ZOE ROGERS / OPINION EDITOR

The views expressed in the editorial and op-ed section are not necessarily those of The USD Vista staff, the University of San Diego, or its student body.

Going into the first year of college can easily be one of the most stressful times in a student’s academic career. Upon stepping onto campus, each first-year is filled with a new set of overwhelming and unfamiliar emotions. These emotions include excitement for the school year, fear of living away from home for the first time and curiosity about the new people and experiences they will encounter. 

While balancing the new social dynamic that university offers, first-years must also simultaneously learn to maintain an adequate GPA. Living and attending school in an entirely new environment while also staying afloat in academics can be a new challenge many students have never faced. Complicated roommate situations or struggling to find a routine that  works for them are distractions that can keep students from acquiring the high-achieving grades they desire. 

Only  once the four-week mark passed did I find myself finally in the groove of my first year at USD. Then, I was able to juggle and balance my social, personal and academic lives all at once. Staying organized and caught up in all your classes is essential to stay afloat in college, so it’s important to take steps that help you succeed..  

Staying on top of your classes can be achieved in numerous ways, but the most important and beneficial way is to visit your professor’s office hours during the first week of classes.  During the last week of summer going into my first year, I felt apprehensive about the upcoming school year and wondered how to ensure my success in my classes. A close friend told me that a good way to relieve my stress would be to visit my professors during the first week of school; even a quick visit can change your trajectory in the class. 

When I first heard this advice, I initially thought it was a pointless idea, but I wondered how much I would truly benefit from a brief conversation with my professors. So, I decided to listen to my friend’s advice and visit all five of my professors during their office hours throughout the first week of school. 

The first thing you should do when entering your professor’s office hours is introduce yourself. Stating your name, where you’re from, what year you’re in and even why you are interested in taking the class can help set you up for success. This allows your professor to get to know you, and it initiates a connection. Additionally, this signals to your professor that you will likely meet with them again, you take initiative, you’re interested in the class and you’re a student who will be present. 

Making a good impression on someone only takes 30 seconds, and starting a conversation with your professor can go a long way. It can also create a friendlier dynamic that is not entirely based on the class. Often times, office hours allow you to learn about your professor’s personal lives. Sometimes professors bring up hobbies and interest, instead of strictly course content mentioned on the syllabus. While it can be intimidating, you will gain so much from this brief interaction.

On top of this, if you have accommodations, communicating with your professor through office hours early on is a great idea. It’s important for the professor to know how your accommodations apply to the class and understand what they can do to help accommodate your learning style.

I try to stay in constant communication with my professors about my accommodations and whether I’m planning on taking the upcoming exam with the Disability and Learning Differences Resources Center (DLDRC). Establishing a personal relationship with my professors during office hours makes it easier for me to get my professors signatures on the paperwork needed to take my exams in the  DLDRC office.  

Creating a connection with your professor can significantly benefit you throughout the semester, so the earlier you establish this relationship, the stronger it will be by the end of the semester. Not forming a solid familiarity with your professor could make the class less interesting and more challenging to follow if you lack a connection with the class. 

The  more  comfortable you are with visiting your professor, the more  likely you are to succeed, mainly because it will be easier to ask clarifying questions about the class material and syllabus. 

I remember going to my professor’s office hours for her help with creating a thesis on my essay. We created a thesis statement, brainstormed points I could use in my essay and formed a strong argument. My professor and I discussed various points and criteria I needed to cover  during her office hours. Afterward, I went to the library and began crafting my essay. In the end, I was able to create a seven page essay referencing the class content, and I even ended up getting an A. 

 After first introducing myself to my professors, I found myself becoming more comfortable attending their office hours and asking for extra help with writing essays or studying for upcoming exams. This has helped me  to feel significantly more prepared in the class. Being in communication with my professors helped me feel confident in my academics. 

 Forming a relationship with your professor is one of the most important things you can do in your college career. Professors are well-versed in their academic field and are a great way to receive professional advice. 

If you are debating on a career path or a job you may have your eye on, it would be beneficial to ask your professor’s opinion.  In the future, if you ever need a letter of recommendation when applying for a job, your old or current professors are the perfect people to ask. 

Overall, I suggest cultivating a relationship with your professor because you never know how much it will benefit you in the future.

To find your professors’ office hours, check your syllabus, or visit your professors’ department page on https://www.sandiego.edu/  

Connecting with your professor doesn’t have to be scary. Photo courtesy of @UofSanDiego/Instagram