Chapter 3; page 66; Goes best after first paragraph that ends with "hobbies."
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Like most college students, I find getting to know a professor a task. It's not easy. There is a haunting fear of rejection. This fear peaked my freshmen year when I approached one of my professors and lost all words to speak. Due to my intense nervousness, I stuttered my speech as my face turned hot and firey red. I was unfortunately too slow in action and he quickly wrapped up the conversation.
Regardless of this experience, I was blessed to have gotten to know a number of professors throughout my undergraduate years. Many students will automatically assume that they know their professors because they attend their lectures a few times a week throughout a term. This, however, does not grant any real relationship with the professor.
My opportunities came largely due to my love of traveling. Many students do not take advantage of travel opportunities or getting to know their professors while in college and regret the lost opportunities when it is too late. I was able to accomplish both through travel study experiences.
During my first study abroad, my professor had been accompanied by his wife and daughter. I naturally befriended his daughter because I was comfortable working with high school students. This brief friendship allowed me to get to know my professor as well as his wife and inevitably allowed me to view my professor as a professor, a father, a friend, and a human being.
The intimidation of professors was really all in my head. My professor was very much available to his students and travel study was an opportunity for him to get to know them. Traveling enabled me to communicate with my professor in a different dynamic at a different environment while fulfilling my graduation requirements.