How'd You Make the Choice?
A student had applied to study abroad two times and failed to be accepted both times because his g.p.a. was not high enough to fulfill program requirements. He was heartbroken and angry, but he was comforted when a professor who he had never even had in class before called him in for a meeting. "I went in to talk with him even though I had animosity towards him because he was responsible for making the decisions. The professor said, 'I know you could have gone abroad and been successful but you couldn't do it because of your g.p.a. So what's going on with you? All of your professors say you can do it…can we help?'" The student was amazed that that this professor pulled him aside and offered to help him. Ultimately, he was able to spend a summer internship abroad and he appreciates the faculty's interest, "I feel like the faculty here have helped to pull me outside of myself in a way."
Student: "At a small school like [my school] they do a better job of getting you in four years and helping you to decide on a major." When she was having difficulty deciding on what she would do after graduation one of her English professors sat her down and discussed her writing capabilities. The professor then pulled some strings and arranged for the student to intern at a newspaper. The student is now considering becoming a serious journalist after graduation.
Student: "I have often had the same professors for different classes. In the sociology department there are only three professors and I feel like I have a really good relationship with them. I know what they want from me academically."
Student: "You can easily set up an appointment to speak with your professor. The professor knows you as an individual and knows what you're good at because the community is so small. They know all abut you and can help you with what you have to work on."