Leo’s example, that although those who were negative towards you absorbed your attention, and certainly a negative professor would produce that effect, there were also, no doubt many there who were silent supporters.”
Albin nodded.
“These silent supporters are not always of much practical help, but they do give a boost to the morale when we are up against it,” said Collin.
“I see what you mean,” said Albin as he now seemed pleased rather than shy about being included in the procedure. He added, “When I was a soda-pop salesman it was easier to distinguish the good ones from the bad. In that less complex environment most of them were good and showed it openly, but that all seems to be crowded out now by the bad experiences.
Collin turned his attention to Dr. Eldren. “Dr. Eldren, I have parted from the story telling, but I figure if I just planted that thought in Albin’s and indeed in all our minds, near the beginning, it would help us to keep in mind the positive side of our experiences.”
“I think it’s a very good point you brought in there Collin, very good,” nodded Dr. Eldren, obviously pleased.
Collin turned to Leo, “Your professor’s parting remark that evening was ‘you’ll be hearing more about it,’ and we assume you did. But since you finished that course, I can only assume one of two things: either the department tried to cover up for the professor, brushing under the carpet the wrong he had done, as though nothing much had happened. This would allow you to go back and finish under a sort of truce between the two of you; or, he was oblivious to that whole aspect of human behavior and in his naïveté just passed you on to a counselor thinking automatically that you had a problem, that the problem was yours and yours alone.”
Leo looked wide eyed at Collin. “You seem to know my story before I tell it,” he quipped with a smile of amazement, “are you psychic or something?”
“No, not psychic” answered Collin, “just experienced; been through the mill many times in various spheres of life.”
“Of course there are other possible scenarios but to my mind, these are the ones most often used.” Then Collin came abruptly from his reflection. “Sorry folks,” he apologized, “I’ve interrupted Leo’s story, and delved into speculation. Guess I just couldn’t resist sharing as though at long last I have found people like myself; but tell me Leo, and then I’ll let you be free to continue, since you did complete the course, which of the approaches was it?” “It was the second Collin, as you will see when I relate the happenings to you.”
Owen now spoke up. “I just knew from the beginning you’d be a great help to us Collin, and its showing through already. You show that you have insight into our problems.”
The other group members passed varying positive remarks, in support of Owen’s statement. Collin cautioned them soberly, “Understanding a matter is one thing, coming out on top of it is another, as you shall find out. Leo should tell us what happened now, and we shall see.”
“Sure Collin,” Leo continued with his story. “The unpleasant incident in English 2002 took place at a Tuesday night lecture. On the Thursday night following I attended my weekly class in English 2007. I arrived for it about ten minutes early as usual. Shortly after my arrival the professor came in, a very pleasant person indeed, and he handed me a letter, saying he had been asked by the department head to deliver it to me. The letter was sealed. I opened it and it was a request from the English Department Head that I make an appointment to see him. So next morning I phoned his office, and arranged to see him that afternoon. I got off work early to keep the appointment.”
Leo went on without interruption, “I arrived at his office on time, and entered the outer area where I was greeted by his secretary. “He’s expecting you,” she informed me, “I’ll take you right in.”
I followed her through the open door.
“Mr. Aidan to see you sir.”
“Yes,” he replied as he began to size me up and down. “Yes,” he said again, hesitantly, “yes, thank you.” The secretary left the room, closing the door behind her.
“Sit down, sit down,” the department head said, his hesitancy now coupled with a puzzled facial expression, as though almost bewildered.
“You’re getting good at describing the intangibles,” said Gilda joyfully. Other group members supported her with similar remarks.
“Why was he bewildered at the sight of you Leo?” asked Albin again. Leo paused to search for words for his answer.
Collin, now more glad than ever to be in company of his own kind, could not refrain from answering for him, “He was expecting a rowdy and a ruffian, was he not Leo?”
“Right on Collin!” remarked Leo excitedly, “right on. He had been expecting a tough character, and when it didn’t turn out to be so, he was on unfamiliar ground, and puzzled by it.”
Gilda probed once again for descriptions of intangibles. She would leave no room for misinterpretation or wrong diagnosis if she could help it. “Can you substantiate with something concrete, your supposition that the department head was puzzled, and that he had been expecting a rowdy?”
Leo smiled at her, “yes, I can Gilda, I think I have the hang of it now.”
Leo continued, “I sat down, and he said, ‘you’re having some problems in English 2002 class. Can’t be much I’m sure.” He looked me up and down, obviously favorably impressed by me. “Can’t be much,” he repeated. “I’m sure this matter can be easily rectified through our Student Counseling Department. I’ll make an appointment for you there”, he said as he reached for the phone.
“But sir,” I replied.
“Oh don’t worry, we have a very good department there. You’ll find them to be a good bunch, very helpful and effective, and they won’t hurt you; strictly confidential of course, no need to worry about anything.”
“I knew,” said Leo soberly to the group as he shook his head, “I knew I was talking to the wrong person about my particular problem. He was a scholar and a gentleman to be sure, but it did seem clear to me already that he would have not the slightest insight into my problem with my professor. “Maybe,” I thought,” if I go to the Student Counseling Department, someone there would understand. So I offered to go. The department head proceeded with the call to Dr. Eldren, and made an appointment for me. After the call was made and arrangements completed, I asked, ‘Sir, may I continue in English 2002?’”
“Oh yes, by all means,” came his reply. The instructor of that class is a very good teacher you know. He has been with us for some time now. I’m sure this little matter can be straightened out; and don’t worry, you’re counseling is strictly confidential. The counseling department is kept entirely separate from other departments of the university-no problem there.”
“Although disappointed in my overall interview, I was relieved by his last statement,” remarked Leo to the group. “I was now convinced that my English 2007 course at least would not be affected. That was a major comfort to me. Of English 2002, I was skeptical, but I would hang in there, as a class supporter had urged the evening of the trouble. However, I decided to put my trust in the counseling department, and here I am.”
“How did you make out in English 2002 afterwards,” inquired Collin.
“Well,” answered
