In September.
The academic year at Birchwood College was in full swing, and the campus was buzzing with students.
With the influx of youthful energy, Cordelia, a lecturer, felt an invigorating boost. Indeed, those who spent their time within the ivory towers of academia seemed to age slower.
On Wednesday morning, Cordelia had a lecture to deliver to her finance postgraduates – a deep dive into Financial Accounting.
She was wearing a denim dress that day, and the soft fabric hugged her figure perfectly, highlighting her curves and youthful glow. Her hair was pulled into a bun, and she had applied a light layer of makeup as a sign of respect for her students.
The finance postgraduates were a mixed bag, comprising around twenty-odd students with varied research interests.
As it was the first lecture of the year, Cordelia was a bit nervous. The heat of the day didn't help either, making her forehead glisten with a thin layer of sweat.
"Good morning, everyone. I'm Cordelia, your Financial Accounting lecturer for this year."
After her introduction, she wrote her name, Cordelia, on the blackboard. Her handwriting was elegant, a result of dedicated practice.
She could hear whispers among the students. She guessed they were probably discussing how she was much younger than most finance lecturers, who were usually in their forties. She appeared to be in her early twenties. They were probably also wondering where she graduated from and if she was married.
Cordelia smiled at the thought. She used to gossip in the same way when she was a student.
Harold, one of her students, sat in the last row, observing Cordelia with interest. When Cordelia first walked in, Harold was taken aback. He hadn't expected this young woman to be a lecturer and not an assistant to undergraduate students. She must have at least obtained her Ph.D. However, she looked no older than a college student.
Cordelia delivered her lecture with clarity, using relatable examples. Her students seemed to appreciate her style of teaching.
By the time the class ended, it was almost noon. Cordelia rushed to the cafeteria for a quick lunch.
The cafeteria was packed with students. Cordelia, not one to cut in line, patiently waited her turn.
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