By Courtney Horton/reporter
Effort plus quality equals good grades, a speaker told SE students Sept. 9.
SE instructors Talia Dancer and Siobhan Flowers stressed the importance of understanding academic etiquette.
“Maintain a growth mindset,” Dancer said. “Move the obstacles in your way and challenge them.”
Dancer introduced the do’s and don’ts of proper etiquette for school and said students should learn to use the tools around them.
“You can learn just as much from the classmates as your instructors,” she said. “So use it.”
Both of the speakers said they noticed people coming in late.
“Be on time to your classes,” Dancer said.
If class starts at 8:30, arriving 10 minutes early isn’t such a bad idea, Dancer said.
Dancer cited some ways to make a good first impression: making direct eye contact, having a firm handshake, being enthusiastic, having some energy and speaking clearly.
“You don’t get a second chance to make a great impression,” she said.
When communicating with fellow classmates or instructors, knowing which email to use is important, Dancer said.
“I had a student who emailed me from MsThang69@yahoo.com,” she said. “That is not OK.”
This is the real world, so students should act like college professionals, Dancer said. Students should use their TCC email when contacting instructors. Email signatures are OK, but “Me against the World” is not appropriate even if it sounds positive, she said.
Using volunteers, Dancer illustrated a female student asking her professor for an A in his class and saying she would do anything for it.
“If you’re failing in class, don’t wait until the end of the semester to ask for help,” she said. “Go to your teacher and ask for help. Asking for an A is inappropriate, but if you do these three things, you will succeed in class.”
Dancer’s success list includes completing all assignments, not waiting until the last minute to get help and, most importantly, being present all the time.
Students should be honest with their professors, Dancer said. A teacher doesn’t want to hear excuses.
“Don’t kill your grandma twice in a semester,” she said. “Own up to it. Be accountable and put a plan in place. Time management is key, so plan accordingly.”
These situations all stem from bad habits, and breaking those is key. If students have a positive attitude, then they will be positive and successful. Remembering why they are in college is important.
“Growth is about an attitude adjustment,” Flowers said.
Having good habits in class is also important. Good posture and eye contact with the professor will show engagement in the conversation, Dancer said.
“What you put into your school work is what comes out,” she said.
Dancer emphasized that students should make the most of an opportunity to further their education.
“You don’t have to be here,” she said. “You are privileged to be here. Thousands of people would love to be in your shoes.”
