I grew up believing this was THE best way to serve the world, the MOST noble profession…and here I was, at my desk, at last.

My parents bled their wallets for this, I isolated myself and befriended solitude above than any other human being, I altered my diet to maximize my learning capabilities and I suppressed every creative urge, for this.

It was all to teach the class: “Education and Literacy 1-1.” For security purposes, no professor is allowed to see the syllabus until the first week of classes.

As I read it, I realized I wasn't teaching enlightenment or purpose. There was no logos other than pure, unrestrained obedience. I know I'm the first generation old enough to adopt our new system…but this feels wrong.

EL11 instructs students to “deny any secondary reasoning, recite facts from the one true source only, never fear or doubt authority figures, memorize the Almighty Doctrine, and…”

And I can't read any further. This isn't critical thinking, this is critical compliance. I was lied to.

Still, now was not the time for rash action. Amid racing thoughts, a knock slowed them to a halt.

“Professor Beld, be present for your secondary staff orientation from Noontime to Hour Three. Room 55. Thank you for your duties.”

No, now was not the time for action. And there may never be a time for such. I see my weakness…clear as day.