If you are a college student I can almost guarantee that you have witnessed this scene on the first day of class.
Professor: Before we go over the syllabus we are going to get to know each other a little bit.
Me: *sigh*
Professor: I want you to stand up and tell us your name, major, and hometown. (Note: at this point, some professors will add in “hobby” or “something special about yourself” to make this process seem fun and unique.)
Me: *begrudgingly waits my turn* *stands up* Hey y’all. My name is Sarah Johnson. I’m an Early Childhood and Elementary Education major. I live in a tiny town 2.5 hours away. *proceed to tell town and county when prompted by professor* I like painting and my interesting fact is I live on a farm.
Professor: Awesome! Who’s next?
I must say, I have a strong dislike for this whole process. No offense to the professors but I can’t stand having to do this. What good comes out of it? Oh I know, the girl next to me will know my hometown for a total of about fifteen seconds before she forgets. No, wait, probably so I can instantly memorize everyone’s name in the class. I’m sorry. I know I’m being incredibly sarcastic, but in a world where so many see me as just a number, I don’t want to have to summarize myself in three sentences.
I already attend a small college so, in many of my classes, I know at least half of my classmates. Sometimes I know their name. Sometimes I know what sport they play. But regardless of what information I know, I am also very aware that I know absolutely nothing about them. I know what you’re thinking. “Wait for a second Sarah, you just said you know something about them.” Yes. I do know the name written on their birth certificate or their nickname. Yes. I know what kind of jersey they will be wearing in the spring. But how dare I say that I know them just based on those facts? That is not who they are!
I feel like too often our peers and professors judge us on a tidbit of information given to them. They draw assumptions based on a few words of explanation and attempt to “know” us from it. I understand that as humans our brains can only comprehend a large amount of information by categorizing but shouldn’t we strive to switch those categories? Shouldn’t we endeavor to learn their hopes and dreams, their interests and loves? Shouldn’t we break out of the stereotypes which plague us just walking down the street? Especially since we are sitting in a classroom attempting to learn more about ourselves and the world around us.
I don’t have an alternative for these professors. All I know is that when I was born I was given a set of numbers to identify me. When I was enrolled in school I was given an ID number to identify me. When I walk down the street my clothing and actions identify me. All I know is for once I would like to choose how people perceive me. I would like to have the power to show people my greatest depths or keep them to myself. I would like for people to get to know me through my choice in music and art, memories of my childhood, and conversations with others. Because I am tired of being just another name on a roster and number on a sheet.
In short:
Dear Professors,
Allow me to be an individual. Do not limit my identity to your questions. If you do this, I promise I will succeed.
Sincerely,
Sarah
