Dear Professors,
Thank you for all you do. I can tell you're dedicated, hardworking, and passionate about educating students like me. I know sometimes we don't show our appreciation as we should, and for that, I apologize.
I do have one favor to ask of you, though. Please understand that we are full-time students, workers, and teenagers. We have jobs, friends, family and a social life to all balance on top of being full-time students.
Sometimes we do slack off, I will admit. But nothing is more discouraging than getting a C on a test after I've studied for days and to hear, "Some of you didn't perform as well as the rest, and I can tell you need to put more commitment into this class." How can you assume that the reason I didn't do well is because I didn't put all my effort into it?
Please understand that my generation is prone to test anxiety. We've been told throughout the years that tests are important and final grades are even more important. In today's education system, our grades reflect our level of intelligence. For us, that's a lot of pressure. Most of us walk into the classroom on test day nervous, anxious, and dreading what is going to be handed to us. We may know the material, but we can't reflect it through 50 multiple choice, and 3 short answers within 80 minutes.
Every professor has reiterated that "In order to succeed in this class, you must put in the time." With that being fully understood, picture this. There are 168 hours in a week. We spend between 15-18 hours sitting in a lecture, 30-35 hours working, 20-25 hours studying/doing homework/working on projects and that leaves 90 hours to split between sleeping and trying to have a social life. If we get the recommended 8 hours a night, that only leaves 34 hours to socialize with our peers and get a well-rounded college experience, or just relax and have some "me-time" which is so crucial for our mental health.
So, please, next time you remind the student in your office hours or the class as a whole to be more committed and put in more time for your class, remember that we're only human. We're trying: we want to do well, we want to succeed. We will get there, just give us the support and time that we need.
Sincerely yours,
College Students Everywhere
