“Get With The Program
And Here’s How!”
CBy Professor Jack Mandel ongratulations! You’ve made into the
college of your choice, and hopefully
it won’t merely be an extension of
your high school experience (hence
the 13th grade). Challenge yourself
for this is an opportunity for personal
growth and enrichment.
I “walked in your shoes” many years ago when
I graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School
in Brooklyn and was accepted to the Bernard M.
Baruch College of the City University of New York.
I remember only a handful of professors who had
their “game-on”. Even today, many professors
seem clueless about their students other than
what goes on in their classroom. If you do have an
opportunity to meet a passionate, motivational
educator, cherish the learning opportunity. A lot
can be learned from reading student comments on
“Rate My Professor.”
In many colleges, large lecture halls are taught
by technical assistants and not the professor. It
seems the focus is minimal interaction between
teacher and student, not exactly like how I envision
the higher education process. Wouldn’t you agree?
That’s why I will use this forum to address
several important concepts for your consideration:
FIRST: STOP WHINING ABOUT HOW TOUGH
COLLEGE IS… YOUR LIFE IS GREAT! So what if gas
is approaching $4 a gallon and textbooks cost over
$100 each? Some of you spend quite a bit of money
at concerts, restaurants and bars. And when I see
students in my classes with an iPad, I know they
are fortunate. Many of you have your own car toothink
about your peers who don’t. Heck when I was
your age, I couldn’t afford a car and had to rely on
public transportation or date a girl who had her
own set of wheels.
SECOND: DON’T BRING YOUR “HELICOPTER”
MOM OR DAD ALONG FOR THE RIDE. Recognize
that expression? If not, let me explain. It refers
to a parent who “hovers” around your every
move; a parent who makes it difficult for you
to mature and make your own decisions. Of
course, parental input is important but you
are at an age to take responsibility for your
actions(or inactions).
THIRD: BEGIN TO THINK ABOUT YOUR MAJOR.
At age 18 or 19 years of age, you should have some
idea of your future goals, but declaring a major
can be a difficult decision. Many of you cannot
determine what your plans are for a Friday or
Saturday night date. Therefore, take classes that
you find interesting. Think of this as a different
type of dating… an intellectual one. Focus on those
classes each semester. Your picture will become
clearer as you progress.
FOURTH: NEVER FALL ASLEEP IN CLASS! I know
many of you have evening jobs, others like to party
with friends and some even study. But if you stay
up until 3 or 4 in the morning, how can you expect
to be attentive for an 8 a.m. class? Some professors
may ignore a student who quietly dozes off- but I
won’t. It’s embarrassing for you, the professor and
your fellow classmates.
FIFTH: CUT YOUR PROFESSORS “SOME SLACK”
THEY DO THE SAME FOR YOU. Believe it or not, we
do have lives outside of the classroom. Some of
us are married, others are divorced, some have
children and others do not, just like in “real life.” I
always try to bring a smile to class and personalize
the setting; perhaps share a story or two with
students. Some enjoy listening and some do not.
I have learned that patience and tolerance is a
virtue for both student and teacher.
SIXTH: SCOUT’S HONOR: PROFESSORS ARE
NOT OUT TO FAIL ANYONE. You have a simple job to
do: study, come to class on time with your required
assignments and complete your projects and/or
exams with a serious effort. There’s no “magic” to
grading. Most professors have a grading criteria to
follow so let’s KISS (Keep it simple, student).
SEVENTH: AFTER COLLEGE, NOW WHAT? Now
you will come to realize how much fun college really
was (even if you didn’t know it at the time) because
as the saying goes, “Welcome to the real grown-up
world of life.” Things will never quite the same. Start
smiling; you’re an adult…like it or not!
QNS.COM
30 WINTER 2019
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