“Never will I ever go to my professor’s office hours. Like ever.”
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
That’s exactly what I said to myself, sitting in my freshman ENC1101 class three years ago.
Fast forward to today as a senior in college, there’s only one thing that I wish I would have taken more advantage of over the years: my professors' office hours. When I first learned about them, I didn’t understand the point of them, so I never went. I already spent hours every week in class and the idea of having one-on-one time with my “all-knowing” professor freaked me out. What if I asked or said something dumb? Of course I needed help on an assignment, but I didn’t want to look weak by asking for help. So I just swept my questions under the rug and tried to figure it out on my own. Yet, I didn’t realize that my fear was keeping me from my success in my classes.
"Never, ever, be afraid to ask for help: It is not a sign of weakness, it's a sign of strength."
- Harvard's Anthony Abraham Jack
The Benefits
Office hours gives us direct access to our professor’s resources. As college students, we are paying for our professor’s “all-knowing” knowledge. They are there to pour into us, so that we are properly equipped for our future success. They want us to ask those “dumb” questions that we’re too scared to ask in class. But not only that, they want to support us.
Our professors normally instruct more than one class, and the hurried pace of some classes can leave us feeling distant from them. But going into office hours puts a face with the name and creates the opportunity for a supportive and powerful asset. Over the last two years, I’ve come out of office hours with job opportunities and internships in my field that other students didn’t have access to. My professors associated my request for help with dedication and a seriousness for my education.
Try It Out!
So, I encourage you to give it a try. Even if you just stop by for a moment, take advantage of your professor's office hours. You don’t need to have a question, just stop by and say hello. Allow yourself access to all of the resources you need to succeed.
Your friend,
Simone DuPree
