"Please put down your pens and stop writing. The examination has come to an end. Please remain seated while we collect your papers. You will be dismissed once the papers have been tallied."
There goes the announcement that marks the end of my third year in university. I give my right wrist a light shake, trying to loosen the muscles that have been tensed up from the endless writing within the last two and a half hours. This is the problem with taking English examinations. The amount of things we have to write, or want to write within the given amount of time is just ridiculously insane. All the battle scars of smudged black ink imprinted on our hands after every paper prove our struggle to be real. I quickly staple my papers together as I watch Professor Donoghue approaching me quickly. "Oh, I'm sure going to miss Professor Donoghue's classes after this semester," I thought to myself while I thanked him as he collected my paper.
Professor Donoghue has been the head of the English division for ten years now. His popularity amongst the students is known throughout the faculty. Well, someone as dedicated and intelligent as him would definitely enjoy a fair share of admiration and idolization from his students. Professor Donoghue is one of the most patient professors within the department. He is always willing to go the extra mile for his students, accepting additional consultation sessions with his students despite his busy schedule and the arrival of his newborn baby girl. His lessons were always informative and thought provoking, leaving students eager to learn more from him. Without exception, I was part of this little fan club too, admiring Professor Donoghue for his tremendously engaging lessons and his friendly character. There is something about friendly professors that appeals to me. Who would prefer a stern and grumpy looking professor anyway? People like Professor Donoghue always make me feel a little more welcome in this school.
I have never believed myself to be the sort of girl who gets the golden opportunity to study in a university. My grades aren't fantastic, always hanging between the second upper and second lower class rank. And that is after going through a whole lot of struggle burying myself in my books whenever I was free while I juggle between my two part time jobs. I am definitely no intellectual genius, but at least I do try my best. Or so I believe. But sometimes the best just isn't enough, is it?
Students started flocking out of the examination hall as soon as we were released through the announcement. "Hey Jane, are you ready to party all night long later this evening?" Sandra grinned excitedly while she pounced towards me and delivered a tight hug. Sandra is my best friend in school. I would never imagine myself pulling through university without her. She is both intelligent and beautiful, the kind of girl every other girl wants to be; the kind of girl whom every man wants to be with. Sandra is eloquent with her words and exudes a sense of elegance like no other. I have always admired her for her personality, because she seemed to mingle well with everybody in school, knowing exactly how to behave with all sorts of people. There is no way for anybody to dislike her at all. Unlike her, I have always been regarded as the awkward and anti-social being in school, having little friends around me. But somehow, Sandra and I managed to click since the very first day of school, something which I have and will always be thankful for. "You know I'd always prefer watching a movie in the dorm to partying all night long, but yes," I replied Sandra with a somewhat forceful smile. "Come on, don't be sulky. We deserve a celebration for successfully conquering such a tedious semester! Now, give me a real happy smile!" Sandra demanded playfully. Sandra is always cheerful and bubbly, the kind of character which nobody ever says 'no' to. "Yes m'am! Anything for you, you know it," I replied. True enough, I will do anything for her, because she matters to me.