I entered the lecture hall early for my first day ever as a teaching assistant. I didn’t want to risk being late and embarrassing myself in front of the large class — much less the professor. I’d been lucky to get the gig because she’s one of the most popular instructors on campus, even though she’s really strict. But she’s also super-smart and well-respected, which means that students are clamoring for her classes and TAs are always angling to work for her. That’s why I was so determined to make a good impression.

“Seconds after I took my seat in the front row, my longtime classmate Harry walked into the otherwise empty hall. We’d attended the same school as undergrads and remained on campus to pursue our graduate degrees. I’d always had a crush on him, but he had... Read More