Keeping a Good Relationship With the Professor

*NOTE: The content of this article reflects the author's views and experiences only. The Image used is property of stateuniversity.com

1. The First Day Is Usually the Worst

I'm sure we can all relate to the feeling inside one's stomach, lying in bed the night before the first day of school, wondering what the teacher will be like. Is he or she a laid-back, do-it-yourself type, or the uptight military drill sergeant who will make you run to go cry in the restroom?From my educational experience, it seems those two types have become more common with the college years. When the teacher comes in and begins talking, I find it helpful to pay attention to their facial expressions and tone of voice when they introduce themselves to the class.  They have to deal with a new group of students every semester, so it's hardly a picnic for them.  If possible, try to catch them at their desk after class and compliment on how you enjoy their technique or the subject being focused upon. A first impression can make a huge impact and save you the dread of trudging to the class every other day.

2. Preparation Before Battle

The first semester of my college career was more or less a disaster.  I shall spare readers from the gory details and only imply that it ended with a near bullet-to-the-head of no return.  That was mainly because I was unprepared for the difficulty of the professors and their methods of teaching.  What I found to be useful later on was a handy website called "Rate My Professor". It is quite a vital tool that includes a search engine where you can find your university and reviews from previous students about a professor teaching the important you have enrolled in.  Here are the simple steps:

• Go to the website "ratemyprofessors.com"
• Type in your university or teacher's name
• Be sure both school location and teacher's name match
• Look over the ratings/reviews from other students

3. If At First You Don't Succeed

We have all had that one professor or coach who acts like the group of twenty or so students is basically one person and does not consider whether or not they have trouble following the material or they forget to give back the research thesis you spent weeks working on.  In high school, our parents would meet with the teacher and discuss what the problems were.  In college, we are adults left to our own defenses.  While the aforementioned website is a helpful tool in choosing the right professor, sometimes you have no choice but to take that one available class and pray it goes smoothly without you planning how to chew them out.  I have dealt with professors having one or two of those qualities and all I can truly recommend is to soldier on through it.  Take each day by the horns and try to ask the professor questions you might have, even though you would rather bang your head against the wall than talk to them past the bell.  Then, wait until you're with a group of friends so you can rant and complain you little heart out.  Trust me, getting that frustration from the day off your chest really helps to relax.