I feel the need to write, as I am about to embark on my first attempt at writing this semester and I am extremely nervous. I just feel like I've lost it. The ideas aren't coming as easily and the writing is proving to be quite a struggle. I no longer have the usual confidence I have when going into a paper. I don't know this professor, I haven't talked to him outside of class, and I've heard terrible things about his grading process. I hope to prove these bearers' of bad news wrong by producing an exceptional paper, but I admit I'm a bit intimidated. I have a feeling the professor deems me to be somewhat of a ditz. The very first day, Sherry began discussing the ways of the world and marriage and love and relationships. He kept looking at me rather intently and finally asked if I didn't agree with him. I was taken aback by his bold questioning and as I did not agree with him, I sort of laughed and said, "I guess," or "I don't know," or something equally eloquent. Ever since, the routine has been much the same. He continues to make intense eye contact with me and then ask me questions to which I have no answer. It's become a joke in the class now, as I am the only one he calls on other than the students who eagerly raise their hands in desperation to be heard. He first explained that I sit in the middle and he has no peripheral vision. Then he claimed that I always have a look on my face to suggest that I have something to say. He mused, "Don't look at me like that." When I finally said, "I'm the wrong person to ask these questions," he said, "that's strange, you always look like the right person to ask." It has been suggested that he noticed my wedding ring and since the class discussions seem to be particularly focused on the institution of marriage and the nonexistence of romantic love in the world, I might want to pipe in. I don't think that's it. It's also been suggested that he has a crush on me. I can't believe that's true either. No one has crushes on me. Someone also mentioned that it's just the opposite and he doesn't like me at all because perhaps he overheard a political discussion I was having with another student. I really don't believe that. Nonetheless, I feel I have to prove myself to this professor more than any other I've had. I'm going into this completely blind and hope to come out with a greater insight into the mind of this man.