Jonah in 4th Grade
Dear Jonah…
I just can’t believe that today is your first day of
college. I am so proud of you! With my 40 plus years of teaching, I am sending
along my “Professor” tips so that you will do well in every class.
1. Sit
near the front! I never let my students sit in the very front row (so that I
don’t step on them), but I want them close after that. Sitting in the back is
very bad!
2. Do not
have your cell phone on or your ear buds in…ever…unless asked to do so. Keep
both of those items in your book bag. Don’t even put them on your desk or in
your pocket! If there is a reason for your phone to be on with an emergency or
anything really important, tell your professor at the beginning of class. They
are understanding and will be very willing for you to take the call…outside of
class!
3. After
your first class, introduce yourself to your professor. (Even though the roll
call will probably be taken!) Shake hands with a firm grip, look your professor
in the eye and introduce yourself again. Tell them you are glad to be in their
class!
4. Whenever
a professor writes to your class, send a short, brief note thanking them for
the memo.
5. Whenever
you do not understand something, ask immediately. Professors and teachers are
there to help. They are your cheerleaders. Don’t just walk out wondering what
to do or what was said.
6. Do not
ever chew gum. Ever.
7. Be
kind and helpful to all of your classmates. Always.
8. Do
your work on time. Check it. Double check it. Submit it early if you can!
9. Take
the extra credit when offered even if you do not need it! Why not get 110%
instead of a100% !
10. Find
out the hobbies or interests of your professors and ask them about it on Monday
or Tuesday. They will be so impressed that you remembered!
11. Do not
be late to class. Sometimes it will happen such as hockey practice early in the
morning or a lab. Tell them ahead of time that might happen so they know why
you are walking in a few minutes late.
12. When
you have outside activities such as hockey games, and you need to miss class,
let your professor know. The coaches always send notes to your teachers, but
the list is long and they do not have the time to hunt for names and for which class.
Tell them ahead of time.
13. When
you do miss class because of a lab or a sports event, make sure you know what
was covered in class and get the work done. That is your responsibility, not your
teacher’s. You need to do the asking.
14. Do not
stay up late and then sleep through the exam the next day. Keep a scheduling
book and use it! Get things done early. If you stay up all night to study, you
will be exhausted and not do well or then sleep through your class. No excuses
for that one. Never.
15. If you
are ill, send a quick note to let them know. It takes ten seconds to email your
professor. It is appreciated. Do not have a classmate do that for you!
16. Never
get your parents involved. You are grown up now. It is your responsibility.
17. Keep a
jacket in your bookbag. Classrooms are funny about heat and air. Some rooms (in
the same building) can vary ten to fifteen degrees so be prepared.
18. Make
sure you always have a tablet of paper and pens and pencils even though you
will use your laptop for almost everything. Sometimes you need paper and
pencil. Have it ready when it is needed!
19. Smile.
20. Remember,
you are the fortunate one for the opportunity to go to college. Not everyone
gets this chance. Love every moment. Make friends. Be the guy your classmates
can count on. Be the first name your teacher remembers.
This is my list of 20 things.
Do well. Study hard and check in with me. I will want to know how it is going.
I love you. Nannie
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