Why You Should Always Have A Mentor
Start writing a post
Student Life

Why You Should Always Have A Mentor

Go to office hours. Be that “teacher’s pet.”

8
Why You Should Always Have A Mentor
looksharp.com

From elementary school to high school, kids picked on each other for being a “teacher’s pet.” We all knew one or two – the ones that always raised their hands with a million questions, stayed after class just to chat with the teacher or reminded the teacher that she forgot to collect the homework.

Well, that kid was always me.

In middle and high school, I used to be embarrassed about it. I used to pack up my books as slow as possible, making sure I would be the last person out of a classroom, before I’d go up to the teacher and start a conversation. I’d always come to school ridiculously early to bring my teachers “last day of school” gifts at the end of the year, so that no one would see. I raised my hand a fair amount, but not too much.

That all changed when I went to college.

In college, “teacher’s pets” are encouraged, and the name isn’t as degrading. From my very first semester as a journalism major, I picked a mentor and I’m so glad that I did.

Having a mentor to ask for help or to talk to doesn’t make you “weird” or “incapable.” It makes you smart. It gives you a resource with at least a couple years of experience in the field you’re studying. It gives you an ally to help you apply for jobs, internships, graduate school programs. It gives you a reality check that you’re not always going to succeed the first time you try on an assignment, but your mistakes can be learned from. And if you’re lucky, it gives you a life-long friend.

But so many college students are afraid of asking for help. Sitting in a professor’s office every day to go over another assignment can be a bit embarrassing at first. Plus, we don’t want to seem stupid. After all, in three or four years we’ll be real adults and won’t be able to run to someone for help all the time.

But these valuable resources shouldn’t go to waste just because we’re afraid to ask for help, start a conversation or be seen as a “teacher’s pet.” It took a couple of weeks, but now I can comfortably walk into a teacher’s office, admit I have legitimately no idea what I’m doing regarding a specific assignment and he or she answers every question I have. I’m able to do well on assignments and get to learn from someone that’s had experiences I can only dream of.

So go to office hours. Be that “teacher’s pet.” Pick a mentor, strike up a conversation and get the help you need on an assignment. You’ll learn more than you ever will sitting passively in the classroom.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

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

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

65442
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?

42393
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.

964956
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

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments