Rachel kept her calm, placid expression up. She sat easily in the chair, but the part of her mind that Ilya could not see was noting things on a more professional level. Things she would have to counsel him for that had been in the file and were being borne out in conversation.

Well, you have my permission not to. It'll be a habit you'll need to refine. Being a little competitive is fine; putting yourself under undue pressure is something to watch out for. You're equal to any student here in terms of how you'll be graded and mentored during your education. If you make mistakes, we'll help learn from them.