Taking Roll

[Sammy]

It has been three weeks since I started my new "relationship" with Professor Davis. As her Teaching Assistant, I now had new “responsibilities” above and beyond what is expected of other students. For example, now that I had a more “official” position within the classroom, I was expected to sit in the very front. I was also expected to take detailed notes for each lecture, and post them on the link for our students with accommodations.

In other words, no hiding in the back. No falling asleep. Not a single misstep.

Because all eyes are on me. This isn’t just a figure of speech. Professor Davis thought it would be a good idea for me to sit practically next to the whiteboard facing the class rather than among them. When I tried to point out that it would make it hard for me to build relationships with my classmates she replied:

“You’re my TA. I need you close.”

It is also extremely hard to be so close to your professor when you know them…physically. As much as my mind knew I