When I was in school we used to mock the student that was always vying for the attention of the teachers.  That student was usually always ready to answer questions, help the teacher in class, and in turn be the teacher’s favorite. This was not a popular trait for “cool” kids.

Unfortunately, I had carried that thinking with me to university.  I was so wary of appearing as the “teacher’s pet” that I hardly raised my hand to ask questions in class, went to speak to the professors after class, discussed with them in-between class, or offered to help on assignments. I had forgotten that I was not in junior high anymore.

Meanwhile, other students were creating a relationship – not that kind of relationship! – with the professors and I was isolating myself. I was keeping myself from a critical part of learning and education in general. I was keeping myself from the things that you learn outside of the written curriculum i.e. the anecdotes and the context that you can grasp only by diving deeper into a subject.  Thankfully, I realized this soon enough to change my attitude.

Getting positive attention from a professor is not about being the teacher’s pet, it is about gaining visibility, getting access to information not necessarily available to a whole group of students during a 55min lecture. It is being smart, engaging, and mature to communicate when you want to make sure you are making the most of your university experience.

So while I am reminiscing on that period of my young adult years, I wonder if this is something that some of you have also observed in yourself or others around you. Share your thoughts x