My fingers move quickly, the plan forming as I type.
Subject:Update to Grading Policy - Engagement Quizzes
All Students,
After reviewing the results of the initial diagnostic, it’s clear that while many of you have a firm grasp of the foundational concepts, consistent engagement is key to success in a class of this difficulty. To encourage this, Dr. Albright has approved a minor amendment to the grading structure.
Five percent (5%) of your final grade will now be determined by a series of unannounced ‘Engagement Quizzes.’
These quizzes will be brief (1-2 questions) and will cover material from the most recent lecture. They will be administered randomly and ONLY during the Thursday evening review sessions. There will be no make-ups for missed quizzes.
The first review session is this Thursday at 6 PM in Dalton Hall, room 203. I recommend you attend.
West Monroe
TA, Chem 102
I read it over. It’s perfect, helpful, supportive. It’s a lie.
It’s a leash.
I can picture her reading it. The fury, the helplessness. The beautiful, beautiful trap. Her perfect 4.0 is now contingent on her attendance. On her being in the same room with me, a room of my choosing, at a time of my choosing. She can’t get a perfect score without me.
I hit ‘Post.’ The announcement goes live.
Let her have her small victory with the email. Let her think she’s in control.
I just took control of the one thing she can’t stand to lose, her perfect record.
I look back at her email one last time.Sincerely, Kinsley Fischer.
No, not Fischer.
Kinsley.
Mine.
Six
Kinsley
Ilean back in my chair, a humorless smile on my face, and imagine him reading my reply. Let him choke on that. Let him see that I’m not some timid mouse he can corner.
A surge of adrenaline courses through me, a clean, sharp high. It’s intoxicating, a familiar rush that makes my thoughts race, connecting ideas with a dazzling, almost overwhelming speed. He made his move, and I countered. The board is reset. For thefirst time since I saw him in that lecture hall, I feel a dizzying sense of control, like I can finally breathe again.
The feeling lasts for exactly ninety seconds.
I plan to close the laptop, walk away on this small high, and bury myself in work for another class. But some instinct, some nagging premonition makes me click back to the main course page. The restless energy won't let me settle.
And there it is. A new announcement was posted just moments ago. My name isn't on it, but it’s aimed at me like a rifle.
Subject:Update to Grading Policy - Engagement Quizzes
My eyes scan the text, the words blurring together at first. Then they come into sharp, brutal focus. The sudden shift is jarring, a physical lurch in my chest.
…five percent (5%) of your final grade…
…unannounced ‘Engagement Quizzes’…
