Chapter 3: Post-Secondary Learning
21 Connecting With Others
Peers
Connecting with your peers is an important part of the college experience. It‘s through this connection that you will make personal connections and increase your learning opportunities. Connecting with peers is not as simple as it sounds for many people. You may be shy, apprehensive, feeling different from others, feeling out of place in this new environment, etc. Do your best to find an approach to connecting with peers that suits you best.
Ideas to connect with peers:
- Social media groups
- Clubs and associations
- Sitting in different parts of the classroom
- Hanging out in social areas of the college
- Attending college events
Having a connection with peers both in and outside of your program area gives you support from those who understand the challenges and experiences you are having. It also allows you to ask questions (“when did Professor Naqvi say the report was due?”), sit together in class, study together, and/or work together on group assignments.
Cultivating Relationships with Professors
Developing a relationship with your professors and other members of your teaching teams can have numerous benefits. Read the list of some examples:
- These relationships can increase your sense of community and belonging
- They can help you learn more about your course and areas of research that interest you
- Having a strong relationship with a professor might lead to job opportunities, such as a research assistant position or other positions they are familiar with.
Tips for cultivating relationships with your professors and members of your teaching teams:
- Know that your professors and teaching team members want to support you – If you are ever feeling nervous to reach out, know that the teaching team wants to help you succeed
- Introduce yourself – At the beginning of the course, send your professors, etc. a professional email introducing yourself. You can explain what their course means to you. Is it a topic that interests you? That makes you nervous? Etc.
- Be an active and respectful participant in their course – For example, participate by asking questions and contributing to group discussions in lectures, virtual tutorials, discussion forums, etc. Remember to stay polite!
- Offer respectful constructive feedback on aspects of their course – if you have an idea for an improvement, have a discussion with them; you could improve the course!
- Respect professional boundaries – don’t discuss overly personal issues, don’t expect to become friends with them, use professional language, and don’t expect them to email you on evenings and weekends
