Wrote my name in neat little block letters on the professor’s attendance sheet —  making it look like I belonged there — like it was meant to be.  Just wanted something different — an escape from poly-sci and econ.  Plus — I really liked the smell of turpentine.  The whole art department reeked of it.  And I loved it.

Second semester — sophomore year —  I followed some paint splashed, costumey-looking students into a very large, open studio.  It was freezing in there — never could figure that out.  But it had huge floor to ceiling windows — that let in the most exquisite natural light.  I had to stay.

When the professor sat next to me — pointing to the DIY name on his list — I started gathering my things.

Stay,  the professor said.  Nice name.  Stay.

I was the only one oddly giggling — when this guy and girl — I called  them Adam and Eve — started taking off their clothes — the girl kept her socks on — always.

Draw what you see,  the professor said.

By the end of the semester — I had quite a collection of very highly detailed,  anatomically correct  renderings  of mostly apples and carrots.