Chapter Seven

Valerie stood at the front entrance to the administration building of Hampton University, the brick structure slightly intimidating in its stoic, austere appearance. Giant oaks towered around the edges of the campus, some nestled close enough to the buildings to offer some sort of shade, the slight breeze tousling their leaves. College students meandered about, most laden down with overloaded backpacks or arms loaded with thick books. Some students had earphones in, listening to their music on their way to class, while others laughed along with whoever they walked with. A few teachers crossed from the parking lot to the buildings, some shaking their heads as they watched the students, more than likely lost in the generation gap. Valerie never understood why people took positions around others they refused to try to understand. She thrived on the differences between her and her students, hoping both could teach the other something about life past, present, and future. That’s wh