The first year students at the prestigious university of agriculture had a week of orientation. They were introduced to all aspects of the subjects they would study over the next three to five years. Some would become farmers, some vets, some agricultural advisors. Some would specialize in horses; or sheep, or crops, or poultry, or household pets, or whatever.
At the end of the week, there was a meet-the-staff evening, with nibbles and drinks. Frances attended. She was on the university staff. She enjoyed watching the students attempt to ingratiate themselves with the staff members. “Ha! Ha! Ha! Professor! What a funny joke!”
Frances was surrounded by a gaggle of students; like wasps around a hummingbird feeder. How the students greased, and flattered, and sweet-talked!
“And what exactly do you lecture in, professor?” one student asked. Frances had been introduced as one of the more important people in the university’s Zoology Department.
“Call me Frances,” said Frances. “And, oh! didn’t I say? I clean out the pig sties.”