I recently began a six-week summer course at the local community college. Three days a week for six and a half hours a day, you can find me sitting in a classroom learning the basics of biology. Not exactly my ideal summer vacation, but hey, it gets the class out of the way. Now I was really dreading this class due to the combination of the long hours and my absolute detest of science, but it's actually fine. However that’s the problem, it’s just fine. Sure, I didn’t expect to love biology, but because I thought it would be difficult and overwhelming, not because I didn’t expect it to be interesting. And while the material itself is interesting, the method that’s being used to teach it is not. Rather than being taught, I am being lectured at – simply copying a PowerPoint. There’s hardly a need for a professor at all.
My dislike of the class structure made me realize how tremendously spoiled I am. Sure I complain going to class, but once I get there, I enjoy myself. With a few exceptions, I have greatly enjoyed my college education thus far, and I realized it’s my professors I have to thank for that.
All schools are bound to have some duds, but overall, my professors at USD have been amazing. Now sure, I could chalk this up to my careful perusal of Rate My Professors and move on; but honestly, that’s not the case, USD just has good professors, plain and simple.
Pretty much every class I have had at USD I have either A) really enjoyed, B) learned a lot, or C) both. My professors have always been passionate and knowledgeable about their subjects, and have gone above and beyond to help students. I’ve had a professor send me a personal email when I added a class late offering to catch me up, met with a professor over coffee to discuss my troubles with the class and gotten wonderful advice way outside the scope of their teaching duties from professors.
Aside from that, my teachers know my name, ask how I am and make themselves available to me even if that means rearranging their schedules. Most importantly though, they have kept my interest, taught me countless things and made me feel prepared for the real world looming out in front of me come next May.
So to my professors, I’m sorry I’ve complained about hard tests, too much homework and having to go to class on Friday. I’m sorry I’ve fibbed and said “oh yes I’m feeling much better,” when you ask about my absence, even though I was just playing hooky at the beach. I’m sorry for all the yawning, it’s the hour, not your teaching, I swear. And I’m sorry for the desperate emails about the prompt when I wait until the last minute to start my paper. Despite my downfalls as a student, you have welcomed me into your classroom, let me know your door is always open, and given me the gift of an education, one I often take for granted. For this, I thank you.
