Changing a student life.
It is life changing for student that comes from all around the globe and get educated and we as instuctor have the power to help shape and mold a student into a new life style.
Lori,
Your team must think very highly of you to schedule you in an introductory course. No individual in a school has more influence over student attitudes, and ultimately student success, that those who teach the first few classes students take.
Usually there are more papers to grade and more students to advise, but the impact of the groundwork folks like you set cannot be overestimated.
I truly love the fact that I teach an introductory course...I am the first instructor many students interact with. I, however, have had so many come back to me and thank me. First impressions are very important and letting them know that you will be there for them throughout their program is so important...I truly do want to see them change their lives with their education!
Graduation is awe inspiring at times! It keeps me motivated when students are seeking me out (I am looking for them too!) to update me on their successes and share their stories. It is even better when they come back on campus to visit and just talk. They motivate me to do better; I incorporate the conversations I have with them into my lectures with current and future classes. The best is when they come back and have time to share their experiences with my classes in person!
Absolutely....The whole time you can't wait til the graduate, then they are the ones that actually succeed....It makes you proud!!
Alan,
Great point. A few years ago, I had a student approach me at graduation and tell me how much I had inspired her. I was shocked because I only had this student in one class the first quarter and she was not even in my program. I couldn't resist and asked why I inspired her. She stated that she could tell that I always cared if students learned something each day and I sincerely asked students about their lives and families.
Hello Todd,
Excellent point. Too often instructors/staff might not realize the impact they are making in the life of a student. Then that moment of truth hits ... at graduation, or some other incident where the student expresses their sincere appreciation for your conern ... toughness ... helping them through the rough spots. Success!
the day to day grind sometimes makes you forget what it is that we are doing, then you have a student break down at graduation and thank you for changing their life, then you remember. it kind of makes you forget the ones you struggle with.
Christopher,
Great Point! Our own personal attitute has a major impact on our students. If we have a negative attitude, it can easily change the "mood" of the class.
"Changing Student Lives" is a positive attitude that us as instructors should always retain in our heads...its our own personal "positive" attitude which drives us to do better. and that reflects on our students!!
There is no better way for America to export its values than by encouraging overseas students to matriculate into U.S.-Based schools, colleges and universities.
We are building our own future by spreading the wealth of knowledge
