"Faculty play an extremely important role in retention and students are typically very intimated by them, especially early in their classroom experience. Having faculty communicate things that make them 'real' and affirm to students that they are people as well as professionals, will significantly help retention efforts." I related to this insight. There is a fine line between faculty, mentor, and friend. Being a mentor puts you in the position between the two, but makes the students relate to you and come to you with any needs or concerns.
