Almost all of us have a favorite teacher from high school or even a professor from here at the University who is looked at as a friend or mentor.
There are some major differences in the way these relation- ships are viewed. “One of my communication professors used to work at places such as Walt Disney World and they really allowed me the chance to see what working in the field is like at a professional level,” said Rebecca Zidik, a sophomore.
Hearing about real life experience from professors often enlightens students to see the world differently than they may have viewed it in the past and could even inspire them to change their major if a high interest arises in a particular subject.
Over fall break, many students have returned to their home town high schools to visit favorite teachers. One major difference is that these teachers know their student on a more personal level and of ten stay in touch with them after graduation.
“I am real close friends with my high school Spanish teacher and it was really cool to see him both at my high school’s homecoming and here at Monmouth at a soccer game. He was also my soccer coach and inspired me to go far,” said sophomore Rachel Fox. More of the education process is geared towards individual styles in high school and a structured learning environment help to foster some of these close relationships.
Some teachers even will go the extra mile according to freshman Briana Lieberman, “One of my teachers still keeps in touch with me through phone an email while I a away at MU.” This is vastly different from a relationship with a professor.
Unlike teachers, professors come to universities to get work published in scholarly articles and to give their students insights on a particular field of interest as well as to challenge students’ thinking. Erin Kenney, professor of disability services, notes that, “It is important to understand that while the professors are very caring about students, it is rare that relationships are on a personal level like with high school teachers. This is because many professors still work in their respective fields and expect more from students. A more professional relationship is expect- ed at this level as a result.”
ed at this level as a result.”
This may make it difficult for incoming students since some are not used to seeing education at the next level. However, this relationship can be the segway for an internship, scholarship or study abroad opportunity. Thus, it is important to create a network of teachers who see the strong qualities of their respective students. “It is always exciting to hear my former students share their stories and know I was a par t in helping them in their desired career and educating them because it only takes one positive experience to make a difference in one’s life,” states Terri Peters, education professor.
There is a major difference between the relationships one has with a high school teacher compared to a professor, but they both carry an important aspect of what one can learn throughout life at the University and beyond.
IMAGE TAKEN from monmouth.edu
