#AND they get free meals at the dorm? AND they get paid for performing??

[protect-namine]

univeil setting is soooo convenient. like it doesn't really matter if you're a first year or a third year student bc everyone is in the same "class" and living in the same dorm and eating breakfast together and rehearsing together in the same plays all year round. in a typical school anime setup, even with sports anime, there's always this huge unspoken gap between the seniors and the juniors (and even larger gap with the overpowered student council trope lol). and yeah in jj everyone's taking different lessons but when it comes to rehearsal time, it's an even playing field. first years can get a lead role as much as the third years. you're all teaching each other new skills. the second year is in charge of the singing. the third year is doing your choreo. the first year is bringing out everyone else's acting skills. you're all classmates bc you're all in the same production company, essentially. it's nice.

or, well, at least this is how quartz runs lmao, I know amber works differently.

[flannel-cladpika]

Between the Lines of Fear and Blame - Gojo Satoru x GN! Reader

A/N: Inspired loosely by the song “How to Save a Life” by The Fray (hence the title). SLIGHT spoilers for ch.78.

TW: Parental Abuse, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Swearing

You hadn't had a good relationship with your father for most of your life.

The man was a well-respected jujutsu sorcerer, having become one of the most powerful special grade sorcerers at a rather young age. He went on to have a highly successful career in saving people and defeating special grade curses.

  He'd met your grade 2 sorcerer mother on a group mission, and they got married a few years later, and they had you about 3 years into their marriage.

The first few years of your life were full of joy and laughter. Your mom taking you to the aquarium while your dad was on a mission; Your dad making you breakfast before walking you to your elementary school; Family outings to the park for picnics. It was the best childhood a kid could ask for.

At least, until a special grade killed your mother when you were 8 years old.

Your father had been away on assignment and had no knowledge of the incident until he returned home.

That day, the loving and kind man you'd always known, vanished. In his place, a bitter and hateful being was left.

Your father immediately started training you to become a jujutsu sorcerer, stating that if you stayed as weak as you were, you'd end up dead just like your mother. The man would drink whenever he could, only ever sobering up just enough to go out on a mission to get paid.

He'd yell at you for every little mistake you made, sometimes even slapping you across the face when you'd done an especially poor job in his eyes. He'd deny you dinner if he deemed your day's performance "not good enough".

Your father's coworkers had no idea what the man was like at home. He would act like a perfect single parent whenever you two were out in public, and he'd trained you well in the art of acting. He'd taught you the correct responses to their questions and how to fake a smile convincingly. He would brag about you inheriting both his and your mother's techniques, boasting about how you would surely become a great jujutsu sorcerer one day.

Everyone always bought his "proud father" act. No one ever suspected a thing, or at least, if they did they never said anything out of fear of your father's power and influence.

When you were able to leave your father's house and attend the Jujutsu high school in Tokyo, it was both freeing and horrifying. 

What if you weren't strong enough? How many meals would you be denied? Would the instructors be upset with your silence like your other school teachers?

To say it took a while for you to trust anyone would be an understatement. What made things worse was that you'd never been allowed to have friends growing up, so you weren't used to having people that you could talk to.

It was nice. Sure, you still carried the mental scars your father left you with, but you had no intention of ever talking about those. You planned on leaving all that trauma and all those horrible memories behind you.

That was, until you met Gojo Satoru.

He was one of your fellow first-years who had a tonne of potential. He and Suguru Getou were both extremely talented, making even some of the most difficult training look easy.

Outside of classes though, they were like regular teenagers; goofing off, playing pranks, and even sneaking out to see the city.

  Some mornings, you'd hear Ieiri groan exasperatedly, to which you would open your dorm door, only to see her throw some poor unsuspecting creature out of her room. They ranged from anywhere from Whip Spiders to Chipmunks. One time, a stray cat was even released into her room (probably Suguru's idea, as Gojo seemed to favour large insects and arachnids), which Ieiri kept around to get rid of anymore random critters that the two boys tried to let loose into her dorm. She named the cat "Hunter". He was a cute little apex predator and protected his domain well.

No one ever tried anything with you though. After you almost had a breakdown  from finding a handful of centipedes in your bed, everyone agreed that you were maybe not a fun person to prank.

Instead, when your peers realized how shy and quiet you were, they tried to break you out of your shell. They would try to be friendly to you, greeting you in the morning and inviting you to have lunch with them, though no one pressured you.

Except Gojo.

The guy was fascinated by you. Here you were, the only offspring of one of the most powerful jujutsu sorcerers, yet you never mentioned your family. Everyone in the jujutsu world (at least in Japan) knew what happened to your mom - it was a big deal at the time and everyone knew to never bring it up - so he understood you not wanting to talk about her, but you never spoke of your father either.

He expected you to be some big shot powerful sorcerer with a boisterous personality and hoped you'd be a great sparing partner. He kind of expected you to be like himself, what with your background and having inherited both your family's techniques. Funnily enough, he only knew about your paternal one, "Eye of Ra", since you bore the same intricate birthmark as your father on your right eye, and your mother’s family hadn’t been as much of a big name as your father’s. He knew your technique allowed you to manipulate light, which meant you could do anything from blinding others to even creating visual illusions. If you wanted to, you could absorb the light in a room and turn it into physical weapons, like create swords of light that could deal physical damage. 

Gojo expected you to be a confident and powerful ass-kicking badass with a take-no-shit attitude that he could riff off of.

But instead, he met you. 

This timid little creature that flinched at the sound of someone raising their voice and who barely ever spoke. You were reluctant to use your powers around others, which baffled the male. Why would you want to hide your powers? Had you not mastered them already? Why would you shy away from others when they got angry? Were you really THAT weak?

Yet, despite appearances, whenever you were sent on a solo mission, you always came back successful and unscathed, even against grade 2 curses. You never boasted about how easy the task was or how great a job you'd done. Instead, you'd just report as was standard protocol, and scurry off to your room without a word to anyone.

Everything about you was just so...unexpected. Gojo had so many questions and no answers, which made him even MORE intrigued.

So, the white-haired male would follow you.

Not in a stalker-y way; he let you know he was there. He'd walk with you around campus, volunteer to be paired with you during one-on-one training, even offer to study with you during breaks. The guy wouldn't leave you alone.

Eventually, Gojo got tired of you turning down his offers to hang-out together and instead would just drag you to wherever he had planned to go. He'd drag you to the library for study sessions, to the city for bubble tea, even out to the movies with snacks hidden in his pockets. He just wanted the chance to observe you and your reactions.

At first, you found his actions to be terrifying. What if he was dragging you away to a place where no one could witness him hurting you? What if he was trying to get you to let your guard down so he could attack you? What if he only wanted to use you to gain your father's favour?

Clearly, your past wasn't behind you.

Gojo was trying to get you to open up so he could learn more about his new favourite fascination, but as he did so, he also slowly began seeing you as a friend. You were a great listener, often sitting through his long rants about everything and nothing. He found it nice to know that you would come to him with questions about curses and normal teenager things. 

He thought it was very odd that you knew almost nothing about regular life as a teen. What rock had you been living under? You hadn't seen any of the latest TV shows, had only seen like 4 movies, and had no idea what a "bff" was, among a long list of other such mundane things that Gojo had assumed everyone his age was aware of. This all only piqued his curiosity further.

After the first few months of Gojo's attempts to get closer to you, you slowly started to become more comfortable around him. Eventually, you got to the point where you were no longer scared to speak your mind with him, which gradually started to apply to others. You began talking more in and outside of class, even asking how other people's days had been (which was a big step for you, as it had previously taken everything in you not to run away whenever someone called out to you).

By the time 2nd year rolled around, you'd managed to gain 3 new friends and a significant confidence boost. It certainly helped that you also decided to stay in Tokyo instead of going back home. Everything was turning out great.

Until your father came to visit for a guest teacher lesson. All that time away from the old man had caused your acting skills to get a little rusty, but you still did your best to act like nothing was wrong, even when you were terrified.

Everyone was in awe of him, after all, he was like a celebrity with how well-known and powerful he was. They were all impressed by his strength and charisma which were on full display when he demonstrated difficult tactics for taking down multiple high-ranked curses at once and when he helped out with teaching curse anatomy.

To your peers, the man seemed as though he could do no wrong. He was strong and knowledgeable, with a healthy dose of respect for the school’s staff and principal, whom he chatted with as though they were old friends.

And of course, he played the part of a doting father perfectly, even giving you a big hug when he saw you for the first time, squeezing just a bit tighter than he needed to. Everyone fell for his award-winning act.

Except Gojo.

Gojo Satoru had a deep respect for the strong and powerful man who had saved hundreds, if not thousands of people, and at first noticed nothing out of the ordinary with you and your dad's relationship. It was natural that you'd avoid your parent when they came to your school. Afterall, what kid would want to be embarrassed in front of their friends by their clearly loving and over-praising parent?

However, it wasn't until Gojo actually started to observe how you acted around your dad that he started to grow suspicious.

It was the little things that most people wouldn't have noticed. You'd flinch just the tiniest bit whenever your old man placed his hand on your shoulder or patted your head. Your eyes would widen slightly in what sort of looked like fear whenever the guy would call your name. And whenever the older male asked to see you later, your hands would start to tremble a little.

As Gojo put on his dark purple sweatshirt and a black pair of jogging pants after a long day of training, he realized there were just too many things that didn't add up. Why did it seem like you were afrai-?

That was when the pieces started to fall into place. 

The way you refused to go home for school holidays or summer break; The way you flinched at every move when you first transferred; Hell, even the way you stayed quiet and got spooked every time someone called out to you. It was all starting to make sense. It all pointed to a very dark and alarming conclusion.

And it was starting to make Satoru's blood boil.

HOW DID I NOT SEE IT?! The white-haired boy thought to himself as he ran towards your dorm room. He'd heard your dad ask to see you after class today, and after the realization he just came to, he knew he had to go check on you.

You were his friend, 2nd only to Suguru in terms of how close you two were. You listened to all his bullshit and his issues with his own family. You noticed whenever he was hiding something, being almost as observant as he was, and you were always there to hear him out or lift him up when no one was around and Suguru was off doing gods-know-what.

How could he have been so blind to something that now seemed so glaringly obvious?

The six eyes wielder ran faster at that thought. He needed to check on you. He needed to make sure you were ok.

By the time Satoru reached your door, it was dark out. Being his usual brash self, he immediately swung open the door without so much as a knock, worried that you were injured after seeing your old man.

What Gojo saw before him both worried and baffled him beyond anything he could've expected.

There you were, on the floor, hunched over, with the only light sources being your bedside lamp and the faint glow of the full moon. You were clad in a black tank top and loose gray running shorts, one knee brought close to your chest while the other leg was stretched out. Gojo could see the sweat glistening off your skin as your left hand stilled in it's rummaging through your drawer for pain medicine.

There were large red marks the size of fists on your arms that seemed to have already started to bruise. There were scrapes and cuts on your knees that looked pretty bad, and your hair looked like it had just been through a wind-tunnel.

You looked up when you heard the door open, pure terror in your glassy eyes as you feared your father had followed you, although he'd never done so before. The man only ever let you go when he felt your punishment for that particular infraction was finished, and never a second less. If he felt you hadn’t been punished enough, he wouldn’t have let you go in the first place.

Satoru's eyes widened in shock once he took in the sight of your face. The face that usually greeted him with a smile at the start of classes first thing every morning, was now so hard to recognize.

There was a dark mark around your right eye that looked a bit swollen and encompassed your "Eye of Ra" birthmark. Your lips were busted, a cut running down both of them on left side of your mouth. Your left cheek was screaming red with a barely-there outline of a large hand.

And yet, your injuries were only one of the two things that had the Limitless user stunned. 

Yes, he was very concerned and worried about your current physical state, but the second thing he'd noticed was what gave him pause.

A warm and inviting indigo glow that Satoru didn't recognize was emanating from your right hand, which was hovering over one of your knees.

That was new... Last he checked, that wasn't what your technique looked like...

Your terrified expression seemed to relax for a moment once you realized who had entered your room. However, you soon panicked as you tried to think of a way to explain your injuries without actually telling the truth. Dammit! You had planned on having fixed yourself up before morning classes.

You decided to just wing it. "O-Oh! Hey, Satoru! I-uh- just got back from a jog! I fell on my way up the stairs to get back to campus, so I was just treating myself with this handy-dandy first-aid ki-"

"Did your old man do this to you?" the male asked seriously, though his tone was careful and non-threatening. He wasn't trying to press you for answers if you really didn't want to give any, but he also really hoped you’d tell him.

Your eyes widened in surprise before a pensive expression crossed your face. You stayed silent for a moment as you looked away from your best friend, and instead focused on your knee as the indigo light coming from your hand grew a bit brighter. 

Gojo walked towards you and sat down near you, giving you your space but still letting you know he was there. The snowy-haired male watched in awe as the wounds on your knee began to heal under the soft glowing light that came from your palm.

After you finished healing both your legs (with Gojo watching in fascination the whole time), you finally spoke.

"....Yeah. He did." You say wearily. You sounded tired and defeated.

The teen looked up at the sound of your voice, but you kept your eyes on your work. You scooted backward until your back rested against the side of your mattress.

You then raised your other hand from the floor and it too began producing an indigo light. You started to hover your hands over each of the new injuries, going one at a time, the worse ones taking a bit longer. Satoru spoke up as you continued.

"How long has it been like this?" he asked, concern seeping into his tone.

You let out a shaky sigh as another tear falls from your eye.

"He's been like this ever since mom died. He's always making sure I'm doing everything right. He trained me everyday, and said that friends are just distractions, as are movies and television. He said that if I didn't become stronger, I'll just end up in the stomach of some curse."

You tried to take a deep breath to calm yourself. It didn't help.

"But he's.... he's never punched me before... Usually, it's just face slaps and hair-tugging. He said I deserved it for how bad I did today; For how much of an embarrassment I am to him. Said that my mother would be ashamed of me if she saw how weak I am...." you explained while slowly healing your would-be black eye. Your voice trembled as the tears started to build up again.

“Is he why you don’t really use your technique around others?” Gojo asked. You couldn’t tell what he was thinking.

You nodded. “I don’t want others to see how bad I am with my powers. I don’t want them to know I’m just...” 

You stopped healing yourself and finally looked up at Gojo to meet his gaze through the dark circular shades he always wore. You looked at yourself reflected in the black glass. 

All you saw was a weak little child staring back at you; a child with no skills and no use.

"I-I'm r-really weak... a-aren't I?" you smiled bitterly, tears streaming down your cheeks as your gaze moved back to the floor.

"I'm not the smartest or the strongest or the most clever. It takes so much for me to create a domain that I can b-barely sustain for more than 5 minutes. I-I'm only good with my studies b-because you and Shoko help me c-constantly. I'm always a nervous-wreck around others t-too, like some scared little m-mouse. I’m just...I'm just a weakling..." you stated, keeping your eyes trained on the floor boards.

You then heard the sorcerer-in-training step closer to you and take a seat on the bed you were leaning against. There was a long pause that followed the movement, creating an awkward atmosphere.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Gojo spoke up.

“You’ve never been a weakling.” he stated honestly.

You looked back at your white-haired classmate, an incredulous look on your face as tears continued to fall.

“You don’t have to lie to make me feel better, Gojo.” you said.

“Do I look like a liar to you?” the boy asked jokingly, softly nudging you with his knee.

You laughed a bit. “Yes. You look like the poster child for liars.” you replied with mirth in your voice.

Gojo let out a few laughs.

“Well, you got me there.” he responded with a chuckle that soon died. “But I’m not lying about this.”

The boy behind you lifted off the bed, removing his shades as he lowered himself into a seated position beside you.

“You are not useless. You never have been. I’ve seen you on the training grounds. I’ve seen how well you handle yourself with and without weapons. You’ve survived solo missions against grade 2 curses and-”

“Gojo, you’ve taken out curses that are grade 1, though. My dispatching a few grade 2′s is nothing compared to yo-”

The aforementioned male put a finger to your mouth, effectively stopping you.

“You shouldn’t interrupt people, (Y/n). Some might consider it rude~.” he said teasingly. You huffed but remained silent.

“As I was saying,” he continued, removing his finger from your face.

“You’ve managed to utterly crush many grade 2 curses, even outdoing me in number of curses exorcised. You’ve managed to make it through your father’s abuse and the trauma that came with that, and still become a powerful sorcerer. Hell, from what I’ve seen, you have another ability that you’ve yet to show anyone! By the way, what ability is that?” Gojo asked, his curiosity having finally caught up with him and causing him to de-rail his own speech.

You sighed as you looked at your hand, activating the indigo aura once again and hovering your hand over a bruise on your left arm. The boy next to you watched your movements with interest.

“It’s the family technique that I got from my mother. I never learned the name of it, but I know that it allows me to heal myself and others, though I don’t use it often. My father never really let me near my mother’s family, saying that he had no intentions of letting their “weakness” rub off on me. So, I never got to learn much about this power. I think he just didn’t want them to see me like this and take me away from him.” you said, a look of melancholy overtaking your features.

“My dad hates whenever he sees me using it, so I don’t do it out in the open if I can help it. I think because it reminds him of my mom, and then he’s reminded of her death.”

Gojo’s eyes remained focused on the glow emanating from your palm. 

“Have you ever thought of fighting back?” he asked nonchalantly.

You turned quickly to the male next to you, a look of pure shock and terror plastered on your face.

“What?!”

The blue-eyed boy shrugged. “I’m just saying. If he were my old man, I’d punch his lights out.”

You stared at the boy beside you.

“Are you kidding? He’s a renowned sorcerer who has the respect of the whole jujutsu community, and not to mention decades of experience that I don’t have. You seriously expect me to just go up to the man and say 'I challenge you to a fight you damn bastard'? What are you thinking?!” you exclaimed.

“If you don’t want to, I’ll do it for you.” Gojo replied, expression unreadable

You chuckled. “That’s kind of you, but I can’t ask that of anyone, let alone a frien-” you began.

“I mean it, (Y/N). I don’t care if he’s the damn Messiah himself. He can’t be allowed to get away with what he’s done to you. This ends now.” Gojo stated, about to get up.

Your eyes widened at the realization that Gojo was completely serious. You reached out your hand to grab his sweatshirt sleeve, stopping him.

“Wait! Don’t! Please...” you pleaded, worry and alarm evident in your eyes.

Gojo looked back at you with a look of frustration.

“Are you seriously defending a man that just beat the hell out of you?” he asked. The words came out harsher than he’d meant them. He was about to apologize, but you spoke before he could.

“I don’t care about him, I’m worried about you! Gojo, you can’t face him. He’s got so much more experience and power. You can’t beat him! What do you think he’ll do when he finds out that someone else knows about he’s done? Do you think he’ll leave you alive to tell others?!” you shouted, scared of what would happen if Gojo went to your father. You finally had a friend that you could trust. You didn’t want that to be taken away.

Gojo simply smirked at your words. “Believe me, I won’t let myself be killed by someone like him.” he stated confidently.

You looked to the ground, letting go of the purple sleeve reluctantly. 

“...he had surgery on his left knee last year. And he just recovered from his carpal tunnel.” you muttered, just loud enough for the boy to hear.

Gojo looked back at you with wide eyes before his expression softened a bit.

“Thanks for the tips. I’ll keep those in mind.” he said, a small smile gracing his lips as he knelt back down to be face-to-face with you before placing his hands on your shoulders, causing you to bring your eyes up to meet his.

“I’m gonna make sure he’s never going to hurt you again. You hear me?”

You nodded as a small flicker of hope started to grow in your chest. Maybe Gojo could really do this. He was one of the strongest people you knew and if anyone could defeat your father, it was him.

With your silent confirmation, the white-haired male stood and made his way to the door. Before exiting, he looked back one more time.

“I’ll be back in a bit!” he said, waving at you with a confident grin before walking out the door.

You waved back at the empty space, the fatigue from using your technique so much finally taking it’s toll on you. You tried to stay awake, worried for your friend, but your eyelids kept drooping and your blinks kept getting slower.

Eventually, you fell asleep right where you sat.

~Short Timeskip~

When Gojo arrived back at your room an hour and a half later, battered and bruised, he was surprised to find you off in dreamland in the same spot he’d left you in.

Gojo had defeated your father and called an ambulance for him, as he’d kind of beaten the guy bloody and knocked him unconscious. He’d also gone through the guy’s phone and found under the blocked numbers, your mother’s family. 

He called the main house and told them everything. Sure it was the middle of the night, but from the sounds of their reactions they didn’t mind. Apparently, they’d suspected something had been going on for a while. They just never had proof of any wrongdoing by your father that would give them custody of you.

With your abusive father and future living situation all taken care of, Gojo decided to head back to your room to deliver the good news.

However, when he was greeted with the sight of you fast asleep with your back against the side of your mattress, he couldn’t help but smile a little. You just looked too precious.

He pulled back the blankets on your bed as quietly as possible. Then, with what strength he had left, Gojo carefully picked you up bridal style and placed you onto you bed.

However, just as he was about to leave, your hand gently reached out and grasped his sleeve. 

The blue-eyed boy turned around expecting to see you awake, only to find that you were still letting out tiny snores.

He sighed before trying to pull out of your hold, only to find that your grip on his sweatshirt got tighter.

The boy could only chuckle at your unconscious behavior as he came to your side and sat on the bed. Eventually, he managed to reconfigure your positions so that he was laying next to you with his sleeve still in your grasp and the covers over both of you.

“You’re safe now.” he said as he turned to face you, his unoccupied arm coming up to stroke your hair. 

In your sleep, you let out a small hum as your lips curled into a soft smile.

It wasn’t the end of your problems. You still had a long road ahead of you, but it was a good first step. And now, you had someone you could trust who would be there to lend a hand you when you needed it.

-THE END-

A/N: I’ve never written for Gojo before, so I’m super sorry if he’s OOC. I tried my best though. I’m happy that I’ve finally finished this dang thing, though I’m sorry to all my people who wanted more fluffy things, but this song never really felt like a love song to me, and I wanted to stick to the vibes of the song.

[riddle-rosethorns]

Name: Morgan de la Mar Pronouns: they/he Orientation: Pansexual Based on: Sirens/Mermaids (Pirates of the Caribbean) Dorm: Octavinelle

Hey guys, sorry again for not having a Halloween special this year. To (hopefully) make up for it, I'm sharing another one of my OCs with you all! He's been in the works for just as long as Ismund, but I only just got around to finishing their ref sheet recently. Please feel free to ask me about him as well, I'm excited to ramble about any of my OCs upon request! I'm even working on a masterpost to keep them organized, including ones I don't have refs for yet, so stay tuned for that as well!

The bio template I used is by @/unfinished-projects-galore here on Tumblr!

More info under the cut!

Grade/Class: Junior/Class C (No. 7) Birthday: March 18 (Pisces) Age: 18 Height: 178 cm Dominant Hand: Right Homeland: Sunshine Lands Club: Pop Music Club Best Subject: Physical Training Hobbies: Stick and poke tattooing Pet Peeves: Being ordered around Favorite Food: Shellfish Least Favorite Food: Grouper Talent: Singing

Morgan is a lionfish merman, born into a heavily female-dominated culture of merpeople residing in the tropical waters of the Sunshine Lands. Despite their mothers' initial shock at having spawned a more masculine-leaning fry— a rare occurrence in their shoal, only happening once every several years— they were quick to dote on him, nurturing his strength, independence, and his burgeoning magical abilities. When Morgan was eventually invited to Night Raven College, they couldn't have been prouder or more supportive of their son's decision to attend.

Outside of classes, Morgan works as an entertainer at the Mostro Lounge, serenading customers with his smooth, hypnotic voice as they enjoy their meals. While on the clock, they're the perfect picture of a classic vintage crooner; outside of work, however, that couldn't be further from the truth. Morgan's true passion lies in all things alternative: rock, punk, metal, ska, and everything in between. His dream after graduation is to become a famous rockstar, but he settles for his gig at the lounge because it pays decently— that, plus the Leech twins scare the scales off him.

In their free time, Morgan finds other ways to indulge their interests. This includes giving out stick-and-poke tattoos in the dorm washrooms, performing with the Pop Music Club, and starting a ska band called Reef-Raff with his friend Eddie Dyre and two other Octavinelle boys. He also does additional (paid) appearances at the Mostro Lounge upon request as his drag persona Koral Ryf. Others might say Morgan is spreading themself too thin with all of their side projects, but one thing is for certain: audiences just can't get enough!

[hold-him-down]

What did Leo's training plan look like, when he was first introduced into the system? How did that change over time?

Okay so I'm not sure how specific this ask was shooting for and I will say, it is not completely plotted out (because literally 80% of that story is vibes alone) but here's the gist for Leo, and most workers, and varies based on performance how long they each kind phase lasts.

Phase 1: Initial Period (probably like a couple weeks):

stripped/hair cut/issued collar

drugged + examined

shown the site

primary goal is to teach the basic expectations of the sites, and of being a worker in general

large focus on learning each worker's personal strengths/weaknesses

food is heavily restricted

sleep is heavily restricted

comfort in general is heavily restricted

worker is probably, in general, on a cocktail of drugs to help make them pliable

Phase 2: The Main Period (probably a few weeks to months)

kept in routine

beginning period would frequently employ punishment, hopefully by the end would mostly be maintenance

primary goals would be to teach compliance, to condition workers to accept whatever comes their way and adjust their behavior accordingly

probably incorporates specific training to build up weak areas that could include things like cooking, general knowledge, strength, etc.

stay in a combination of dorm-style rooms and individual rooms

handlers vary but there is a primary handler assigned to each worker who is responsible for ongoing progress monitoring

handlers can and do basically whatever they want to the workers as long as the set objectives are being reached

there's this element of sexual conditioning that happens later in this phase

Phase 3: The pre-contract period (short, after they've passed training but before they're placed)

Similar to the periods between contracts

I think they probably have tasks/chores/etc that they need to do by day

They have some free time that they can do approved activities for

They can and do interview with buyers

The handlers continue to do whatever they want whenever they want without much consequence, unless they seriously hurt someone then they could get put on administrative leave (paid, of course), written up, or, in severe cases, reassigned or terminated.

The plan itself doesn't really shift so much as how long it takes to get through individual pieces. They do make adjustments based on each worker's natural strengths and weaknesses, natural inclinations, to reach specific ends. Leo notoriously took a while to get through the initial two phases, and then required retraining twice (once after parker, once somewhere in the middle of west).

I don't think I have done a particularly thorough job here, I just picture them as sort of in a large clinic/dorm setting, and every day they have a little schedule that includes things like free time (for approved activities), work tasks, learning tasks, meal times, and is interspersed with 1:1 time with the handlers, then they go to bed and cry it out until the next morning, until they don't anymore, and then they're placed with a buyer.

[kanjukucompany]

【A3! Translation】 A3! 5th Anniversary Book: EARTH (Q&A)

creator Q&A about miscellaneous A3verse trivia, focusing on year three!

(translation under the cut)

(glitch text ignore)

Please tell us about Omi’s workplace situation.

Currently, he's working alongside a senior photographer in his department, and generally provides assistance during photoshoots. He's known for his height so he's often used as the model for camera tests. In return, they seem to be quite flexible with him taking any paid leave or holidays off.

Kabuto is basically indifferent to anything besides theater. Does he have any certain requirements when choosing things like clothes or housing?

He's the type of person to hate being bothered with anything other than theater, but he does value comfort in everything he owns. He just always buys what he feels is comfortable and doesn't even bother looking at the price tag. Because of that, sometimes he wears reasonably priced clothes, and other times he wears extremely expensive clothes without even realizing it.

Tsumugi isn’t very good with technology and social media. Is there anything he’s managed to learn or do recently?

He's learned that you can add text, stamps, and various effects to photos uploaded to social media websites. Currently, he only knows how to add stamps to photos, and many of the photos he uploads online have flower stamps on them.

Shift often makes ‘croquette udon’. Please tell us of any special techniques he has.

To maintain the desired crispiness of the croquette, pull the croquette out of the broth and onto a small plate when you go to eat. However, Shift seems to enjoy eating a soggy croquette at the end of his meal.

What kind of fortune telling does Tsuzuru’s younger brother, Noburu, specialize in?

*reference to the ‘Fortune Festival’ event story.

He mainly does tarot card readings, but he's also studied various other divination methods, such as runes and numerology. Noboru's fortune telling is very popular at his school, with even students from other grades and teachers coming to see him

Now that Itaru and Banri’s older sisters have appeared in the story, please let us know if they have any specific favorite company member.

(minor act 11 spoilers)

It seems like after Spring Troupe's 8th play, Itaru's older sister (Konomi) was completely captivated by Citron. She asks Itaru to send her bromides of Citron from past performances.

*referencing SSR Family's event story

Banri's older sister has always been a fan of the muscular Omi, but after meeting Juza in person at the MANKAI dorms, she's began to support Juza more than ever before.

*referencing ACT 11

Please tell us about any recent popular MANKAI Company menus.

Probably oatmeal-based menus? Apparently Azami and Yuki have gotten addicted to eating overnight oatmeal filled with fruit in the morning. Oatmeal pancakes and oatmeal cookies (that have been improved upon by Omi) are also popular. If possible, he may post his recipes on inste.

What kind of V-talents are MochiMan and YO-KAN, who Citron and Akashi enjoy watching?

*referencing SSR Family’s event story iirc

Both are V-talents who mainly produce gaming related livestreams and videos. MochiMan specializes in FPS games is known not only for his pro-gaming skills, but also for his light-hearted commentary. YO-KAN has their own unique world building and hosts online TRPG sessions.

*mochiman is a literal translation, his user can also be read as mochio

* fps = first person shooter

*trpg = tabletop roleplaying game (think D&D)

Please tell us about the three good deeds Muku did one day, since he tries to do ‘three good deeds each day’.

In the morning, he ate the carrots that unavoidably ended up in Tenma's pot-au-feu.

During his lunch break, he carried an injured classmate on his back all the way to the infirmary.

On the way home, he lent his umbrella to a stray cat getting soaked in the rain. (Later, Misumi, who was heading home from his part time job, found the umbrella and returned it to Muku safely.)

Where can I find a free copy of the troupe’s newsletter?

Besides the theater itself, you can find them at cafes, stores, and many of the other members' favorite places in Veludo. If you want to guarantee yourself a copy, we recommend going to the Veludo Shopping District. Almost all of the stores there provide them, and if you tell them you're a fan of the troupe, they might even give you a free bonus gift.

Other than GOD Troupe, are there any other theater troupes that have appeared on the show, ‘Exciting Archipelago’?

*reference to the ‘Twin Kingdoms’ event story (show is aka ‘hype in japan’)

The only other theater company has been Hyakka Troupe. Syu's troupe has received numerous offers to appear, but he rejected all of them. Rumors say Yuzo's troupe, Furin Kazan, is next, but there's many people who have been suggesting MANKAI Company for the show... It may not be long before Sakuya and the others are featured

Throughout the third part, GOD Troupe has become a familiar presence. Please tell us about their theater.

The theater is located near the front of Veludo Way and is the largest one in the area. Equipped with all of the latest technology, it allows for a wide variety of effects during productions-though what Reni was most particular about was the audience seating. He focused heavily on the comfort of the seating as well as reclining so that audience members would remain comfortable even throughout the long hours of a play. This might be one of the reasons GOD Troupe has so many repeat customers.

🚨MAJOR ACT 12 SPOILERS IN THE LAST QUESTION, READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!🚨

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MANKAI Theater had to be repaired due to the fire, but please let us know if any equipment that has been upgraded since then.

The sound and lighting systems have been essentially completely redesigned. With the help of Rento and Akashi, productions have become even more powerful than before, and the new system is well received by fans. However, the size of theater itself is still the same, so only the bare minimum amount of equipment can be permanently installed. Rento and Akashi bring any missing equipment along with them for each performance

[leviskokoro]

desc :: When Azul made a deal with Mari for extra madol, he didn’t expect her end of the deal to be like this. 

pairing :: azul ashengrotto x mari | octowings

word count :: 1388

warning/s :: suggestive themes?

notes :: @sweets-and-fluff-is-what-i-am gave me the idea to write this

“Do we have a deal?” 

A question Azul was quite familiar with, being the one that uttered it every time a poor unfortunate soul was to come to his office. The people that came to him would more than often have such wishes like “I want to slack off in school but get good grades” or “I want enough money to get a limited-time legendary card in a gacha game”. Most of them were quite childish. 

Howeverㅡ this time, things were different. The one that came to his office was a being that had him interested for quite a long time. That person was no other than the prefect of the Ramshackle Dorm. She was someone that stood out for many reasons other than being the only female student in an all-boys academy. Unlike the majority of students of this school, she did not do things for her own gain. In fact, quite the opposite really. It perplexed him all the time when she’d do things for people without asking for anything after. 

So imagine his surprise when she came to his office, saying she needed money. When he asked why she needed the money, she said that she wanted to renovate the Ramshackle Dorm but the Headmaster wasn’t giving her the money to do that. 

That led to them having a discussion over the arrangements for the deal. 

“In exchange for madol to renovate the Ramshackle Dorm, you’ll have to perform in the Mostro Lounge for a week,” Azul told her the conditions of the contract. 

It shouldn’t be too unreasonable for her to decline it and it would profit him. He’s heard her sing for a moment in the Music Room. He’d have to admitㅡ Her voice was soothing, something that could fit the ambiance of the lounge. All he’d have to do is have the Leech twins spread the news that the only female student will be performing in Mostro Lounge for a week. That would be enough to generate interest and increase the number of customers. 

He then placed one of his golden contracts on his pristine desk. 

As she gave it a quick scan, he recalled the last time she was in his office. Oh how he felt joy in those moments staring into her troubled expression. It was also the first time that he was puzzled by her motives. There was nothing to gain from freeing all those students, so why was she so set on doing it? 

But then, her answer finally came. 

“Alright.” 

She took the pen and signed it. Her handwriting was still atrocious, it seemed. It put him off the first time seeing it and those feelings didn’t change. 

Maybe he could teach her proper penmanship next time. 

When Mari looked up at him with those innocent-looking brown eyes, Azul smirked. His sky blue irises gleamed. 

“Excellent! I look forward to seeing you perform.” 

Azul knew that having a female performer sing at Mostro Lounge would lead to more customers than usual, but this exceeded his expectations. Every table was filled and his employees were busier than ever. The Leech twins did a splendid job at spreading the word. He thought this as he observed from the shadowy area of the VIP room. 

From where he was sitting, he noticed that there were some familiar faces among the crowd that waited for the start of the performance. Some students were people he expected to see like Ace, Deuce, and Cater due to it being Mari who’s going to perform. Then there were some unexpected appearances like the famous influencer Vil Schoenheit himself and the ever-elusive Rook Hunt. Even a few Diasomnia students came by to watch. 

After moments of waiting, the lights dimmed, causing the crowd to silence themselves. A spotlight turned on, pointed at the center of the stage. A sultry voice came from behind the curtain. 

You had plenty money 1922

A sun-kissed leg stepped onto the stage and the curtains were drawn, revealing Mari in all her glory. She was clad in a shimmering red dress with a sweetheart neckline and two slits that went all the way to her hips. Azul felt as if his jaw hit the floor and his cheeks felt warm. It seemed that he wasn’t the only one, seeing the shocked expressions of the crowd. 

Her movements were slow and sensual as she continued to sing. The piano playing in the background only amplified the tone of her performance.

You let other women make a fool of you. 

Why don’t you do right…

Like some other men do? 

Mari walked across the stage, her dress swishing lightly as she did so. The way she seemed so confident in herself was a striking contrast to how she usually was, often wearing an expression of uncertainty. 

Get out of here. 

Get me some money too. 

What… happened to her? It’s like she’s a completely different person at the moment. 

You're sittin’ down and wonderin’ what it's all about

If you ain't got no money, they will put you out

Why don't you do right

Like some other men do?

Azul found it impossible to take his eyes off of her. An amalgamation of all sorts of emotions stormed within him. He placed his hand over his mouth, feeling that his entire face was warm. 

Get out of here. 

Get me some money too.

He could feel the Leech twins watch the scene with amusement as Mari stepped down from the stage. Her 15cm heels clicked against the floor when she did so. 

Now if you had prepared 20 years ago

You wouldn't be a wanderin now from door to door

Why don't you do right

Like some other men do?

She continued to sing, swaying her hips lightly as she walked from table to table. All Azul could do was observe her.

Get out of here

Get me some money too

Get out of here

Get me some money too

Mari sat herself on a table, the one occupied by the Heartslabyul members. The song was coming to a close and she leaned closer to Ace, pulling his tie so that he’d come closer to her. Their faces were inches apart and his face was redder than the strawberries on Riddle’s tarts, staring at her bug-eyed. 

Why don’t you do right… 

Their faces were inches apart and his face was redder than the strawberries on Riddle’s tarts, staring at her bug-eyed. 

The Octavinelle dorm leader felt a twinge of envy towards the Heartslabyul first year. 

Like some other men… do?

The girl pulled away, smirking before turning around to retreat to the stage as the music came to a finish. It was safe to say that she left everyone speechless. 

After a moment of silence, a round of applause could be heard. Azul could even hear Rook sing his praises in French. 

“Oya, she was quite good, don’t you think so, Azul?” Jade spoke up. He could hear the smirk in his voice. 

“Eeehhhhh~~ Shrimpy has a really nice voice. I can’t wait to hear her sing again,” Floyd said, grinning. “Maybe if I squeezed her, she’ll sing something new.”  

“Yes, I see that I made no mistake in having her perform. We’ve seen an exponential increase in customers today. I’m certain they’ll want to come back for more,” their dorm leader answered, pushing up his glasses and regaining his composure. 

Now that the performance was over, the customers paid for their meals and left. They also left tips for the performance. Time to go to his office. 

Once he finished calculating today’s profits, Azul finally concluded that profits were quadrupled. He clasped his hands together, deep in thought. If she were to be performing for a week and the interest level was consistent throughout all the days, then he’d practically be bathing in cash. 

Howeverㅡ 

Despite knowing this, he felt his stomach churn at the thought of her performing in front of other people again. He remembered that last part where she leaned in close to that Trappola. Something burned within him. He hated it. He despised that irrational feeling. 

Azul rubbed his temples. His lips pulled into a firm line. 

This was more troublesome than what he had anticipated. 

But as the popular saying goes— 

The show must go on. 

[morethanaprincess-a]

@hcpefulmarshmallow​ asked:  [ splash ] (but reversed because sonia is very welcome. also, any verse, go wild.)

Awkward Scenario Prompts

Nearly as soon as the double doors were opened for her at Lotus Entertainment, Sonia Nevermind felt stifled. It wasn't even the multitude of smiling faces, from the CEO and Borghese Family Capo Isabella and the various tutors and instructors not otherwise engaged with trainee and debuted idols alike, or the thick stench of Isabella's Versace perfume. It was a tension in the air, one that broke through the happy expressions and lavished praise upon Hope's Peak's Ultimate Mafia Boss, the current underboss of Europe's most lucrative and successful crime family, and settled upon her shoulders. Sonia had gone from school, to her penthouse condo, and finally to the high-rise in downtown Towa City that served as Lotus' headquarters. From floors devoted to publicity, to dance and recording studios, to the dorms, the structure operated as a one-stop shop for the Japanese idol machine known as Lotus: the only one owned and operated by a woman, and a gaijin woman at that. It was the music industry's most well-known and best-kept secret: it was run by the mafia, and bringing that to the attention of the police or using it as slander was cause for death. After the first dozen mysterious murders, the industry had learned its lesson, as did most of the restaurants, nightclubs, concert halls, shops, anything the Family and their idols needed to keep the recording company and its stars afloat.

But it wasn't enough, at least not for the trainees and idols with less-than-ideal debuts. The students there, all close to Sonia in age, were either signed by their own accord or, far more likely, performing to pay off favors and debts their families had made with the Borgheses. In a desperate attempt to keep their performers pristine, it wasn't uncommon for Borghese soldiers to pay a visit to families their idols never saw, pressuring them to make sure their children provided a good return on their investment and that they wouldn't default on their deals. The pressure was too great, especially for the newest idols to debut. As Sonia smiled, tight-lipped and shifting her weight in her cocktail dress and stiletto heels, one young woman burst out of the crowd of idols who had paused their practices to gawk at the Ultimate Mafia Boss, many not believing she really was eighteen until they laid eyes on her. For most of them, it would be the closest they'd get to the blood family of the Borgheses and its feared Donna, Valentina Borghese.

"M-Miss Sonia!" She sputtered, stopping less than a meter from the blonde. With thin limbs and lank, droopy hair, the combination of strict diet and exercise in order for her to retain her "idol look" had done its damage. Or perhaps it was the sheer stress of it all, settling in dark circles under her eyes, her shaking hands, and a nervous sweat that broke out over her face and arms. "I'm...I'm Yuki, my debut was six months ago? I'm very sorry that my concerts and meet and greets aren't going as well as you'd like, but I'm trying very hard! It's just...it's just that my family has nothing more to send to the company. But I thought that maybe if you listened to my debut songs, maybe play them at a party? That you could help get the word out. I'd be forever grateful!"

Before Sonia could get a word in, the other girl dropped to her knees and fully bowed, prostrating herself before her. She tried her best to stay stern but concern creeped into her blue eyes, accented with black liner and shades of gold shadow to compliment her one-shouldered violet dress, which hugged her form and stopped just above the knee. But the dress was the least of Sonia's problems: right now she had a shaking fifteen year old at her feet, terrified for her family's lives and dripping sweat all over her Jimmy Choos. And she had an air of authority she needed to keep, especially as Isabella was intent on taking her and several of Lotus' far more successful idols out for a meal that night, hoping Sonia would pass on a good word to her mother and perhaps cover up Isabella's indiscretions involving Host Clubs and Pachinko parlors owned by their affiliates, the Kuzuryuu yakuza family. She had to think fast, to assure Yuki that there was no need to fret and if she could, to get some rest.

"Please, there's no need for this," Sonia sighed with a gentle smile, stooping to her knees and taking the girl by her bare arms, pulling her to her feet. "I'll listen to your songs. Do you have a USB drive I can have?"

It was enough to make Yuki squeal with delight, reaching into the pocket of her sweaty tracksuit to produce the stick drive Sonia requested. After thanking the blonde profusely, she quickly bowed to Isabella before darting back into the crowd, tears joining the sweat on her cheeks. Sonia smiled awkwardly, holding the stick between her thumb and forefinger. In the process of comforting the younger girl, her hands and the drive were now covered in sweat.

"Oh goodness, what a mess," Isabella sighed, flicking her dark brown hair over her shoulder. "Yuki's such a basket case, no wonder the fans can't warm to her. Please Sonia, take this and allow me to escort you to a restroom. At this hour, you should not be disturbed while you wash your hands."

"Yes, I'd appreciate that Isabella, thank you," Sonia nodded, watching the woman reach into her handbag for a hankerchief, revealing the inside of her left arm in the process. Like every high-ranking position in the Family, she was branded with a unique flower. In her case, her lotus tattoo in shades of pink and purple stood out against the delicate skin of her forearm, one she hardly paid attention to as she passed the white cloth to Sonia. Unlike plenty of Borghese Family members, Sonia included, she kept her family affiliation in an easily visible place, if just to strike fear in the hearts of idols and idol hopefuls. Wiping at her hands, she followed the woman into the elevator, taking it to the seventh floor, a quieter floor of the building primarily serving as idol apartments. "I imagine this floor should all be at various practices, so you'll be fine. I'll wait for you with the rest of the team on three so we can begin your brief tour and studio updates."

Sonia affirmed her approval before disappearing into the bathroom. The bathing areas were all co-ed, something that only worked and kept the idols distraction-free due to the rule in each and every one of their contracts: dating and sex were strictly forbidden while under contract with Lotus. Only once the door had closed did Sonia sigh deeply, her plastered-on smile turning into a concerned frown. She'd have to bring up Yuki's file once she was home and away from Isabella's prying glances. Surely there was something she could do for her, but to see a girl so close to her in age and so desperate and fearful for her life and those she cared about...it distressed the Borghese heir more than she could ever let on. Slipping the thumb drive into her leather handbag, Sonia moved in the direction of the sinks. But as she turned on the faucet, her eyes widened: the cold tap she now set her hands under was not the only source of running water in the bathroom. The nearest shower, with its glass-paned walls and doors that left little hidden beyond the steam created within, was also running. And it had an occupant.

It was enough to make her head turn, to make her forget about the icy water that streamed over her palms. Through the pockets of steam both in the shower and the rest of the bathroom, Sonia could clearly make out exactly whom she was sharing the facility with: Nagito Komaeda. Nagito, Lotus' most popular idol whose songs, dances, and perhaps most importantly, his good looks seemed to captivate fans across the country of all ages. Sonia had barely talked to him before and yet even she couldn't escape his visage: from giant billboards across Towa City, promoting his next concert or some product endorsement, or the fact that the Ultimate Idol was part of her class at Hope's Peak, Nagito (that was how his fans called him, anyway. Last names were irrelevant. When interviewed by the market research division, it was clear his fans went on a first name basis with him if only to fancy themselves close to him. Preferably as his lover) was, quite literally, everywhere. And now he was here before her, clear glass and steam the only barrier between her gaze and his pale skin, lean physique, fluffy hair, and green eyes that fans and employees at Lotus alike melt with a single look. As the clouds of steam both formed and dissipated, Sonia was treated to a view of his shoulders, the muscles in his upper arms and chest, and clean lines that tapered down his torso to-

Oh hell. She looked. Not that the steam had given her much to see, but Sonia had actually looked there. She needed to finish washing her hands, she needed to leave before-

Sonia swallowed. Before she could finish her train of thought, his green eyes and locked with her blue. With a sharp intake of breath, it was now painfully clear that Nagito Komaeda had caught her looking. At least she could play off the pink color of her cheeks as due to the heat in the bathroom. Didn't he have his own apartments, whether located at Lotus or elsewhere? As the highest-earning idol, it was custom to give private living arrangements as a gift. Why was he using the dormitory bathroom? And why was he running late? He was supposed to be part of the dinner party leaving in thirty minutes. But those were questions she couldn't bring herself to ask in the moment, as she tore her gaze away from his pectorals to his face, though it was a far more difficult task to look him in the eye. Just...just fuck. This is not good.

"I...um....I needed to wash my hands. I needed soap," She quickly clarified for him, her eyes still locked on his as she blindly reached for the hand soap on the edge of the sink.

[livingwithmx]

July 10th, 2020

Once the final line up was revealed, I checked up on everyone. Everyone minus Jooheon was complaining and asked how Kyun manipulated his way in.

That's when I started to feel guilty. I saw potential in him and had to ask my dad to debut him. Normally being numb to everyone being so talented, Changkyun was just someone different to me. I ran off due to so much guilt.

On that night, I cried myself to sleep. My original plan was to celebrate with the new formed Monsta X with fried chicken and drinks.

The next day, I walked in the No Mercy dorm where everyone was planning up. Gunhee being disappointed that he couldn't debut with Jooheon aka his ride or die. Thankfully, I told my dad to give him a second chance. Then, there's Yoonho who trained for a long time. I was gonna tell my dad to form a group for him and the other trainees, but hr decided to move on along with the other members. Thankfully, Minkyun left the company before I got a chance to talk to him(phew...)

That leaves me with Monsta X. I helped them move into their new dorm room and ate with them. Kihyun started to cook food for the first time in his life at that moment, but the food got burned which is why we all ordered some Chinese food and ramen for Wonho(that boy would die for a bowl for ramen, trust me). I apologized to everyone for letting Changkyun debut with them. Jooheon actually convinced his fellow members to get along with them which is why I been forgiven.

The next few months, I watched them prepare for their debut. I started to know them a bit more and drift away from the trainees and their seniors.

(I got to help Kihyun ask out a trainee girl who ended up being his BONitA lady friend. Hyungwon was dating a mature ass woman who was super lucky until we realized that she was trash. Or should I say that she was Hyungwon'd Tammy[Sorry Parks and Rec reference]. Wonho was with a transgender man who he supported through his transition)

Anyways, the closer I got to Monsta X, my actual crush for Kyun grew so much that I gotta date him. Then, they started to be busy once they officially debuted which means I have to go back to my life of babysitting trainees and talking to my seniors and god father when they're not busy.

One year later

Around the All In promotions, I got a phone call. It was the guys. Since then, they had an okay debut. Finally got some fans over their song Hero which I so fucking fought for to be promoted (but my dad had to make the choice of giving them a "broadcast" version and a digital repackage. Dude, get out of here). They were all simping over a lesbian (yup Eunseo is a lesbian and a huge Monbebe uwu) for their Rush MV. I only stopped by for birthdays and when the puppy line(Minhyuk the beagle pup and Changkyun the wolf pup got injured).

Now I reminded myself, the time when Changkyun was injured and didn't promote a Chinese drama with his fellow members. Anyways, I stopped by to see him everyday and stay for hours(or if I was told to leave by the nurses). I'd give him a healthy meal and talk about ourselves and life after he debuted.

I learned about a group who were called Nu'bility where Kyun was gonna debut. The real reason why he left is because he didn't think he would debut and the company was broke asf. He tried to have all of the other members audition to Starshit. Sadly, none of them saw themselves debuting there and went to other companies.

The more time we spent together, the closer I fell hard for him. I wanted to tell him how I feel about him but I couldn't. I was so close to kissing him once at the hospital, but I ran off and cried to myself.

Back to May 2016, the guys invited me for fried chicken. I went to see him. Out of all the spots I could sit next to, there was a free spot next to a soft short haired wolf pup. I sat there and ate. When I was told that I got gochujang on my lip, I expected that cute k drama like kiss. Like what happened in the cafe scene of Secret Garden(I FUCKING LOVE THAT DRAMA DON'T @ ME). All I got was a napkin swipe and did it myself. :(

I ended up getting sleepy after the meal. Being the strongest of the group at the time, Hyunwoo carrying me on his back. We walked to my home which I tried to direct them to as I try not to fall asleep. I don't remember what's next since I fell asleep. I woke up in my comfy bed while laying next to a Gudetama plush.

Once again, I couldn't tell Changkyun how I feel. I was pissed at my self again as I hit my head with the Gudetama.

Months later, the guys and I reconnected. I helped Hyungwon deal with his broke up with Tammy II(again Parks and Rec reference). I chose Stuck as a promotional song(which they now regret since they don't even perform it anymore 😔). Organized their first solo concert. I got something to do but I wasn't paid for my work. That's okay, my dad is rich anyways. 🤗

2017, it was near the promotions for Beautiful. I asked Mr.Im Changkyun/Dany Im to go out for sushi and bingsu. Surprisingly, he aceepted the offer. Being my first date, I watch a lot of fake ass hoes on YouTube on how to have a good first time. If having fun mean ending up like Troy with his eyes popping out and being frozen when he was around LeVar Burton in the episode Immediate Flimmaking, then imma shit myself. The fact that I was going on a date that boi was an insane as concept for me to process.

May 11, 2017, this was my first date. I was mentally screaming when we ordered some sushi that is being cooked by a highly skilled chef that was cutting at his own pace for quality reasons. Damn, I was turning into Troy bruh. I was scared. My leg shakes as I wait for my roll with eel on it(if only that eel wasn't dead, it would electrocute some sense into me). We ate but he took the lead in talking. It scares me.

He took my hand which was not helping my anxiety (normal anxiety not the disorder). He took me to get bingsu. For me, he ordered me a matcha flavored and fed me like a baby while taunting me.

On that night before going home, we saw the city on the roof of my dad's company. We finally kissed and went home. Nothing sexual happened after that. That was the moment when we became a couple.

We didn't fuck until six months within the relationship. (Don't worry we consented at that time and after that). Tried to spend young couple holidays together.

We expected it to be only us for a LONG WHILE. Then, we had our little boy Im Chungae/Madrid Troy Im.

Yes, he kicked me out when Hoseok was accused of such ridiculous allegations. Sadly, I never stopped loving him. No one can replace him especially Nakamoto Yuta aka my current boyfriend. Let's just say I treasure Im Changkyun very much. I would never want to abandon him. 6 ME KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJK

[veryverycaffeinated]

Tips for Being a Successful College Student

Hey guys! Since a lot of us will be starting a new semester of college soon, I thought I’d share some things I’ve learned over the years that have really helped my college career be successful. I hope these are helpful!

• use the syllabus!! It’s really helpful to know the deadlines coming up throughout the semester. on that note: 

• buy/make a planner and write everything down!! I can’t tell you enough how important it is to be on top of all your assignments/deadlines. At the beginning of each semester, I check my syllabi and write down every single assignment for the semester. That way, I can plan my time accordingly and not be surprised by deadlines. 

• talk to your professors. they’re there to help you, and taking advantage of their office hours is always really beneficial. nobody is better at answering questions about material than the person who teaches it!  

• mix up your study space. studying in one spot all the time gets monotonous, and studying in different places helps mix it up. I find that it’s hard for me to concentrate in my dorm room; I usually prefer to study outside, in a quiet part of the library, or in a coffee shop. 

• get as much sleep as possible!!! sleep is one of the most important things to being a successful student. pro tip: avoid all-nighters at all costs!! I tried never go to bed past midnight, and it really paid off. getting a good night’s sleep is essential to performing well in school, especially on exams. 

• figure out what your learning style is. knowing whether you’re a visual, auditory, reading/writing, or kinesthetic learner is really really important in making the best of your class and study time! 

• make an effort to eat well. it’s college and you have the ability to eat whatever you want, which is exciting: I totally get it. but it’s not healthy to have ice cream every day, or multiple helpings of all your meals. on that note, try to avoid eating a ton of snacks, especially in your room. the “freshman 15″ is sooo real. 

• get outside. college is wicked stressful and going for a walk or even just opening the windows helps a lot. dorm rooms and libraries get stuffy, and getting out in the fresh air is hugely beneficial. 

• your notes don’t always have to be pretty. on tumblr, so many studyblrs just have absolutely beautiful notes and sometimes it feels like it’s important to have your notes look nice. psa: it doesn’t matter what your notes look like as long as they work for you! my notes tend to be a little messy but that’s fine because they’re efficient and help me learn. 

• and last but not least, know your limits. it’s okay to not be amazing at every subject. it’s okay to not get As in everything; it’s okay to not pass everything, either. what matters most is taking care of yourself and making sure you’re staying healthy. 

anyway, those are just a couple little bits of advice for my fellow college students :) feel free to add to this list. I hope this helps!! 

[sky-casino]

Ice Cream

Genre: Fluff, Angst

Pairing: Sicheng/Winwin x Reader

Word count: 2370

author’s note: wah~ this is my first ever fic here on tumblr! It took a lot of courage to actually start posting here hehe. Feedback is appreciated but please be nice! Thank you~

Also, there are not enough Sicheng/Winwin fics so I had to write one. Please love this boy ;u;

You just moved to a dorm near your university in the city. You were about to start your freshman year in three days and you were both excited and nervous. Not only because you were entering college, but also because you were practically living alone now. No more mommy to wake you up and cook you breakfast and packed lunch. 

"Phew! I can do this!" You cheered yourself before you began unpacking your things. 

One thing that you were thankful for though, was that your dorm allowed each tenant to take one pet with them. You brought Muffin, your 4-year old Japanese Spitz, with you. You just finished putting all your things in order and were relaxing on your couch with Muffin on your lap when the jingle of the ice cream truck started to play from outside. Your unit was located at the second floor so the sound was very clear. Muffin jumped off your lap and looked outside the window, trying to find the said truck. She started jumping up and down and making cute pleading noises asking you to buy her a treat. This was a familiar situation to you despite moving to a new living quarter because ice cream trucks also passed by your house back in the countryside and Muffin made sure that you bought her a cone every time. She loved ice cream more than the usual dog treats.

"Fine, lil' munchkin. Will get you some." You said with a sigh before retrieving your wallet from your bag and placing a leash around Muffin's neck.

You crossed the street carefully and approached the truck to check the available flavors. As expected, the city had more to offer than your local trucks at home. Matcha, Salted Caramel, Red Velvet, Cookie Dough, Affogato, just to name some. 

"Hmm.. one scoop of Red Velvet in a cup and one scoop of Cookie Dough on a cone please." 

"Alright, that would be three bucks." The vendor replied with a smile.

You gave him the money and that was your first time to look at him. And you must admit, he just might be the cutest boy you've ever laid your eyes on. You just stared at him for around ten seconds before you saw his name tag, "WINWIN", it said. “What a cute name.” You thought to yourself.

"Here." He said, looking you directly in the eyes with matching bright smile.

"Th-thanks. Here you go, Muffin!" You sat at the nearest bench and gave your dog the cone with Cookie Dough ice cream. She excitedly licked it.

"Oh wow! I didn't know you have a dog with you. She's cute!" Winwin exclaimed. You looked at him and were surprised to hear how friendly he was, as if you two have been friends for a while now. 

"Can I pet her?" Winwin asked as he got off the truck.

"Sure. But let her finish her ice cream first or she'll get mad at you." You chuckled.

"Right. Dogs are sensitive when they eat, especially to strangers." He said as he looked at you and you were pretty sure you were already blushing at that moment.

"Sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Winwin." He stuck his hand out for a handshake.

"Don't worry, I know. You have a name tag, remember? I'm Y/N." You replied as you shook his hand.

"Oh! Yah, I forgot about this. Sorry." He said as he laughed embarrassingly, looking at his name tag.

"Its okay." By now, Muffin was already finished with her treat. 

"There. You can pet her now." You carried Muffin and placed her on Winwin's lap.

"Her name is Muffin?" The boy asked as he cautiously ran his hand over the dog's back.

"Yep. Japanese Spitz." 

"So cute!" 

The three of you stayed in that position for around three minutes more until a kid and a mom approached the truck.

"Looks like you need to go back to work." 

"Yes. Hope to see you and play with Muffin again, though." Winwin smiled at you as he stood up from the bench. 

"Y-yeah. Of course. I just live in that dorm." You replied, gesturing to the said building.

"Alright. I usually pass by here at this time on the weekends. See you!"

"Okay. Bye." You said before heading back to your dorm.

All your worries and anxiety caused by the incoming start of the school year temporarily gone because of the cute ice cream boy.

The next time you bought ice cream from Winwin, you had a longer time to talk and get to know about each other more. 

"I just moved here early this month, for university. I'm studying Veterinary. That's why I really wanted to bring Muffin with me. To inspire me. something like that." 

"That's sweet! I'm taking up traditional dance and this is my part-time job."

"Wow, that's cool! I don't know anyone who does traditional dancing."

"Thanks.." Winwin said as he scratched his head cutely. 

"Why is this your chosen part-time job, if I may ask?"

"Oh, because I love ice cream. As simple as that. Uhmm.. do you miss your family? I mean, you don't have to answer it. It's a bit sensitive.."

"Well, yeah of course I miss them. But I know that I'll just get used to this. We both promised that if the other can't come, the other one will adjust and be the one to visit."

It was a bit awkward and hard to find topics to ask and talk about, but was still fairly fun. As you spent more time with Winwin, you realized that you could look at his face forever. So white and flawless, his eyes the most mesmerizing pair you've ever seen. What you can't get over though is how his voice doesn't match his soft face. Very deep and manly. 

On the third time, he gave you a free taste of each of the flavors.

"So, what's your favorite?" 

"Hmm.. they're all really good but my faves are Cookie Dough, Affogato, and Red Velvet. Why'd you ask?"

"I just want to make sure that all your favorite flavors are available every time I come here." Winwin said shyly, looking at everything but you.

"Aww, that's so sweet, Winwin!" You were honestly very touched by his little act of kindness.

"It's.. it's nothing. Don't worry about it.

It's been four months of being friends with Winwin and besides the usual ice cream "dates" you had with him (and Muffin), you also attended a couple of his recitals and performances. He lived far away from his family as well so when there were times they couldn't attend, you did. Not to be biased but you believed he was the best among his peers and you knew the moment you saw him dance that he had a bright future ahead of him. But at the same time, you also couldn't believe that he was the ice cream boy who passed by your dorm every weekend.

"Winwin! That was great! Even though this wasn't my first time to watch you, it still feels like it is. Congratulations!" You said as you met at the lobby of the auditorium.

"Thank you so much, Y/N. But really, I don't deserve such praises.."

"What are you talking about? You know you do!" You said as you lightly pushed his shoulder. 

"I'll treat you to dinner tonight, okay? In exchange for coming and supporting me." 

"No need, but alright." 

You had hot pot at his favorite restaurant, in other words, Winwin's favorite meal at his favorite restaurant. He also did well in the performance. So you were sat there across from him, wondering why he was being unusually quiet.

"Hey, you okay?" You asked him, he almost snapped his head.

"Uh.. yeah! I'm good. Why?"

"You're so quiet. I thought there's something wrong."

"Oh. N-nothing. I'm good, just tired. Really tired." He lied to you, hoping you wouldn't probe him anymore.

"Okay. I understand." You replied. He was relieved.

"Alright. Thanks for walking me home." You told him as both of you reached the front of your dorm a few hours later.

"No worries. Can't let you go home alone this late, you know?" 

"Get some rest, okay? You being so quiet tonight worried me." You said with a slight pout.

"Of course. Don't worry." Winwin managed to reply after he stared at your lips for a few seconds. 

"Bye!" You said as you went in.

Long after you disappeared from his sight, Winwin still stayed at the exact position. Various thoughts running in his mind. 

Saturday came and you were expecting Winwin and his ice cream truck to come around, but he didn't. 

"Hello~ you didn't come by today. Muffin misses her Cookie Dough fix :( " You texted him.

Thirty minutes later and still no reply. You didn't want to bug him, though. Considering that he might be busy. 

The next day, still no Winwin and ice cream. You were starting to get concerned.

"Hey, are you okay? Are you sick? You didn't arrive today either. I'm worried. Please text me :( "

Just like the day before, no reply. You thought you might have done or said anything wrong and you needed an answer from him.

You spent the next few days trying to remember the route of Winwin's ice cream truck. Your hardwork paid off when you recalled two places that he mentioned long before, hoping that they're still part of his route. The weekend arrived and you went to one of the two places, praying that Winwin would be there. 

After a few minutes of waiting on one of the benches, you heard the familiar jingle. A lot of kids welcomed the ice cream truck and you waited for all the them to leave until you approached Winwin.

"Hey! Long time no see! Well, not that long.. but still." You greeted him with a nervous smile.

"Y/N.." Winwin looked at you with wide eyes.

"Yep. That's me. Are we.. okay? You haven't returned any of my texts this past week. I wanted to call but thought that might be too much of a bother to you." You asked as you fiddled with your hands.

Winwin busied himself by fixing his things that didn't really need fixing.

"Hey. Did I do something wrong? You can tell me everything. You know that." 

The sadness and hurt in your voice alerted Winwin and he decided to finally speak, sighing before replying, "No, I can't."

"What?"

"I can't. I can't.. tell you everything." His voice got weaker as he spoke.

"But why? We're friends."

"That's exactly why." He raised his voice a little too high and you flinched.

"I'm.. I'm so sorry, Y/N." Guilt apparent on his face. You were speechless. You didn't know what to say or think anymore.

"Why are you.. being like this? I don't understand you, Winwin." All he did was sigh deeply and shake his head, looking at the ground.

"Alright, let's talk." He said as he gently pulled your wrist, leading you to one of the farther benches.

"What is it?" You asked in a low voice. 

"Damn I really didn't want to tell you this." He said as he sandwiched his head between his two hands, eyes closed. He looked so conflicted and nervous.

"Just tell me, okay? You’re making me nervous. Why are you so stressed about this? What is it?" You asked impatiently.

"I like you, Y/N." 

"You what?" You asked, breaking the silence after half a minute.

Winwin put his hands down but still had his eyes closed and you saw some tears forming under his long eyelashes. 

"Winwin~"

"I didn't want to tell you this. I was afraid I'll ruin the friendship. I'm sorry.." His voice broke a few times as he spoke. 

"But you didn't ruin anything. You don't need to be sorry." You said as you softly rubbed his back.

"And besides, I like you too." With this, Winwin opened his eyes in a snap and slowly turned his gaze to you.

"What?"

"I said I like you too." You said with a laugh.

"You do?" Winwin asked in disbelief.

"Yeah. Why are you so surprised? You're.. you're really likable." You replied shyly.

"It never occurred to me that you would ever like me. I thought you just saw me as a friend who's selling ice cream."

"What?! No way! You're more than that. Way more than that. You're my best friend, my confidant, very sweet, cute, thoughtful, talented, and just.. really really cute. I don't even know what I'm saying anymore!" You said in between embarrassed laughs before you covered your face.

"Hey, Y/N. Look at me. Y/N, please~" Winwin whined. 

You slowly moved your fingers apart to peek at him. "What?"

"I like you so much and.. I'd really love to be your boyfriend. Are you willing to.. give me a chance? I promise I'll do everything I can and be the best boyfriend to you." He asked nervously, licking his dry lips from time to time.

You placed your hands down and gave him the warmest and most welcoming smile he has ever seen. "Those ice cream dates with Muffin were already a huge step to taking my heart. I'm all yours." You said as your wrapped your arms around his neck. He buried himself in your scent and warmth and suddenly everything was alright in his world. 

You broke free from the hug and asked, "So, can I take a ride in your ice cream truck back to my dorm? Muffin is waiting for you and her Cookie Dough. She misses you!" 

He wrapped his arm around you as you stood up and went to the truck. "Sure, sweetie. You can ride in my ice cream truck and the three of us can finish all the left over ice cream." You laughed at what he said and he swore to god that it was the kind of laugh he could listen to for the rest of his life.

"Y/N."

"Hmm?" You asked as you looked intently to his eyes, giving him your 101% attention.

"I love you more than Muffin loves ice cream." 

[ecotone99]

[RF] My First Girlfriend

I should confess: I didn’t have a girlfriend until I started university. I wasn’t too busy not to have one. I was just more of a barbarian and was keeping myself away not only from girls but from everyone.

When I started university, I realized that having a girlfriend is not only normal but also actually necessary. We have a saying, loneliness is reserved to Allah, and I realized it then. I don’t know if it was because I was away from my family or because I was living with more than four hundred guys in the same building, and three guys in the same room.

I never had the aim of having a girlfriend as such. Even when I started university, this went on for a long while – until towards the end of the second semester.

It was sometime around March. We the newbies heard about something called spring fest. Famous musicians were going to perform free concerts, there were going to be free cultural activities and so on. I sure wouldn’t mind such a thing! If there’s something better than free cultural event, that’s cultural event in which I’d get paid.

The elder were experienced on spring fests. They told us newbies that there are three simple rules:

Spring fest is the best time of the year. Even better than summer. Therefore, we were supposed to make the most of it.

To make the most of it, we needed to drink until we puke, attend every concert, and do what we otherwise wouldn’t.

And surely, we had to have a girlfriend, even if only for and during the spring fest. A single guy at spring fest meant that he is not worth anything, and spring fest was nothing without a girlfriend.

“Go and find that girl!”

“Man, am I supposed to go say ‘hello. I need someone for the week. Beers on me’ or what?”

“Yeah, why not? But don’t be such an asshole. Be nice.”

“Like?”

“Say: Sue me if you won’t have an orgasm.”

“What if she won’t?”

“She can’t blame you of anything. Fuck, am I supposed to teach you how to pick girls up? Go and do, you bugger!”

“Dude, you’re kidding me right?”

“We’ll get in line and fuck you one after another if you won’t have a girl.”

For a month we were told, every day, every hour of every day, every minute of every hour, over and over again that we needed to find a girlfriend for the fest. Burak, my roommate, came to me one evening.

“Dude, what will we do?”

“About what?”

“About the fest. We’re still single.”

“You too? Come on. We won’t die.”

“We won’t but everyone says that we should find a girl”. He looked at me, then to himself. “If we waxed ourselves actually” he said with half smile on his face.

His body was hairy as a chimp, and I’m no less than a bear.

“No, sorry honey. You’re not worth losing my hair.”

“But come on. We can close our eyes and kiss that way. We need to shave properly though.”

I held his hand.

“Love me with my hair, if you will.”

“Our love is an impossible one, then.”

“I’ll wait for you…”

Once we sorted out that our relationship wouldn’t work, we went our ways and sought potential targets. Yet as one week was left to the fest, me and Burak were still single. That evening he talked to me. Once more.

“Man, there’s this girl at the department. You’re more beautiful than her, she’s that ugly. So I definitely stand a chance with her. I will ask her out tomorrow.”

“Buy her some cactus then. ‘It’s as beautiful as you could get’ you can say.”

“Fuck off. When I’ll get her, you’ll be the only single one here. Then you can fuck yourself.”

“You just said that I’m more beautiful than her. There surely will be some that will want me.”

“You’d have found already if so.”

“Who meant girls?”

“I told you that our love is an impossible one.”

“Never say never darlin’.”

That night I couldn’t sleep well and I was awake at five past seven. Strangely, rather than going back to sleep, I got out of bed and decided to go to the class after three weeks of not attending even one of them.

At 8.40 was the class of probably the sweetest professor ever, Aylin Ege. She was barely taller than a meter and she was a bit overweight. When she was walking, especially swiftly while holding books on her chest, she was rolling like a ball. It was a joy to see her – even at 8.40, long before waking up.

To see her shine and enjoy the rest of the day, I went to the department that morning. I was there a bit early and many classmates were there already. I didn’t know many of them. I couldn’t find the comfort of the dorm at the department with people. Maybe because they all were competing people – and I hate competition. “Come on guys” many times I wanted to say. “Let you all be the top of the class. Chill some. In the worst case we will become civil servants. Why try to take someone down just for that”?

Of course, I never said. For that I needed to be at the department and I was too lazy.

You know, there was this girl. Duygu. Her name means feeling. I really liked her the day that I saw her. She was barely over 1.50, yet her huge eyes and dark and long hair were so well suiting the rest of her face. She might not have been a beauty queen for some, but for me she surely was a charming one.

That morning I bought a bagel to silence my rumbling stomach. Sat across the class and started nibbling it, and I saw her coming. I said my official good morning, yet rather than passing me by, she decided to sit down and eat with me.

Oh God. Was this going to be our first meal together? At a stupid corner of the department, at 8.30 in the morning, waiting for the class?

After some usual, meaningless and actually useless questions and answers like “how are you”, “I’m okay and you”, “I like spring”; she, out of nowhere, looked at me with her huge and beautiful eyes, for some seconds which felt like decades, and slowly, carefully, but also determinedly spelled out five words:

“Do you have a girlfriend?”

Her eyes were still on me, but my heart beat so strong that it had left my chest already. Time stopped. No one moved, no one breathed, no birds sang. Even sun stopped sending its photons to us. Everyone was looking at us, everyone was shocked, everyone was so happy that I found a girlfriend for the fest, maybe for later as well.

Yet I gulped and, with a reason which I still don’t know, could hardly and inaudibly whispered “yes”. For half a second my inner voice talked to me:

“Yes? You fucker, do you have a girlfriend? Did you even have a girlfriend? What the hell is yes? Fuck you man. Okay? Fuck you. Fuck. You. Burak doesn’t count as girlfriend you idiot. Duygu is a girl, not Burak!”

“What? Did I say yes?”

“Your fucking neurons don’t fucking work. What the hell is yes? Where is this fucking girlfriend? Fuck you man, one in a lifetime thing this was. What the hell is yes?!”

“I should add ‘would be a wrong answer’. What say you?”

“You’re already late. Look at her.”

Her huge eyes turned down. Partly trying to silence my inner voice, partly with the expectation that she will say yes, I asked the question back at her: Do you have a boyfriend?

Her answer was simple, and shorter than mine. “No”. And my inner voice started talking again.

“YOU ARE THE BIGGEST IDIOT I HAVE EVER SEEN!”

“Dude, how could I know?”

“WHAT DID YOU NEED TO KNOW? WHAT WAS THERE TO KNOW?!”

“Man, it hurts already. Don’t. Please.”

“YOU’LL REGRET THIS. YOU FUCKING WILL FUCKING REGRET THIS!”

“Damn. A wonderful girl practically asks me out and I refuse it. I shouldn’t tell this at the dorm. They’ll kick me out.”

“YOU’LL BE LUCKY IF THEY WILL ONLY KICK YOU OUT!”

It was a short time left to the class and somehow ashamed, she just left with an official “see you later”.

“Yeah, see me later. Please see me later. I can break up with my imaginary girlfriend during the class. It ain’t a problem at all. Let’s just please meet up after the class. Please. I beg you.”

But of course, it was too late. After the class, I couldn’t even see her leaving. But I had a great idea after this first potential-relationship-failure: I could have an imaginary girlfriend, which would protect me from annoyances. I was good with imagining things, and I didn’t need to spend much energy. But, probably because of regret, I described the girl exactly as Duygu: On the shorter side with huge eyes and long and dark hair. Studying economics, yet in Istanbul. Few seemed to believe me and the rest simply pitied. My first spring fest was a great failure. Neither I liked the artists nor I liked the events. Worse of all, all my friends, including Burak, were occupied and I was the only single one – which made things harder. As a result, rather than being out, I was mostly in, reading. The only upside of this imaginary girlfriend and being single for the week was that I finished Kant’s Groundwork and Kuhn’s Structure of Scientific Revolutions back then.

Duygu, you may ask. I saw her later at the shopping center of the campus. She was having coffee –

– with some guy: Her head was on his chest, and his hand was on her leg. “It could have been me” I thought but the voice in me spoke up again. “You have a good relationship. Don’t think of such things you fucking sucker.”

​

(PS: Although the genre is realistic fiction, this is neither realistic nor fiction: This is real. Just one of my memories from my miserable university life. Shame on me, I know. I know it so damn well)

(PPS: I am making a series on my miserable university life here. Not that it is a great series, but in case you'd like to see more. The site is no more than an ordinary blog made with WordPress)

submitted by /u/penahi [link] [comments] via Blogger https://ift.tt/3fPquR1

[giangthuyp8265-blog]

Be Smarter Than Your Professors With Our College Tips And Tricks

Be Smarter Than Your Professors With Our College Tips And Tricks

As you probably know, college is not easy. It is a big transition from high school to college life. It can be hard to adjust to. If you feel that way, this article was made for you. Just make use of what you read here today.

Before you go to college, make a short list of items you'll need to bring with you. Even if you are attending school close to home, it is much more convenient to have everything with you rather than calling your parents to deliver things. This is beneficial if you are traveling a long distance to your college.

Many students find that it is handy to include a water bottle in their school supplies. Make sure you are always hydrated. This is particularly crucial if your schedule is crammed with classes and no meal times between them. You will be more focused when you stay hydrated. Refill the bottle between classes at water fountains.

You should always take time out everyday to study. Studying will help you get more out of your college education. Although you can still have fun and socialize, you must take your college studies seriously. You will make more money and get a better job if you do well.

Have your testing materials handy when it is time to test. Leaving behind a tool that you need to complete your work may throw off your entire experience. Make sure you have what you need because the teacher may not have supplies for you.

The environment you study in is extremely important. A dorm room is probably not a good place for you to study. Choose a place with no distractions, instead. The school library is always a good choice. If you do not have any other choice, buy some noise-canceling headphones.

Research the location of the admissions staff and pay them a visit prior to selecting a school. This can help you find any scholarships that might be available to you. Some colleges offer their own scholarships. Visiting with admissions officers can help you get all of the college funding that you need.

Always eat a good breakfast before going to class, especially if you have a test. Anything, be it a muffin or a bowl of cereal, will do. Your brain cannot function as well on an empty stomach and its growling will distract you from your exam. Your low energy can substantially influence your performance. Eat breakfast to stay focused and energized.

Be sure to get plenty of rest. Sleep is essential; even though, all night studying and partying may beckon you. If you are not getting the right rest, you might not retain the information you need to and slip in your classes.

Credit cards should be paid in full every month. If you do, you may face heavy interest charges in the long run. Generally, you should only use a credit card when an emergency arises. You might want to go ahead and spend money on your credit card, but you should focus on school and not spend money on entertainment. Financial worries can undermine your studies.

Before going away to college, decide on whether you want to take your car. In areas of high population, free parking spaces can be difficult to find. In addition, you may struggle to pay for the registration, insurance, and high gas prices. This is definitely true if you do not work.

Buy textbooks used. The cost of new books is high. If you already have to pay quite a bit for your education, you're probably wishing to save a few dollars. Therefore, search for bookstores, both physical and online ones, that can provide used books. Used textbooks can often be bought at a considerable discount.

Wait to buy the books for classes as they may not be necessary. You may figure out later that the books aren't even required. This is common in online classes. You can often gather all of the information you need by following online readings and paying attention in your lectures.

Make good use of your campus library. These libraries offer resources that no other place can provide. Ask the librarian to show you materials that will enhance your studies of your specific subjects. Sometimes, libraries provide a bulletin board for students to post textbooks for sale.

If you've got a big test tomorrow, read through all of your notes one last time before bed. Reading before you go to sleep will help you remember all the information. Since your brain will help build the context which is missing between knowledge fragments, the information will be clear in the morning.

Not everyone has an easy time starting out at college. It is not very easy to go to college and start your new life away from home, this article can help.

[be21zh]

Nov 9, 2017

dreamt of a podcasting event. the host likely recent hot leaker, Guo wengui(@KwokMiles), who revealed lots of dark secret of CCP high ranks. the first version was cancelled and the Guo decided to remake. a new van pulled in, likely as an award for publishing, but its tire is half empty. I among other volunteers push the van to podcasting stage. I also handle the microphone, wire connection, recording etc. yesterday really over elated. a planned event aid by my elder brother realized: renew woz's dearest domain, woz.fm for 2 more years now that migration to new registrar who support 4 years ahead to subscribe. our first registrar, godaddy forbidden more than a year to renew the domain, so every year I was anxious about it, and last year I really paid more for the domain after it enter recovery mode strangely before expire date. also, the domain under icann's administrative increases price $25 since next month. so I badly want to save the ￥500 before new renewal charge complies. I never thought I would raise money from my hometown relatives who mostly live average wealth. but God know its OK. my kid brother who has a small mill & bought 2 large houses, dishonored me heavily each time I ask for loan, did same lest my more aid requests. but my 2nd elder brother, my childhood main enemy and in recent years whose contribution to our old family, esp his favorite fishing skill brought more colorful meals in our old family times, warmed my heart and turned me into gratitude, and started to appreciate his loneliness. this time he touched by my cause & urged my kid brother leased the loan from him own proxy, even his family was not so capable to loan me. God dad, now I gained loans from both my sisters and brothers, each ￥1200. 2017 designated to be blessing, like yesterday's shallow snow here. God dad, grant me grow our fortitude against harsher siege PRC surveillance setup us. let my ancestor's gift and needed support reach us in time. let copycat tyrant missing in frustration. bring holy glories on shinny earth. bring me Royal China and my Crown Queen from Japan, Asoh Yukiko to broaden my life entrenched so far here from limelight.

Nov 2, 2017

this post designated to be brief: I just want to report my satisfaction yesterday and today. yesterday I blogged without dream's escort and narration went smooth. this dawn I dreamt my temporary habitat in a remote place, say northwestern China. I managed a lot and barely got aboard, on train or airline, to Harbin, my current provincial capital. near last stop I found my destiny far from Harbin where almost half China apart from central China, my hometown. so intensive triumph turned half completed in fact & overestimated, I didn't regret but knew new journey ahead homecoming. then I woke up from vivid dawn sureal. yesterday I posted among boring, pale reality without nutritious dream. I contented with my work and avoid lunch. dining time I felt rewarding, and all female local people I concern shown in daily jog refreshing outside around QRRS square. their kindness leaves me supplement to complacency. after settled in dorm and TV time began, my kodi under heavy surveillance. search result of my favorite episode appeared but playing back abrupt quit before rolling up. still I harvested via youtube which much readier accessible. I learned current world affairs, some situation in China first hand there unmistakable. I also enabled gzip on my web server for speedier page load, after google reports test result on my site performance via gmail promotion. that's really nice to boost my site for greater audience. I have no other means to improve our voice, Royal China's emerging gospel, for world and our people beside this tiny technology. God dad, I really enchanted by podcasts' companion all day long during deadly siege by PRC tyranny, thx for the commodity, grant us freedom of voice & informative stream on base of poverty prevails mainland China with dying surge of ghost communism. bring me sooner my Royal China to broaden national. bring our Christmas day gift on time and cure our need of support of our living as well as investment in cyberspace. bring me sooner my Crown Queen from Japan, Asoh Yukiko, to extend my life folded so many years alone. dad God, let me resilient as usual.

Nov 1, 2017

Its a sunny golden autumn morning. in the week I hardly in detailed dream, but still I felt so blessed. internet in PRC tightened much since the ccp congress. ai powered surveillance periodically disabled my internet upon triggered key word or something other incurred self-posed punishment. it can be dozen times in an hour. quite boring and spiteful. in the beginning of last week I almost thought I will be idle totally, but then on Wednesday I saw tasks: reinforce zhone dynamic sites with ssl from let's encrypt, a website promotes ssl worldwide with its free certificates issued more than thousands hundred copies. dabbog.com backend webapp also need update after near 2 weeks delay since its official update. I contacted godaddy hosting but the support crew made it clear that as a main upgrade godaddy will free itself responsibility but let my alone to do the update lest failure of lost. I loathed to join security tasks for I lack hacker experience and IT security training. after a day scrutinized the operational I launched near dinner time to upgrade my site, and smoothly done in an hour. it really cheers me up with new confidence in server management. next day I prepare ssl upgrade. I previously thought cert installation is the core problem, but soon I was detained by domain ownership verification hours. for one of my registrar's dns strangely didn't support root level text record, I have to single out a domain under the registrar for single certificate. then I got my first let's encrypt cert installed for 3 domains verified by dns txt record. cost some more time google web server's .htaccess hacking not to block file upload to server for verification, the another ownership of verification method adopted smoothly and 2nd let's encrypt cert installed. both likely least cost while my option one is server extension installation which has more impacts on linux os. its really marvelous to see zhone sites' ssl green & formally. since my first website on google cloud my ssl which is self-signed, never independent without malware's precaution and more click through before homepage load out. I also spend little more time to rip off http source of header & footer images to ensure full site ssl. in the weekend, ie Sunday, I demonstrated my work narrowly done in Saturday to my son, woz. my site traffic also booming recently, thanks God and faith we beholding. now its another Wednesday aimlessly, God dad, bless us with some engagements. bring me sooner my Royal China, and my Crown Queen Asoh Yukiko, for family & homage. grant us year end bonus to sustain my small investment online, and our business never so prominent in China history.

Oct 21, 2017

dreamt enter university again. the day is opening school day. I with other enrolled youth led to our school and dorm. through scenery natural hill, we passed through crowd parents to get seat in our campus. lately I carried my son explained to crowd what's philosophy in my view and why I study in university gain. my anxiety of dorm wet and over jammed disappeared at destiny chamber and I won friendship from alumni, includes alumna. my explanation turned like public speech, by which even myself moved. yesterday is salary day. I got ￥3060, 200 less than last month. even so, I arranged my monthly reunite my son in my dorm after cinema. transfering 4 domains from godaddy to dynadot almost done. dynadot home website online chat did wonderful support work. after 4 or 5 contacts including with godaddy support via land phone, I informed by dynadot crew that .io since 2017 July refuse in its whois database stores registrant information. so my long time dissatisfaction with godaddy for its hiding my registrant info with .io sponsor organization is not their fault but limitation of newly incursion. in review my smooth transfer I left positive comment on godaddy facebook page praising their gracious service. the comment arose comments at once. some of them questioned if I was godaddy's post bot. last night I read an article how insane Chinese parents flattered their kids' teacher mischief in their teacher and parent social circle via wechat, a PRC mainstream social app, and despise other parents' lawful requests for their kid's privilege like mobile not be seizure by school authority, bargain for favor of teacher. most poor Chinese just too feeble & coerced confronting organizations. that's why when I contact service providers in cyberspace I prone to be thankful even they are within my privilege: I am afraid to be punished for dispute with legal person. that reminds me long time in PRC society legal person stamp on nature person in lawless reality in socialism, and why PRC Chinese made their society a hell of institutional crime swarm: indifferent bureaucracy, warded gangster groups behaviors, shameless prey, brutal bully, hate & cry for others' transparency esp free media of voices. these characters all led to tyranny, like most mid-east countries where poorest & most violent led civilian only option, to exile. most PRC Chinese want to be a leader in an organization, for costless or at least cost efficient gains, just try to manipulate a puppet & behind curtain. and most forceful puppet is national army, largest dog or monster the tyrant invent to rein constitutionally, at cost of national surrender and sacrifice. that's the reasonable consequence of a society prefers superman/trojan horse, ie legal person to nature human. I at first thought I got the hidden truth about Chinese failure, and its cure, Capitalism, but then I saw more insane is extinguish of free speech/express, freedom of media, death of publicity. that also led me to review President Trump's efforts to blame American media. I first time felt dubious upon Trump's intention, esp my hero, former President G.W Bush recently criticize Trump, too, even undebatable Trump's self-discipline of American, and America first, both holy strategy I believe in. God dad, PRC stepping into new Empire. but tyrant lacks qualification to put him up for throne, like what happens in Russian shows, even the small bitch trying getting his new turn of Presidency, relentlessly. nobody except holy chosen leads to Crown. that's China future political landscape. thx dad God, bring me sooner my Royal China, with my Crown Queen from Japan, Asoh Yukiko, with new territory we vested.

Oct 13, 2017

dreamt at hometown saw my kid brother had affair with a new bride whose husband's name same as mine in the village. he is an adopted son of a couple lately had their own younger son. in half nap I heard water heat system just water pumped in this season first time against chill and made sound inside channel. then I dream my kid brother bathed with the girl together in our old family's natural earth heat spring tube. the adulterous bride is granddaughter of the only woman whose most life is introducing half wizard religion with her tool of fate-telling in the village. my passed mother first attracted by the far neighbor then introduced to my dad, who since then more closer to faith and treated the old woman friendly in his late life till elapse. the old woman's surname is Mao, the same as PRC legendary leader. she never had a child and a life time smoker which quite strange among villager women. the bride father is also adopted by the old woman whose shrank husband also in surname Zhu as the founder of the village Zhudajiu, once prince of Founder & Emperor of Ming Dynasty. my kid brother introduced I had 2 other options to bath in the village. one is my aunt's homemade, another far from village near the village's dam & fountain. I hardly settled in man-powered bath tube in my aunt house. my youngest elder sister helped me to heat the water and chat with me. I just put off most of my lower part clothes but remained my chest covered in the scenario, squatted in bath tube before the water warmed up when later my cousins, ie my aunt's children, returned & gossiped around. I just felt awfully inconvenient with rural water heat system esp bath tube in dream likes old time rural toilet, maokeng or shit pit. in the last week I almost settled transferring out 4 domains from godaddy to dynadot. at first my son's domain, woz.fm, refuse display transfer authentication code. contacted godaddy then it fixed. then zho.io stuck in missing whois information and new platform can't find my email to send me initiating verification email to start transferring. I phone called godaddy 3 times barely explained my problem by my poor English. next day the hard initiative procedure rolling into track. that's all wonders I experienced after empowered by my hometown relatives' aid, and wonderful American gift of discount of my web presence cost, near ￥1200. the whole week in unease and relief of awesome of resolving. dad God, last to settle domain will arrive next Tuesday. help us clinch it unshakably. the whole week I felt unreal with the gain. now launch me in new land of adventure lest outpaced. God dad, in long run, let my investment on domain & our web presence weightless financially, burden free while rampant accessory as civilian in western democratic market nations. let us harvest in content and purposefully resourceful. in the week I review lots of my passed life, what my life means to others, including my son and my people in PRC. I hope my free of routine job while remains productive and self-rely. Dad God, bring me sooner my Royal China to carry mission longer. bring me sooner my Crown Queen from Japan, Asoh Yukiko, for better homing. thx for this golden autumn morning, dad.

[chinad]

once stress now hilarity

Nov 9, 2017

dreamt of a podcasting event. the host likely recent hot leaker, Guo wengui(@KwokMiles), who revealed lots of dark secret of CCP high ranks. the first version was cancelled and the Guo decided to remake. a new van pulled in, likely as an award for publishing, but its tire is half empty. I among other volunteers push the van to podcasting stage. I also handle the microphone, wire connection, recording etc. yesterday really over elated. a planned event aid by my elder brother realized: renew woz's dearest domain, woz.fm for 2 more years now that migration to new registrar who support 4 years ahead to subscribe. our first registrar, godaddy forbidden more than a year to renew the domain, so every year I was anxious about it, and last year I really paid more for the domain after it enter recovery mode strangely before expire date. also, the domain under icann's administrative increases price $25 since next month. so I badly want to save the ￥500 before new renewal charge complies. I never thought I would raise money from my hometown relatives who mostly live average wealth. but God know its OK. my kid brother who has a small mill & bought 2 large houses, dishonored me heavily each time I ask for loan, did same lest my more aid requests. but my 2nd elder brother, my childhood main enemy and in recent years whose contribution to our old family, esp his favorite fishing skill brought more colorful meals in our old family times, warmed my heart and turned me into gratitude, and started to appreciate his loneliness. this time he touched by my cause & urged my kid brother leased the loan from him own proxy, even his family was not so capable to loan me. God dad, now I gained loans from both my sisters and brothers, each ￥1200. 2017 designated to be blessing, like yesterday's shallow snow here. God dad, grant me grow our fortitude against harsher siege PRC surveillance setup us. let my ancestor's gift and needed support reach us in time. let copycat tyrant missing in frustration. bring holy glories on shinny earth. bring me Royal China and my Crown Queen from Japan, Asoh Yukiko to broaden my life entrenched so far here from limelight.

Nov 2, 2017

this post designated to be brief: I just want to report my satisfaction yesterday and today. yesterday I blogged without dream's escort and narration went smooth. this dawn I dreamt my temporary inhabitant in a remote place, say northwestern China. I managed a lot and barely got aboard, on train or airline, to Harbin. near last stop I found my destiny far from Harbin where almost half China apart from central China, my hometown. so intensive triumph turned half completed in fact, I didn't regret but knew new journey ahead homecoming. then I woke up from vivid dream. yesterday I posted among boring, pale reality without nutritious dream. I contented with my work and avoid lunch. dining time I felt rewarding, and all female people I concern shown in daily jog refreshing outside around QRRS square. their kindness leaves me supplement to complacency. after settled in dorm and TV time began, my kodi under heavy surveillance. search result of my favorite episode appeared but playing back abrupt quit before rolling up. still I harvested via youtube which much readier accessible. I learned current world affairs, some situation in China first hand there. I also enabled gzip on my web server for speedier page load, after google reports test result on my site performance via gmail promotion. that's really nice to boost my site for greater audience. I have no other means to improve our voice, Royal China's emerging gospel, for world and our people beside this tiny technology. God dad, I really enchanted by podcasts' companion all day long during deadly siege by PRC tyranny, thx for the commodity, grant us freedom of voice & informative stream on base of poverty prevails mainland China with dying surge of ghost communism. bring me sooner my Royal China to broaden national. bring our Christmas day gift on time and cure our need of support of our living as well as investment in cyberspace. bring me sooner my Crown Queen from Japan, Asoh Yukiko, to extend my life folded so many years alone. dad God, let me resilient as usual.

Nov 1, 2017

Its a sunny golden summer morning. in the week I hardly in detailed dream, but still I felt so blessed. internet in PRC tightened much since the ccp congress. ai powered surveillance periodically disabled my internet upon triggered key word or something other incurred self-posed punishment. it can be dozen times in an hour. quite boring and spiteful. in the beginning of last week I almost thought I will be idle totally, but then on Wednesday I saw tasks: reinforce zhone dynamic sites with ssl from let's encrypt, a website promotes ssl worldwide with its free certificates issued more than thousands hundred copies. dabbog.com backend webapp also need update after near 2 weeks delay since its official update. I contacted godaddy hosting but the support crew made it clear that as a main upgrade godaddy will free itself responsibility but let my alone to do the update lest failure of lost. I loathed to join security tasks for I lack hacker experience and IT security training. after a day scrutinized the operational I launched near dinner time to upgrade my site, and smoothly done in an hour. it really cheers me up with new confidence in server management. next day I prepare ssl upgrade. I previously thought cert installation is the core problem, but soon I was detained by domain ownership verification hours. for one of my registrar's dns strangely didn't support root level text record, I have to single out a domain under the registrar for single certificate. then I got my first let's encrypt cert installed for 3 domains verified by dns txt record. cost some more time google web server's .htaccess hacking not to block file upload to server for verification, the another ownership of verification method adopted smoothly and 2nd let's encrypt cert installed. both likely least cost while my option one is server extension installation which has more impacts on linux os. its really marvelous to see zhone sites' ssl green & formally. since my first website on google cloud my ssl which is self-signed, never independent without malware's precaution and more click through before homepage load out. I also spend little more time to rip off http source of header & footer images to ensure full site ssl. in the weekend, ie Sunday, I demonstrated my work narrowly done in Saturday to my son, woz. my site traffic also booming recently, thanks God and faith we beholding. now its another Wednesday aimlessly, God dad, bless us with some engagements. bring me sooner my Royal China, and my Crown Queen Asoh Yukiko, for family & homage. grant us year end bonus to sustain my small investment online, and our business never so prominent in China history.

Oct 21, 2017

dreamt enter university again. the day is opening school day. I with other enrolled youth led to our school and dorm. through scenery natural hill, we passed through crowd parents to get seat in our campus. lately I carried my son explained to crowd what's philosophy in my view and why I study in university gain. my anxiety of dorm wet and over jammed disappeared at destiny chamber and I won friendship from alumni, includes alumna. my explanation turned like public speech, by which even myself moved. yesterday is salary day. I got ￥3060, 200 less than last month. even so, I arranged my monthly reunite my son in my dorm after cinema. transfering 4 domains from godaddy to dynadot almost done. dynadot home website online chat did wonderful support work. after 4 or 5 contacts including with godaddy support via land phone, I informed by dynadot crew that .io since 2017 July refuse in its whois database stores registrant information. so my long time dissatisfaction with godaddy for its hiding my registrant info with .io sponsor organization is not their fault but limitation of newly incursion. in review my smooth transfer I left positive comment on godaddy facebook page praising their gracious service. the comment arose comments at once. some of them questioned if I was godaddy's post bot. last night I read an article how insane Chinese parents flattered their kids' teacher mischief in their teacher and parent social circle via wechat, a PRC mainstream social app, and despise other parents' lawful requests for their kid's privilege like mobile not be seizure by school authority, bargain for favor of teacher. most poor Chinese just too feeble & coerced confronting organizations. that's why when I contact service providers in cyberspace I prone to be thankful even they are within my privilege: I am afraid to be punished for dispute with legal person. that reminds me long time in PRC society legal person stamp on nature person in lawless reality in socialism, and why PRC Chinese made their society a hell of institutional crime swarm: indifferent bureaucracy, warded gangster groups behaviors, shameless prey, brutal bully, hate & cry for others' transparency esp free media of voices. these characters all led to tyranny, like most mid-east countries where poorest & most violent led civilian only option, to exile. most PRC Chinese want to be a leader in an organization, just try to manipulate a puppet & behind curtain. and most forceful puppet is national army, largest dog or monster the tyrant invent to rein constitutionally, at cost of national surrender and sacrifice. that's the reasonable consequence of a society prefers superman/trojan horse, ie legal person to nature human. I at first thought I got the hidden truth about Chinese failure, and its cure, Capitalism, but then I saw more insane is extinguish of free speech/express, freedom of media, death of publicity. that also led me to review President Trump's efforts to blame American media. I first time felt dubious upon Trump's intention, esp my hero, former President G.W Bush recently criticize Trump, too, even undebatable Trump's self-discipline of American, and America first, both holy missions I believe in. God dad, PRC stepping into new Empire. but tyrant lacks qualification to put him up for throne, like what happens in Russian shows, even the small bitch trying getting his new turn of Presidency, relentlessly. nobody except holy chosen leads to Crown. that's China future political landscape. thx dad God, bring me sooner my Royal China, with my Crown Queen from Japan, Asoh Yukiko, with new territory we vested.

Oct 13, 2017

dreamt at hometown saw my kid brother had affair with a new bride whose husband's name same as mine in the village. he is an adopted son of a couple lately had their own younger son. in half nap I heard water heat system just water pumped in this season first time against chill and made sound inside channel. then I dream my kid brother bathed with the girl together in our old family's natural earth heat spring tube. the adulterous bride is granddaughter of the only woman whose most life is introducing half wizard religion with her tool of fate-telling in the village. my passed mother first attracted by the far neighbor then introduced to my dad, who since then more closer to faith and treated the old woman friendly in his late life till elapse. the old woman's surname is Mao, the same as PRC legendary leader. she never had a child and a life time smoker which quite strange among villager women. the bride father is also adopted by the old woman whose shrank husband also in surname Zhu as the founder of the village Zhudajiu, once prince of Founder & Emperor of Ming Dynasty. my kid brother introduced I had 2 other options to bath in the village. one is my aunt's homemade, another far from village near the village's dam & fountain. I hardly settled in man-powered bath tube in my aunt house. my youngest elder sister helped me to heat the water and chat with me. I just put off most of my lower part clothes but remained my chest covered in the scenario, squatted in bath tube before the water warmed up when later my cousins, ie my aunt's children, returned & gossiped around. I just felt awfully inconvenient with rural water heat system esp bath tube in dream likes old time rural toilet, maokeng or shit pit. in the last week I almost settled transferring out 4 domains from godaddy to dynadot. at first my son's domain, woz.fm, refuse display transfer authentication code. contacted godaddy then it fixed. then zho.io stuck in missing whois information and new platform can't find my email to send me initiating verification email to start transferring. I phone called godaddy 3 times barely explained my problem by my poor English. next day the hard initiative procedure rolling into track. that's all wonders I experienced after empowered by my hometown relatives' aid, and wonderful American gift of discount of my web presence cost, near ￥1200. the whole week in unease and relief of awesome of resolving. dad God, last to settle domain will arrive next Tuesday. help us clinch it unshakably. the whole week I felt unreal with the gain. now launch me in new land of adventure lest outpaced. God dad, in long run, let my investment on domain & our web presence weightless financially, burden free while rampant accessory as civilian in western democratic market nations. let us harvest in content and purposefully resourceful. in the week I review lots of my passed life, what my life means to others, including my son and my people in PRC. I hope my free of routine job while remains productive and self-rely. Dad God, bring me sooner my Royal China to carry mission longer. bring me sooner my Crown Queen from Japan, Asoh Yukiko, for better homing. thx for this golden autumn morning, dad.

via Blogger http://ift.tt/2AwrBAq

[yahoo-the-dagger-blog]

Ex-Louisville star Russ Smith's open letter is well-intentioned but unpersuasive

Russ Smith (2) celebrates advancing to the 2013 Final Four with his teammates and Rick Pitino. (AP)

Two days after Louisville learned it will be stripped of the 2013 national title unless it wins a last-ditch appeal, one of the biggest stars of that team wrote a heartfelt but largely unpersuasive open letter in defense of his former school.

Ex-first-team All-American Russ Smith argued the NCAA shouldn’t have punished Louisville so harshly because the Cardinals players and recruits could not have known the women Andre McGee brought to their dorm were being paid to dance for or have sex with them.

“These women [posed] as friends and friends only, to my understanding,” Smith wrote in a letter published Saturday by the Louisville Courier-Journal. “We meet many people every day, some in and outside of our dormitory. Yes, I’ve had parties in my dorm and invited sororities, frats, people in the West End, East End … it’s college and you meet people. Some people want to be with you because of your name or the letters in the front of your jersey.

“The women were in our dorm because they were around the campus and the athletes and nothing more. Whatever transpired between them and whoever else was their decision. I strongly believe they did not get paid for this. (I may be wrong.) And if they did, that is also between Mr. McGee and Ms. [Katina] Powell and not any of my brothers. If the mother pimps out her daughters without anyone knowing that, how can my brothers be at any type of fault? Ms. Powell acted discreetly.”

Smith added to his argument on Twitter over the weekend. (Some of his language is NSFW)

Female attention the only thing a student athlete can get for free besides a damn education n college.

— Russdiculous® (@Specter_Smit) June 18, 2017

Literally the @NCAA went out of their way n took gifts that the nation sent my bro Kevin Ware bc it's a violation.

— Russdiculous® (@Specter_Smit) June 18, 2017

They took my Waffle House vouchers sayin that I couldnt receive free meals be that also was a violation. YES WH tried to send me free merch.

— Russdiculous® (@Specter_Smit) June 18, 2017

N y'all gonna sit here n think my brothers n I paid or agreed to pay for any special service from a females… u cannot be fuckin serious.

— Russdiculous® (@Specter_Smit) June 18, 2017

Louisville’s punishment is the culmination of an investigation that began in August 2015 when school officials learned that escort Katina Powell was set to release a tell-all book. Powell’s book alleged that former Louisville basketball staffer Andre McGee paid for strippers and escorts to dance for or have sex with Cardinals players and recruits at parties typically held in the on-campus basketball dorm named for Pitino’s late brother-in-law.

In addition to vacating four years worth of victories including a 2012 Final Four appearance and the 2013 national title, the NCAA also suspended Louisville coach Rick Pitino for the first five ACC games next season and implemented recruiting limitations and scholarship reductions. Louisville announced it will appeal the sanctions less than an hour after receiving them.

It’s admirable that Smith would try to stick up for his school, but it’s also pretty easy to poke holes in his argument.

First of all, Louisville has never argued McGee didn’t pay Powell and her escorts. The school has only tried to paint him as a rogue employee acting without the knowledge of Pitino or other members of the coaching staff.

Secondly, while there’s no doubt Louisville players had no problem attracting women on campus, it’s very difficult to believe they had no idea these women were being paid to entertain them. Was it a coincidence the strippers showed up in the basketball dorm anytime that a marquee recruit visited campus?

And even if the Louisville players and recruits were somehow duped into believing that Powell’s band of strippers and escorts were merely ordinary groupies looking for a good time, that doesn’t mean the program should escape penalty.

A staffer Pitino hired and placed in the basketball dorm paid strippers to perform dances and sex acts in an effort to persuade key recruits as young as 16 years old to pick the Cardinals over other top programs. Whether Pitino was complicit or merely grossly negligent, Louisville should have to pay a stiff price for those actions.

Of course Smith doesn’t see it that way, arguing in his letter that “the NCAA’s final decision was wrong.”

Said Smith, “I think our wins should be kept and not vacated, and that the punishment should go toward the way of the adults who had set everything up.”

– – – – – – –

Jeff Eisenberg is the editor of The Dagger on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at daggerblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

Follow @JeffEisenberg

[chinad]

2017 here now spectacle.

Jan 27, 2017

last night woke up earlier then dwelling in dreams. first dreamt in zoo with dearest son, woz. 2 cheap girls recklessly open cage of tiger and let it at large. we rushed to evade and scattered. when I returned near zoo and found tiger caught woz and indecisively tore his clothes. in terror I scream for zoo manager's help. when he in sight and running closer, I approached the tiger and woke up. I timely noted it on my mobile. then dreamt an OCR software's advertisement on media. I was more or less familiar with pirate warez once, so I'm sure I will get a copy of the tool. I felt glad with it I can turn some Chinese textbook and its tests digitally for woz's exercise. then all dreams about flying, with a delegation of school teachers likely in vacation tour. I can fly without any voyage, and use it to challenge barrage around me. this is a pale morning and eve of lunar new year. my returning train ticket still pending while brokerage already handed over. woz gained about ￥2100 pocket money from his hometown relatives. I didn't send out any gift money, including my newly married nephew. but I told him my startup and hard economy and promised will help him in future when my situation better. yesterday is the turning day of our vacation here, half elapsed. we made nice demonstration to country guys about steam online games to larger LED, chromecast mirror screen, English online videos. our poor dell notebook almost broke down after heavily load of video gaming, in frequent freeze now. I sincerely best wishes to my relatives here, hoping someday I can improve their lives. they already saw satisfactions in the decade when most nephews built their families. God dad, bring me sooner my Royal China to my larger family, for my future offspring. bring me Asoh Yukiko for glory of regal affair. grant us financial freedom to support my online startup.

Jan 25, 2017

first dreamt inspecting a girl secretary of Communist Youth league. she later in charge of a business owned by CCYL, then the business turns in property of girl her own. then dreamt being an India school boy. he studied diligently and guessed or cheated to know exam's topic so scores highest. the topic likely about self-restrain, in Chinese in dream exactly "纲功伐满". his mom and sister celebrate his performance. his school dean who usually stern but now also welcomes him warmly. the boy gladly goes shopping with award, a check. this morning I woke up by the dream and made memo on my mobile. then I fell asleep again till my son got up. my elder sister asked us stay for celebrating lunar new year especially. my nephew came from my hometown village to invite our visit but I defied it for I felt vengeful against my brothers, esp my kid brother who made us harder when he had to aid me meanly. so I decisively evade him and his family, including the village, Zhudajiu where my 2 elder brothers didn't extend helping hand during my credit debt crisis last year. among the relatives and rich meal I abrupt left to my younger elder sister's house to blog. here my 2 nephews also hurry to downtown market. my dearest son, woz, aside me with his pc games. lunar new year holiday can be boring, for lunar harvest season doesn't exist nowadays. I just too far from any celebration in my family affair, nor regal affair. with additional ￥300 in this salary from QRRS, I equipped my family amazon prime another year, but nowhere to find fund to renew another 12 zhone domains esp. under woz's title. God, dad, pl allow me finishing last todo annually in this month. let 2017 anxious free and firm business as seeds soiled. bring me sooner my Royal China to house my beloved, my children. bring Asoh Yukiko when we still breed. grant us financial independence and ability to see through adversity. thx dad.

Jan 21, 2017

dreamt siblings competition in economy. mafia tried to control state owned properties and bidding for merger. I was threatened not to bid but managed to, among my relatives influence. the flight toward hometown esp. smooth, all my unease evaporated after a night and a day's on way. its my first time brought a luggage and I had to ask stewardess where to fetch it back. my son grows more confident in the journey with flight. our neighbor seat was likely a graduate girl, we made nice chats. we only had ￥500 budget for on road cost, and it did cover, including taxi to my sister's house in a town, our destiny. these days a nephew's wedding in preparing, for the bride's house too far, in neighbor province, so she will move to hotel in the county's capital in advance. tomorrow will be the wedding ceremony holds locally. our returning voyage still pending, for the train ticket too scarce to buy. we paid Ctrip.com to hunt for us, and it monitored more than 500000 times and still going. the town's business mostly cement, whose pollution quite severe. but today is second sunny day since our settlement and sunniest one so far. the 2 sons of my sister each has a car. their house newly furnished. I even already looking forward to return while my son still find funs here. all equipment we brought with us works well here, allowing woz to demonstrate online games with gamepads, mobile games chromecast to large LCD. hope he find friends here. God dad, we still have 12 domains to renew, pl grant us space to execute it. bring me sooner my Royal China to host our friends and relatives in glories. bring my Crowned Queen from Japan, Asoh Yukiko, for my family and children. thx, dad.

Jan 12, 2017

dreamt of my once campus alumnus, in surname Shi. he was one of 2 schoolmates helped me when I first settled in Qiqihar thousand miles from my hometown after graduation. in dream his house near mountain and open. at first I thought its scenery. then I anxious about safety. Shi first denied problem then gradually admitted it. his only elder sister then joined conversation, reviewed gunned robberies, as well as wild mountain predators, together their brutality hurt their family and young memories in feeble. then I review our old house also just under and inward 2 mountains' junction and kept so well by my grand dad, warm, vivid and self-relies. in reality when I first settled in Qiqihar and visited Shi's house, his house is a small slum among shabby northern China normal residential area. toilet was near mile away and backyard least spacey. but after nearly 2 decades, many slums turned into skyscrapers here and I don't know where is Shi and his old family now. these weeks preparing hometown tour 3rd with woz, dearest son. I previously severe concerned if my credit debt deprives me of airline, but narrowly I got our flight ticket in a mid Monday night. my kid brother tried his best to sell poverty, claiming my sister can't afford our flights but under my emphasis promised ￥5000 from my sister arrived in 2 times remission my failing kid brother loathed to complete. we got a flight toward hometown while return voyage is train whose ticket paid but still in hunting by ctrip.com, a Chinese mainstream travel agency, due to PRC cheap policy said to protect the poor while in fact lots of brokers profit from the scarce of train ticket out from saturated market. my alipay also once strangely locked me out of payment, till called its support crew to fix it. recently I mostly unease if my payment method totally freezed but so far attests I at large with my assets. nevertheless, with remaining Chinese Yuan, I equipped myself another domain, billingzhu.com for my future new family member perceives in holy message. soon after I gained it from godaddy.com it strangely deleted from my account. after spent near half day desperately resuming it, I had to call godaddy support but found unknown deletion likely beyond my intentionality. and PRC tightens law against personal domain ownership esp of overseas, restricting ISP within its sovereign from support. God, reckless dictator in sinking PRC desperate clinging to my portal online. where is the barked tree tall enough for voice of holy bliss, voice of hope in destructive nation like China under CCP seizure? bring me sooner my Royal China to extinguish sickened tyrant in PRC falling day by day in fear and hatred. bring me sooner my Crowned Queen from Japan, Asoh Yukiko, and our happy journey to central China, our hometown, in gathering our relatives in lunar new year 2017. grant us free web and steady investment on our cyberspace startup. thx, dad God.

Dec 29, 2016

first dreamt Pony Ma, founder of tencent.com, lives our neighbor. when I leaving my house topless, he and his parents just returning home and caught astonished. I explained I was in active art performance after found myself fully naked. then dreamt among kids. I esp cared a little girl likely a Tibetan. then with my kid traveling in delegation of my once colleagues of QRRS cable TV station. my kid creative and rushes to package and seats for the bus when we leaving a mountain village, just like myself unsettled for tour coming. this week barely looking forward to new year end bonus from my once and long time employer, QRRS. last salary brought me ￥3100, merely covered credit debt clearance monthly, 2000rmb. now I had several small bill to write off, inc tea subscription, treating neighbor kid for his lent us internet during our switching to fiber optic from PPPOE dialing, monthly cinema with woz, Taiwanese restaurant Formosa membership recharge, keep alive several debit accounts after annual fee charges, groupon showers, etc. I already had 2 local debtee with debt 1100rmb, and my web assets didn't fully renew, esp small cost but largely rewards, like amazon prime, localphone rental. I almost can't live without them. zhone's 12 domains under woz, my dearest son's title, also needs renewal which nearly costs $250. coming new year holiday also renders additional expense for dorm canteen then will out of service. I have to feed myself and treat my son in gatherings in the period. devil in dorm still pesters me, even more shamelessly and desperate. they frequently cut me offline when I enjoy passive listening or watching, ie. no my input on computer, trying to entangle me in cheap under espionage. they also deprive me off due caliber of web traffic capacity, results in badly lagging video and webpage loading loop at rate near 0 bps. they setup spare no effort to profane my solo and ruin my pleasure among cyberspace community but only reveal their ugly bloody mouth barking upon wrong tree. my dorm's window wall leaked, loose with many ashes broken down. I invited dorm director, a young tall and beautiful woman, to inspect if it turns dangerous. but she brought 2 technicians and they claimed well around. I still don't believe in. I want change to another dorm room well in shape and to evade the dark and poisonous souls sieged my current dorm, esp the spitting and cough pretending cow in facing neighbor. my current residential situation likely predefined before my move in, doomed to frustrate me and intimidate me into sad silence among criminal and sicken. they hated my brilliant website long enough. God, dad, bring me sooner my Royal China to vitalize my mission so far so joyful to discipline Chinese in new millennium for future gracious survival, for greater transformation of its people and culture sound and independent. bring my son and myself via airline to our hometown in 3rd journey out of anxiety. grant me independent finance to maintain our web investment and growth of presence online.

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