I ’ve always been a teacher’s pet.
Every woman in my family is a teacher, so I grew up knowing the value of education. In class, I was quiet and focused, asking for help when I needed it.
These skills are shockingly scarce, yet they prepared me for college in a way I never would’ve expected.
Students are here to prepare themselves as professionals in the workforce. Luckily, your instructors are professionals in your chosen career. They have decades of knowledge in the field and have been teaching for just as long.
They are one of the greatest untapped resources at TCC.
My personal and professional development has grown exponentially because of the support, advice and generosity of the professors here.
After recently struggling with a peer in a group project, I attempted to resolve the problem directly, but when issues with the peer persisted, I decided to have a conversation with my professor.
At the end of the semester, he earnestly offered a letter of recommendation because of how I handled the problem and my overall dedication to the course.
Having a professional relationship with instructors has provided opportunities for valuable hands-on work that I otherwise wouldn’t have experienced.
Working on The Newsfeed, the college’s student-produced newscast, taught me how to work standard, studio equipment and how professional news production operates. The opportunity would have been missed had it not been suggested to me by the aforementioned professor.
Working on the set of a student film under the direction of a TCC professor, I saw the ins and outs of how a shoot day runs, directed a documentary style behind the scenes and now have experience I can put on my resume.
Being attentive and inquisitive in my media writing class led to my instructor recommending I work with The Collegian. At first, I didn’t see any value in it, but she said knowing how to write, being published and working with tight deadlines would be attractive to any hiring manager, no matter what field I ended up pursuing.
Even if a student is not in their course, professors are often willing to share their wisdom. An instructor in the kinesiology department gave me workout advice after I told him I’m preparing for an upcoming surgery. He stopped his day for nearly an hour to explain and demonstrate proper techniques that would target the muscle group I would be focusing on and how to do it safely.
I was grateful and touched that he dropped everything so willingly just to help, and I felt valued and heard when he gave advice that was specialized to my needs.
Over the summer, I wanted to work on a personal woodworking project but couldn’t find any information on courses offered or instructors who may be able to help. Since I was involved in the drama department, I knew the production workshop instructor would know exactly what I needed to consider, what tools to use and how to use them.
She offered her space and resources for me to use for the project. She was welcoming, and I was honored to share her time and expertise.
Networking can be seen as a dirty word, something slimy businesspeople do, but in the end, all it really means is forming relationships. You never know where a connection could lead you.
Professors know their craft and are willing to share their knowledge. Students must be willing to make the connection if they want to succeed.
