In my travels around the Galaxy, I visit many places, from the most lavish to the humblest. I believe it is important, as Supreme Chancellor, to connect with the people as best I can. It is a large Galaxy, however, and there is much to cover, so I often discover things I have never seen before. 
 

On a recent trip to the Outer rim, I stopped at a small planet to re-fuel my ship and took some time to look about. (and recover from the flight) Imagine my surprise when, in this small village, I stumbled upon The Academy of Fennec Shand!

I don't know what surpised me more - finding an 'Academy' in that small, out of the way place, or finding an academy dedicated to the famous assassin! 

Truth be told, I had to look up the name when I first saw the place, but discovering that Fennec Shand was an assassin, working for just about every criminal syndicate around, including the Hutt Cartel! Obviously, she was a mercenary and would bounty hunt occasionally. 

All in all, a tough character. 

So I assumed that this 'Academy of Fennec Shand' was some sort of training center for assassins or sharpshooters or something like that. My bodyguards weren't too thrilled, but I went in to introduce myself and see what they were teaching at this place. 

It was not what I thought. 

To my great shock, The Academy of Fennec Shand is - a school. A regular school for students ages 5 - 13. At 14, they are expected to find work. But they are miners, mainly. 

So - the school teaches arithmetic, space physics, galactic history, the basics. 

Why they named it after a feared mercenary is beyond me. I did ask the Headmistress, and the closest thing to an answer that I got was that "The legendary Fennec Shand is a great example for how to keep going and let nothing stop you. Our youth could really use someone to show them how to succeed when all odds seem against you and have nothing." 

Powerful words, but . . Fennec Shand? I suppose, looking at the records, that she did do some good, but it's a shady record. 

Why do you suppose that they chose her to name a school after? Do you think that was the entire reason? 

Now, if I was to learn anything from her - it would be how to keep one's hair braided so neatly, even in the midst of a desert, while wearing a helmet - anytime! I wonder who taught her? It's not something that comes naturally - SOMEONE has to teach hair maintenance. 

Some people have told me that they suspect I have no hair under my veils. I can tell you that I most certainly DO have hair. I mostly just pin or knot it up. But even then, my mother taught me how to do that. It took me a little time to work it out, too. It didn't come in a day, no sir.

Who taught you?