Half of my first semester at NSU has come and went and my mind is blown away by how fast things are changing. Recently, I’ve reflected back on the advice I was given during the first couple weeks, such as keeping your room’s door open, going to WOW events, and joining campus organizations, all useful suggestions, of course, but unfortunately aimed towards the same goal – socialization. College life is not only about socialization, is it? I personally have done more than just make friends. I’ve realized the importance of other relationships one can create at school to help in the long run.
Establishing relationships with professors and faculty members is what I am implying, but somehow not what most upperclassmen tend to mention when advising freshmen. I realized this after a talk with a professor who did not even teach any of my classes. A tight connection with a professor can have a positive impact on a student’s college experience.
We have to remember that professors were once students, and to get to this point in their lives, standing in front of hundreds of students and talking, our professors were once one of those sitting down and listening. They know exactly what a homework meltdown is, a student-loan, and generally, what it means to be a college student. Their teaching experience gives them a different lens to look deeper into the world they used to be a part of, and now are interacting with every day. Their experience makes it easy for them to empathize with you and your situation in an advisory and profound way. Why not have a “friend” like that?
A professor is like a lighthouse of knowledge in the middle of the ocean. If you express to a professor in your field of interest your specific career goals and interests, they are more than willing to show you the shortest path that leads you there. They are also more than willing to be your mentor for a research study and assist you with assignments. Most importantly, they never hesitate to spend their office hours giving you information on internships or employment. Even faculty members that are not in your department are eager to help you. If, for example, they know of any available volunteer, internship, or job opportunities that fits your interest, they might think of you and share that information. The more professors you are reaching out to and the longer they have known you, the more likely you will fulfill your ambition beyond your expectations.
In a way, your success is their success. To some professors, each of their students are an investment. They have tirelessly devoted time and energy in ensuring you’ve learned something when walking out of their classroom. Starting a conversation with a professor is one way to draw their attention to you and show your respect and even gratitude towards their efforts. Feeling valued and appreciated, the professor is given motivation to provide a better instruction, which only boosts your success in the long run.
Sourced: M. Melton
