

Includes tuition fees and monthly stipend

3. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarships

For students who show political/social engagement

Monthly stipend of €850 and academic mentorship

4. Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships

Focuses on green and social justice values

For Master’s and PhD students with a strong academic and social profile

5. University-Specific Scholarships

Many German universities offer merit-based and need-based scholarships. Examples include:

TUM International Student Scholarship

RWTH Aachen’s Graduation Scholarship

HHL Leipzig’s MBA scholarships for women and entrepreneurs

Documents Usually Required:

Academic transcripts

Motivation letter/SOP

Resume/CV

Letters of recommendation

Language proficiency certificates

Proof of social involvement (for some foundations)

Application Tips for Indian Students

1. Plan Early: Start researching programs and scholarships at least 12 months in advance.

2. Use the DAAD Portal: This centralized portal helps search for English-taught programs and scholarship opportunities tailored for Indian students.

3. Prepare a Strong SOP: Your Statement of Purpose should reflect clarity, academic background, and career vision.

4. Take Language Prep Seriously: Even for English-taught courses, basic German (A1/A2 level) improves everyday life and part-time work opportunities.

5. Check APS Certificate Requirements: As of recent years, Indian students may need an APS certificate from the German Embassy before applying for a student visa.

Living in Germany: Practical Matters

Germany is well-known for its safe cities, excellent public transportation, and student-friendly lifestyle. Cities like Munich, Berlin, and Heidelberg are popular among students, though smaller cities like Aachen or Darmstadt offer great programs and lower living costs.

Public health insurance, student discounts, and subsidized meals at university canteens help keep expenses manageable.

Cultural Adaptation: While academic life is structured, social life may feel more reserved than in India. Engaging in student clubs, internships, and local community groups can help ease the transition.

Post-Graduation: What’s Next?

After completing your MS or MBA, you are eligible for an 18-month job-seeking visa. Germany's shortage of skilled professionals, especially in IT, engineering, and finance, makes it highly likely for Indian graduates to land relevant jobs.

Eventually, this experience can lead to a Blue Card (EU work permit) and even permanent residency if desired.

Conclusion: Germany—A Pathway to Affordable Global Success

Whether it’s the intellectual rigor of an MS in Germany, the strategic edge of an MBA, or the life-changing opportunities brought by scholarships for Indian students in Germany, the country is an academic and economic bridge between dreams and reality.

Affordable, respected, and full of opportunity—Germany offers Indian students not just education, but a complete transformation.

#study in germany

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dfghdrgrtgr · 2 months ago

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Lite Regal Education: The Prestigious Summer School Cambridge Experience for Ambitious Students Aged 13 to 24

Lite Regal Education, located in the historic and academic heart of Cambridge, offers a truly transformative educational experience through its acclaimed Summer School Cambridge program. Designed for high school and pre-university students aged 13 to 24, our summer courses are hosted within the distinguished colleges of the University of Cambridge, providing participants with unparalleled academic excellence, cultural immersion, and personal growth opportunities.

Elite Academic Courses at the Summer School Cambridge

Our Summer School Cambridge program is renowned for its rich academic offering. Students can choose from over 30 intellectually rigorous courses that mirror the tutorial and lecture system of Oxbridge. These include but are not limited to:

Medicine Preparation

Engineering and Technology

Law and International Relations

Business and Leadership

Creative Writing and English Literature

Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence

Psychology and Neuroscience

Each subject is taught by experienced tutors from top universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, and other Russell Group institutions. The curriculum is designed not only to challenge but also to inspire, with real-world applications and interactive learning at its core.

Live and Learn at a Cambridge University College

Students enrolled in our Summer School Cambridge experience the privilege of residing in a historic University of Cambridge college. This immersive environment fosters a deep academic focus, cultivates a global network of peers, and allows students to experience daily life in one of the world’s most iconic academic institutions.

Dormitories are located within the college grounds, offering secure and comfortable accommodation. Meals are served in traditional dining halls, while students have access to college libraries, lecture theatres, and beautiful gardens—creating an ideal atmosphere for intellectual and personal enrichment.

An International Community of Future Leaders

Each summer, Lite Regal Education welcomes students from over 70 countries, fostering a truly global classroom. This diversity enriches discussions, broadens perspectives, and creates friendships that last a lifetime. Students become part of an inspiring international network of future scholars, professionals, and leaders.

Our Summer School Cambridge is more than an academic program—it is a life-changing cultural experience. Students learn from one another, share their ambitions, and collaborate on group projects, debates, and academic challenges that simulate real-world scenarios.

Exceptional Teaching and Mentorship

Our faculty includes distinguished university professors, PhD scholars, and seasoned educators with a deep commitment to excellence in teaching. At Lite Regal Education, the student-tutor ratio is kept intentionally low to ensure personalized attention and academic mentorship.

Beyond formal classes, students benefit from university application guidance, interview preparation, personal statement workshops, and career insights. These sessions are particularly valuable for those aspiring to apply to top-tier universities, including Oxbridge, Ivy League, and Russell Group institutions.

Enrichment Activities and Excursions

Academic learning at our Summer School Cambridge is complemented by a rich programme of social, cultural, and recreational activities. These include:

Guided tours of Cambridge and Oxford

Visits to famous landmarks such as King’s College Chapel and the Fitzwilliam Museum

Punting on the River Cam

Theatre nights and musical performances

Talent shows, quiz nights, and sports tournaments

Weekend excursions to London, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Windsor further enhance the experience, giving students a taste of British history and culture.

Tailored Programs for All Age Groups (13 to 24 Years Old)

Lite Regal Education has carefully designed its programs to suit three key age groups:

Junior Program (Ages 13–15): Focuses on foundational academic exploration, team-building, and soft skills.

Senior High School Program (Ages 16–18): Offers intensive subject-specific courses with university preparation.

University Preparation & Undergraduate Program (Ages 18–24): Provides advanced seminars, research opportunities, and pre-professional development.

This tiered approach ensures that every student is engaged at the appropriate academic level while being supported in their unique educational journey.

University Preparation and Career Development

One of the standout features of our Summer School Cambridge is our university and career preparation track. Students benefit from:

One-on-one mentoring

Mock university interviews

UCAS and Common App guidance

SAT and IELTS preparation

Personal statement and CV writing workshops

These resources are invaluable for students aiming to gain a competitive edge in college admissions and early career planning.

Safe and Supportive Learning Environment

Safety and student wellbeing are our top priorities. Our 24/7 pastoral care team and house mentors provide continuous support throughout the summer. From arrival to departure, students are guided and looked after with care and professionalism, ensuring a nurturing and secure environment for everyone.

Parents can rest assured that their children are in excellent hands, enjoying an enriching experience under expert supervision.

Why Choose Lite Regal Education's Summer School Cambridge?

Prestigious location in a University of Cambridge college

World-class academic instruction tailored for ages 13–24

Highly individualized support for university and career goals

Diverse international community

Balanced program combining academics, culture, and recreation

Strong alumni network and lifelong connections

Joining Lite Regal’s Summer School Cambridge means joining a tradition of excellence. Our alumni go on to attend leading universities and contribute meaningfully to their fields of interest.

Apply Now – Secure Your Place at Lite Regal’s Summer School Cambridge

Applications for the upcoming summer session are now open. Due to high demand and limited places, we encourage early application to avoid disappointment.

Don't miss this opportunity to invest in your future. Experience the academic challenge, cultural depth, and personal growth that only Lite Regal Education’s Summer School Cambridge can offer.

Our Company Details:

🌍 Prestigious University Locations

Students reside and study within historic colleges at UCL, Cambridge, and Oxford, experiencing the academic environment of some of the world's top-ranked in

🎓 Not Just a Summer School – A Centre of Academic Excellence

Founded in 1993, Lite Regal has a long-standing reputation for high-quality education. Beyond summer courses, it offers:

University Preparation & Oxbridge Prep

Foundation Programs

A-Level & GCSE Revision

Internships and Work Experience Programs

It stands out through its small-group, high-impact teaching, with qualified tutors—many from top UK universities—who are passionate about their fields.

🧠 Academic Programs

Courses are fully residential for 2–6 weeks with full boarding, expert-led classes, and a vibrant schedule of activities:

Ages 10–13: English Plus, Sports, Activities

Ages 13–15: AI, Creative Writing, Medical Biology, Public Speaking

Ages 15–18: Law, Business, Engineering, Medical School Prep, Film, Global Leadership

Ages 18–24: Oxbridge & University Prep, Internships, A-Level/GCSE Support

🔍 Unique Learning Beyond the Classroom

Lite Regal’s programs go further than textbooks:

Specialist Field Visits: Students explore real-world applications of their studies through exclusive industry and institutional visits, tailored to their chosen subject.

Guest Speakers: Inspirational experts from leading sectors share their insights and professional journeys.

Practical Workshops: Hands-on experiences develop skills and critical thinking.

🌟 Cultural & Social Enrichment

Students enjoy a rich cultural program including:

Wimbledon Tennis

West End Theatre Shows

Harry Potter Studio Tour

Museum & Gallery Visits

Shakespeare Festival

These experiences create lifelong friendships and broaden global perspectives.

📅 2025 Session Dates

Session 1: 29 June – 12 July

Session 2: 13 July – 26 July

Session 3: 28 July – 10 August

Session 4: 11 August – 24 August

Lite Regal Education: Where bright minds meet brighter futures.

More info at www.literegal.co.uk

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