The Professor has met all of her classes and is happy to report that the campus looks spiffy and fresh and that the new faces appear younger every year.
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So far, she has not identified any potential trouble spots, at least not yet. But it's still early.
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The Professor's inner-cynic runs deep.
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We have officially entered The Honeymoon Period, where, on both sides of the classroom, hopes run high and excitement is palpable. This is a great time to establish yourself as the serious student you may be (or pretend to be--from your standpoint, it doesn't matter, at least for now). Two weeks from now, it will be too late, for you will already be categorized as a type (more about this later) and, in your prof's mind, placed firmly into a stereotypical slot. Even if you later change your modus operandi, it will be difficult to change your professor's view of you.
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Don't believe your profs if they give the yadda, yadda, yadda speech about how everyone is created equally and, thus, will be treated the same.
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Bullocks! Absolutely and categorically untrue. The Professor has stopped giving out that nonsensical carp.
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The good news: for the most part, you control how your profs see you--of course you can't do much if you happen to look like the prof's late wicked Auntie Witch from Oz or if he/she harbors a secret prejudice against your ethnic group and/or gender. Sooner or later, you will encounter an icky prof who allows his/her own personal biases permeate the classroom.
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But all other things being equal, you, to your profs, are a roomful of blank sheets. Often, on that first day, you will hear your prof say, "Today, in my mind, you are all 'B' students and will remain so until you give me a reason to change my mind, one way or another." That, to a certain extent, is true, because professors carry certain assumptions, based on admissions data, about incoming freshmen.
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So here is The Professor's tip for the day: after the first or even second or third class, stop to chat with your new professor; most profs will feel flattered. Introduce yourself and say something positive about that day's class and how you look forward to Trig (even though you're a History major and Trig is just another hoop). Let the Professor know some of your interests, and, perhaps, some of your future plans.
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By investing 5-10 minutes after class, you have planted a seed in your prof's head that, perhaps, you are an "A" student. You have just paved the way to a smoother semester because you have drawn your professor to your side.
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And you're no longer a blank sheet. One of The Professor's greatest fears is not being able to match faces with names, especially late in the semester.
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Caveats: Never announce that you are an "A" student. The Professor cultivates an inner imp who will spend the rest of the semester trying to debunk your assertion.
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Also, don't hang around too long after class. Your professor may have another class or engagement; if she/he seems rushed (gathering books, papers, etc), don't take it personally, and just make a graceful exit with a polite "goodbye."
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Your five minutes will still help set the positive tone for you; it doesn't take long to schmooze.
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Until next time!
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The Professor
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