Many of you come here with an impressive list of accomplishments and high expectations. That's good. But those expectations, and the desire to be perfect, can also create a great deal of pressure. I want you all to do well, to focus on classwork and performance. But the key to life, in my experience, is finding balance. Some of you will be tempted to consider outside activities as a distraction to your work - and they can be. But those same activities can also help your blow off steam, reduce the stress in your lives, and keep you refreshed when you turn your attention to your primary goals. I'm pompous enough to consider my class important, but it's not the be-all and end-all of your careers."
It didn't take long to find a mentor. Three weeks into the semester, and Buffy was already a favorite of Professor Tierney. Maybe it was her remarkable familiarity with Operant Conditioning. Maybe it was her insight into the affect of abusive, distant or neglectful father figures on teen development. Not that she knew of any other kind. But most likely, it was the carefully edited stories about Maggie Walsh.
Apparently Dr. Tierney had gone through Harvard with her and they'd briefly dated, before Walsh's clinical attitude soured him. So they joked about the Evil Bitch Monster of Death and her pre-occupation with Pavlov, Skinner and Frankenstein, even if Buffy never told Dr. Tierney just how pre-occupied Maggie was.
I so totally agree. Dr. Walsh was brilliant, but she was also a little deranged. Like you discussed, she was such the typical obsessive scientist. She was the type where she would get some idea in her head, and it was like nobody got in her way or challenged her. I think she took a liking to me because I stood up to her. Not that it kept her from trying to kill mein a metaphorical sense. Because Dr. Walsh would never actually order my death.
Dr. Tierney offered a bemused smile at Buffy, and then told her that he'd known very few people with as good a grasp on human behavior, yet as incapable of displaying any as Maggie Walsh. No wonder she and Doc T got along. It was hard not talking to him about all of her extracurricular activities... Although, she was starting to think about it. He reminded her a bit of Giles, sometimes. Kind eyes, gentle concern, and if she was right, was hiding a subversively mischievous streak.
"Once upon a time, I would have said "absolutely not". But I think you have to trust your instincts. And perhaps ask Willow or Riley to do a background check. He can't truly advise you or provide the services you'll eventually need from him if you can't be honest about your life... and that is not an accusation. I recall a painful adjustment period when you "came out" as the slayer to your mother. Certainly the timing was not auspicious - but it certainly improved your relationship. And we could certainly benefit professionally from the input of a trained psychologist. Indeed, that he would be newly introduced to the supernatural world might prove an asset. Regardless, if I've learned anything in my long life, it's that we can never have all the answers. And that we needn't ignore the advice others might give us. Even if it is an annoying teen, trying to meddle in my love life..."
She knew Giles was probably right, but Buffy just wasn't ready to risk losing another mentor yet. What if she told her those dreams she wanted him to interpret were real events. He might think she was crazy or just want no part of her world. Plus, he'd asked her to lead one of the discussion groups, and she wanted to do well. She needed his time to discuss actual studies, instead of getting bogged down in mythology. Maybe it could wait until after finals.
On the other hand, she might be able to use his advice if she told him. Because Buffy Summers wasn't the only slayer on campus. She was just the only one who accepted it.
I don't get it, Faith. Merrick took me out hunting one night and I just knew. I could feel things. I had this power, and I couldn't ignore it. Neither could you. It's not like we didn't try. Shouldn't it be like that for all of us. We can't have chosen someone that can't be reached.