I have been asked to write about an instructor who has influenced me either academically or personally during my time at MATC. I think this is an unfair assignment. But before you get the wrong impression, let me explain.
I started studying part time at MATC in 2009; in 2012 I joined the Human Resources program and at the end of this semester I will be graduating. In all that time I have had the opportunity to meet so many incredible faculty and staff members that it is difficult to choose just one.
Let me start with my Math professor. He opened up his first class session with, “I know that most people hate Math class…” and before he could even finish most of us responded with a grumble of agreement. This did not stop him, he continued with “and that’s okay, we can get through this together.” That day I learned that you are not always going to be the most popular people or have the most popular message, but that should not deter you from doing your best and being positive about what you believe in.
Then there was my English professor, who week after week spoke with such enthusiasm to a class of college students about the importance of journalism and the affect it has on society. Most people in the class were simply there to get a grade (hopefully a passing one) and get out; I thought I was too. Then he brought in Bob Hanson, the adviser on the MATC Times newspaper. They spoke about the joys of joining the paper; I listened only truly inspired once I heard I had the potential to earn extra credit by joining. Funny thing happened, I joined the paper and even once my semester was over and grades were in, I stayed. That semester taught me about the reward of trying new things, of taking risks and the adventures that can happen outside of your comfort zone.
I had a Leadership Development professor who showed up to class each week dressed to impressed and always wearing a huge smile. She is literally the most positive person I have ever met. I knew that each time I attended her class I would be met with a smile, an important lesson and a profound thought. She taught me to dream, to set goals, but most importantly she taught me ways to achieve those goals. She taught me the importance of networking. She has stayed in touch with me and even reached out to me after news of Mandela’s death began to spread.
My Psychology professor was a fresh-faced woman who was completing her Ph.D. Classes were on Friday morning. Yes, morning. As many know, I am not a morning person. She took the time to get to know us students, and made sure that we understood the classwork, she made the lessons interesting and fun. She was real to us, because she was going through the struggles of balancing work, school and social life too. She did so gracefully, never complaining about the workload she had taken on. She taught me about the importance of taking on only what I can handle and doing my best at each task I undertake. Oh, and to be cheerful even during an early morning class.
I have another professor that has been my professor for more than one semester. I’m not going to lie, her classes are intense; they have given me more than one sleepless night. While in her classes, I pray faithfully for the end of the semester. However, beginning in her classes has taught me so much about the field I am going into. I have learned so much information that I know is transferrable to the workplace. I have learned that hard work pays off, and that not everything is easy but if it’s what you want, the hard work and even sleepless nights will be worth it in the end. I have learned to push myself and to always be the best I can be in every situation.
While I have only mentioned five of my professors, I could have gone on forever about the things that these professors have imprinted on me, many without even knowing it. I also have a message for those reading. If you are a professor, do your best every day, you are making a difference! Students may not tell you, and you may not feel it sometimes, but we appreciate what you do for us (well, except for homework over the weekend.)
Students, look at your professors; learn core competencies that they are imparting to you. But take it a step further, and look at the life lessons that your professors can teach you. Learn about hard work and determination, learn about the importance of good work ethics and learn about the effects of your attitude. You’re paying for this experience. Grab each lesson by two hands and learn to apply them to your life.