Kathleen and others hit it on the head: we may not be able to reach everyone. I do my best to “get” them. Don’t want to lose anyone. But sometimes I think it would be better for my spirit to realize that not every 18-22 year old will be willing/able to jump on board—for many reasons (including the fact that sociology can scare the crap out of them!) That’s ok.
Many years ago, I was an "underachieving" undergraduate student. I knew at the time that I was not living up to the expectations professors had for me - often didn't go to class, do the readings, etc. While I had some deeply challenging life circumstances at the time, anyone looking at me from the outside would have simply assumed that I didn't care and was blowing off my education. I did complete the degree, but with much lower grades than I was capable of.
With time, experience and maturation, I resolved the issues that led to the choices I had made in my youth. I later returned to school, earned a masters degree and, eventually, a PhD from an Ivy league university. And now I teach.
As I reflect on this topic in light of my own experience, a few thoughts surface.
First, I was doing the best that I was able to at the time. My choices as an undergraduate were affected by a number of issues, none of which had anything to do with the professors.
Further, while I clearly did not meet my academic potential or their expectations at that time, it would not be true to say that I got nothing out of the classes, the readings I did do, or the lectures. I did learn much that stayed with me, and what I did learn - while not as much as I could have - has indeed served me well. But most importantly, I developed a taste for what learning could be, enough to pull me back when I was more ready to engage.
Finally, my professors probably had no idea of the impact they did have, or how well their teaching served me in the long run. That is unfortunate.
Today, as a teacher, I embrace a student-centered pedagogy, seek to grow in my teaching, and take student and peer evaluation seriously. At the same time, at a certain point I need to let go of expectations for particular outcomes. There are students who fly, and others who do not. But it is not all about me, and I can't take it personally or judge them if they not showing up for their part. I have no idea what their lives are, or why they make they choices they do; further, it is not my business. Finally, I can't always know what students are taking from my class, or what may emerge for them down the road.
I just do what I do because I love it. Doing what is mine to do and letting of the rest helps me to be at peace about this matter.
kind regards, Susan ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Susan Boser, Ph.D. Asst. Professor, Department of Sociology Coordinator, Doctoral Program in Administration and Leadership Studies Indiana University of Pennsylvania 102C McElhaney Hall Indiana, PA 15701 Phone (724) 357-1291 Fax (724) 357-4842
