Let’s talk facts — I watch a lot of movies, and in every movie about college it always seems like your professors are out to destroy you and become your arch-nemesis for the semester. But seriously, it’s nothing like that — at least not at WSU. In my experience here, professors have been more than willing to go out of their way to help myself, and most everyone I know.
All professors have mandatory office hours where they are literally waiting for you to come ask questions. So many students pass up this great opportunity to get help on a subject they don’t understand. Students can ask questions to someone who knows so much about the subject area, or just get to know a professor who could one day be mentor or job reference.
I used to skip out on office hours all the time, thinking that my professors didn’t actually want me to come and talk to them. Once I started showing up to ask a few simple questions, I realized how much it really helps! I had one professor who I spoke to a few times outside of class, and he started giving me career advice and striking up casual conversations before class. Having that personal and informal relationship with a professor is something that I think is going to be very useful in the future, especially if I need a letter of reference from someone.
So the moral of the story (since we all like to have a clearly defined lesson to be learned) is to take advantage of the opportunities your professors provide you. Even if you just go to their office to pick their brain and chat with them, the things you’ll pick up are invaluable. This can be a resource that really helps you succeed… something that a lot of other students should take to heart.
Nice comments!