The unpredictable weather had passed, and it was deep autumn. Caroline and I walked together in the crisp morning air, with yellowing leaves occasionally drifting down upon us. I felt an unprecedented lightness.

When we arrived at the swimming pool, Caroline stopped and smiled at me. “Zoe, thank you for sticking with it until now. You’ve been an outstanding intern.”

I hadn’t told Caroline about my desire to switch positions, and her words made me feel awkward. I thought I needed to reconsider my decision; I didn’t want to upset her.

However, it seemed that the director wasn’t inclined to adjust my position either. With half the semester already gone,...