Some
of the most important people you will ever meet are the teachers who teach your
college classes. But these folks do more than impart knowledge. They also serve
as judges of your academic work and in many cases, of your potential to succeed
in the future. Undoubtedly, it’s in the best interest of every student to make
a positive impression. You may have another year to go, but you’ll realize that
you’re in college the first day you walk into a lecture hall that holds 50, 100
or 300 students. Your teachers won’t necessarily greet you by name. They won’t
ask how your last soccer game or debate tournament went. They may not even
learn your name before the semester ends.
Most
teachers care about their students, and they want to be personally connected.
But you may be one of 500 students they teach in a semester. How can you stand
out as an individual without seeming like you’re just buttering up? Here are my
suggestions, based on my 25 years in all kinds of universities.
1. Get off to a
good start
Although
everything covered in a given course is pretty important, the first few days
are crucial. If you get off to a good start, chances are the instructor’s
initial impression of you will be a positive one. The phrase “first impressions
last” may be cliche, but the sentiment still holds true.
2. Be visible
It’s
easy to remain anonymous as a college student. You can sit quietly in class,
complete all the assignments, and probably do okay. But if you want to be remembered,
you need to make yourself visible. The best way to do this? Participate.
3. Put in the work
Everybody
knows that it takes hard work to succeed in college. But it’s a fact of life
that every student doesn’t work hard all the time. In fact, teachers often
complain about students who skip readings, miss assignments, or submit work
that shows a lack of effort.
4. Build
relationships
For
many students, individual contact with faculty is limited. Yet most teachers
are highly approachable. If you take the time to interact with them, they will
remember you.
5. Communicate
about problems
If
you’re having problems that affect your role as a student, don’t keep them to
yourself. Otherwise, a positive impression could turn into a negative one.
6. Pay attention to
details
Among
your academic responsibilities is staying informed. Keeping tabs on
class-related details will reinforce your image as a serious student. You can
keep pace by regularly reviewing the syllabus for each course, keeping track of
your grades, and checking e-mail and course websites frequently. And be sure to
question instructors about any details that might not be clear.
7. Thank the
teacher for a particularly interesting class
Don’t
do this often, and don’t do it when you don’t mean it. But if you find a class
particularly interesting, say something.
8. Smile and greet
your teachers by name outside class
When
you see your teacher in the lounge or walking across campus or in the hall,
greet her by name. If the class is a large one, also tell her who you are. She
will appreciate the reminder and the opportunity for personal contact.
9. Show how you
feel by how you look
Teachers
are not supposed to notice your personal appearance, and most colleges and
universities gave up dress codes long ago. Sometimes, though, your appearance
does count.
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