Dear Professors,
It's time to listen up. There are a great deal of things that you do not understand about us students, and that needs to change. Open up your eyes and notice us, for your sake and for ours. Here are the things that you do not understand about us students, but need to:
1. We are students, which means we have OTHER classes.
We aren't just taking YOUR specific class, we have other classes to manage as well. So we don't appreciate when you overload us with assignments, papers, and homework. The real question is why are you still giving us homework when we are in college?
2. Your class may be a gen-ed for us, NOT a major course.
If we take your literature class, about 50-60% of us are not literature majors! That is just how it is, ESPECIALLY at a liberal arts college. You want us to have well rounded minds, so don't expect us to be interested in every single class we take. That's just how it is. This also means that your class is probably not getting the same amount of time as our major courses are... sorry that's life. I came here to get a degree and I'm sorry but it's not in literature.
3. We have lives outside of class.
From work, to student organizations, to living off campus, or relationships, we have other responsibilities besides class. We know school is important but these things are important to us too. These can also affect our moods coming into class on certain days.
4. You don't personally know me, so please don't pretend that you do.
This is my biggest pet peeve when it comes to professors. When you have me for the first time in a class, you have no idea who I am or where I've come from, so don't act like you do. Don't use the stereotypical 'This is what is best for you and your future' when you have no dang clue what I even want in my future. You have no right to judge me, just like how I have no right to judge you.
5. Your teaching style will not appeal to every single student.
We all have DIFFERENT ways we learn, that's proven. So we love professors that can teach in multiple different ways that can apply to all of us. If you are the type of professor who has a monotone voice, stares at the board, and lectures the entire class, we all dislike you very much. Surprise! You need to interact with us and be creative in your teaching styles, because they have changed over the years.
6. We may have to take your class, but we may NOT CARE about it at all.
This is another life lesson: we aren't always going to like things that we absolutely have to do. Your class may be required for my major, but the only reason I'm taking it is because it is REQUIRED. That's it. Otherwise I wouldn't be taking it.
I hope these help you fix your views on college students, because we are people too, not just robots who eat, sleep, and breathe college classes. Open your eyes and make this easier for the both of us.
Sincerely,
A frustrated college student
