Advisors are the Best
Start writing a post
Student Life

Advisors are the Best

I was going to write a more provocative story, but my advisor convinced me to let things settle first

23
Advisors are the Best
The Ithacan

Storytime: Way before I came to Muhlenberg, I had applied for this program through the Muhlenberg’s neuroscience department called “Brain Camp.” It was a one week program full of chill neuroscience lectures and working in a faculty member’s lab. I gained a lot from the experience: for example, a new respect for the common house fly and some new neuroscience knowledge. But, more than that, I gained the advice of a faculty member that convinced me that, even though research is my goal, I’d probably like attending an all-undergraduate liberal arts school over a large research institution. While I never tried the latter, I certainly enjoy Muhlenberg.

What’s the purpose of this story, you ask? Well, later, when I declared my major, I asked for this same faculty member to be my advisor. Though I’ve sort of, still unofficially, changed my major, this faculty member is still basically my advisor. Because he’s amazing.

Okay, so the purpose of this article is still not entirely clear. Long story short, I’ve had a rough few weeks. And, when I needed to talk, I showed up to my advisor’s office. Because he’s amazing, he let me in... and let me blow through a box of his tissues (pun unintended)... and let me talk until I felt better. Basically, my advisor is a great person.

Yours probably is too. Befriend them.

Here are some reasons why:

First, they’re who helps you figure out how to graduate on time. This might not be a problem for most people, but considering I switched my major and dropped pre-med, this was an issue for me. Though my advisor didn’t plan out my schedule for me, he advised me to do just that--and that’s how I learned that though it might be a squeeze, I will indeed be able to graduate on time with all the requirements needed.

Second, they're the people who can give you life advice that they’ve learned. Especially if you’re a “leap before you look” sort of people, like I have the tendency to be on occasion. Life advice = valuable. Heed it. I’m doing that right now, in fact. I was going to write an article about a recent, as of now unnamed, event in my life, but my advisor said that I should give stuff time to settle. So instead of writing about that event, I’m writing about why people should befriend their advisors.

Also, if you’re heading towards a career in research, like I am, your advisor’s advice is incredibly valuable. They’re in a career in research, and so they have a pretty good understanding of what’s needed for such a career, what’s needed to be a successful applicant to a PhD program, etc.

Finally, befriend all your professors--not just your advisors. I have a tendency to get along better with adults than I do my peers, even if we’re technically legal adults now. But I’m talking about more adulty-adults. They’re all cool, and they all have interesting stories that are worth listening to.

TL;DR: Your advisor is one of your most valuable college resources. Love them.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

50252
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

32082
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

955475
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180615
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments