day 1: "English is a sledgehammer."

Despite my initial hesitation regarding the Latin-for-no-credit proposition, after my first day, I'm pretty sure it will be among the best things I experience all year. No, it's not because one lecture has converted me to an instant classics-lover (although, let's be honest, it's not out of the question). It's wholly and completely dependent on a certain professor by the name of Dr. Maxwell-Stuart.

Now, we've only just become acquainted, but I'm pretty sure that Dr. Maxwell-Stuart is most badass* professor I've ever encountered. I don't care what you say; nothing will ever top this man.

Evidence:

Let's be shallow for a moment, shall we?
- Full kilt attire. (On a side-note, it's rumoured that he goes "full Scotsman." If you don't know what it is, go look it up. But I, for one, am content to let rumour remain. There are some things my eyes will never need to see.)
-One gold hoop earring. Professor by day; pirate by night?
-Completely bald. With a very intriguing scar on his impressively shiny crown. Or maybe it's a wart, but as with the rumour, I don't intend to get close enough to find out.

Moving away from his totally EPIC appearance (right?!), I offer some quotes in support of Dr. M-S's inherent badassery.

-"Write down what I say."
...And thus commences a translation exercise after half a lecture. On the first day. For any student who remembers what "Syllabus Day" is like, I could rest my case here, but I will not.

-"Pedantry is my forte."
Terrifying from a man in an earring who's meant to be assessing your work.

-poorly paraphrased: If you do it my way, you'll likely be right. If you do it your way, you'll likely be wrong.
The man is nothing if not straightforward.

and of course,
-"English is a sledgehammer."
You gotta give him credit for saying this to room at least half full of people who intend to make English their career. Touche, sir.

And that, friends, was Day 1 in Postgraduate Beginner's Latin. I fully intend to keep a running log of priceless moments for your entertainment, as I'm sure they will be many.


*Note: Please don't be alarmed at my crude language. I would, however, like to cite the title as grounds for legitimising the use of swears...At least theoretically :)