He looked down and began scribbling on the piece of paper in front of him. He closed them and I saw his Adam's apple rise and then drop as he swallowed. But more often than not, if you choose to let them in, they'll inspire you in more ways than you can possibly imagine.' 'But it's the people that become more than acquaintances that really inspire us. 'I'm stronger because of the acquaintances that have come in and out of my life. Whether it's because you're uncomfortable with the idea of befriending them, or they just hate you.' I shrugged. But there's usually a reason that they remain at a distance. 'I've learned to study harder,' I smiled to myself. The professor who gave me my first D last semester.' I actually have been inspired by many strangers in my life. Sometimes I think that pain is what defines you the way you react to adversity. And yes, we can certainly be influenced by mere acquaintances, because some are a positive force and others are a negative energy.

'Acquaintances come in and out of your life all the time. So really, aren't we all as individuals the ones that inspire ourselves the most? We're able to choose who is going to influence us because we choose which strangers become more than acquaintances. Which got me thinking that we actually choose the people that are going to influence our lives. 'I have been inspired by so many people that it's hard to choose just one.

'Okay so that was embarrassing.' Good, own it! 'Anyway, I.,' my throat caught. Crap, how long had I been up here already?! It looked like he wanted to laugh at me too. Professor Hunter rubbed his forehead and looked up at me slowly. The majority of the class was still laughing at me once I reached the podium. The screeching sound seemed to echo as the girl moved her desk back where it belonged. 'I'm so sorry,' I said quickly, and finished walking to the podium. The desk screeched a few inches to the right and the girl sitting there looked like she had just been woken up. Forgetting to watch where I was going, I tripped over a backpack in the aisle and fell sideways into someone's desk. When I walked passed his desk, I smelled his cologne and felt even more light headed. Professor Hunter called my name a moment later and I felt like I was going to faint. After he sat down, he leaned over and said, 'You're up, Penny. And hey, at least she's inspiring me to be persistent.' Wow, now that I think about it, is she really that inspiring? I know it sounds crazy, but I really think so. She also kneed me in my junk that one time.' 'But it's okay, because she does laugh at all my jokes. She usually says no when I ask her on a date.' I put my hands over my mouth and began shaking my head back and forth. I'm going to be incredibly sappy for the next few minutes, because I have met THE most amazing girl. He didn't look at all nervous when he reached the podium.

For a second I put my nerves aside so I could listen to Tyler's speech. Ultimately I decided against it because I figured everyone would be able to deduce that it was me.īefore I knew it, Professor Hunter called Tyler's name. I even began to wonder if I should go to the bathroom and pull the alarm myself. I just stared at my notes, hoping that someone would pull the fire alarm. I completely spaced out during all the speeches. Professor Hunter called out the first name and made his way to the back of the room. Being nervous was way worse than a hangover. Seeing him would just make me even more nervous. When Professor Hunter walked in I moved my eyes back to my notes.

Ivy smoak the hunted series