Thread by @AmeenaGK

It is often said that children of professors have a leg up in #HigherEd. They do.

So, in the spirit of uncovering the #HiddenCurriculum for others, here’s advice I’ve been giving to my own kid whom I’m dropping off to college this wknd iA.

A 🧵.

Before I continue, I welcome additional advice +feedback (even pushback). Not all of this will apply to all. I am a non-TT faculty at a grad school so I don’t know everything about college (also didn’t go to college in the US) but this is what I’ve learned.

Ask for help! I cannot stress this enough. Especially do not be afraid to ask your professors for what you need to succeed (whatever that may mean to you).

Take advantage of Office Hours (which really should be called student hours because they are for the students, not colleagues). It’s not the time when professors happen to be in their office, it’s the time they are dedicating to meet with students. Show up (but don’t overdo it!)

Get acquainted with the staff. They run everything and deserve your respect and kindness not just because they will be important allies but because it is the decent thing to do. At the very least, learn their names.

Learn what support services are available to you – be it academic, emotional, psychological. Use these services. They are there for you. You are paying for them. Their existence depends on you using them. It’s a win-win.

Make few or many friends, but make LOTS Of acquaintances. Build your network.

Stretch yourself and attend events or take classes that are out of your wheelhouse. Don’t get stuck in your major silo. College is a time to broaden your mind. Take advantage of it.

Be open to learning even in classes that bore you or where the professor isn’t the greatest pedagogue. There is ALWAYS something to learn.

Do not be invisible in the classroom. While there is balance to class participation (listening is also important), it’s important that your professors get to know you. Professors who get to know you are likely to support you more.

Build relationships with many people who are in a position to serve as a referee for you one day You cannot always turn to the same person or they might not be available when you need them. Have several people who will be happy to write a recommendation letter for you.

On the topic of recommendations, if a professor makes an excuse or hesitates when you ask them, do not press them to write for you. They’ll likely not write you a strong letter. Find someone else (if possible).

Read. The. Syllabus.
Really, just do it.

There’s a reason why the #ReadTheDamnSyllabus hashtag exists.

Figure out what you need to know that’s not on it and go see your professor or TA to get that information.

Read the assignment description as soon as you get it. Ask the professor or TA questions if you’re confused about something. Break larger assignments into smaller tasks and work on one task at a time. I LOVE this story from @AneeLamott in Bird by Bird:

Do not work on things last minute. Adrenaline is great and all but it will not be your best work.

Relatedly, try to put work aside for 24 hours before you hand it in. You will catch all those typos.

When you’re stuck on something, take a walk, work out or do something totally different. Your brain will still be working on whatever got you stuck as you do something else. Trust me. The brain works in mysterious ways.

Also, exercise is important. Schedule it in!

When emailing professors, keep it short and to the point with a clear ask. Have a helpful subject line. If you’re in a large class, include your full name and the course number somewhere in the email (after your sign off, for example).

I love it when students show up to Student Hours with a clear agenda. I love it even more when they can email it to me in advance. But it's also okay just to come in and chat (again, don't over do it!).

Do not be afraid to ask questions – in class, in student hours etc.

Esp. if you've at least made a good faith effort to figure it out on your own. Ask questions.

There is only one question you should never ask (and its' variations): Do not EVER ask a professor, “what did I miss” and especially do not ask “did I miss anything important”. Ask your peers.

If you miss a class, a follow up email is courteous. You need not give a long explanation but some info is helpful. Let the prof know you'll be talking to peers to figure out what you've missed.

Have someone in each course who you can turn to ask for information if you miss something. This could be a peer or a TA. This is especially important in classes where you do not know most people or in very large classes. Find your people.

Use college as a time to build your resume. Add experiences and/or skill onto there that will help you find a job later. This could be a campus job, volunteer work, research experience. Add at least one thing every year.

College is not just about grades and a good GPA or getting a job. It’s about learning about yourself, stretching yourself and finding things that excite you. Explore and take advantage of all that is around you – including just hanging out and relaxing with friends.

Don’t talk yourself out of applying for jobs and opportunities that interest you because you think you will not get it. The worse that can happen is you’ll get turned down or it’s a no. But you'll never know if you do not try.

Do not stick to subjects you’re good at. It’s okay to try something new and fail. Just always be open to learning.

Make a study group or a reading group – especially in classes where there is a heavy reading load. Divide and conquer.

“Doing the reading” doesn’t mean reading every word. It’s about understanding the big ideas. 1) Why is the professor assigning this? 2) How does it fit into the class session? 3) What are my 3 more important takeaways?

Also, learn to skim.

Throw out the highlighters. Annotate instead (why are you highlighting something? Why is it important?)

[okay, you don't have to throw them out entirely but be sure to annotate not just highlight!]

Now for some advice that borders "mom advice" but still important for your success in college:

There will be a lot of temptation in college – esp if it's the first time you are on your own and figuring out "adulting". It’s tempting to go crazy. A little crazy is okay, but don’t lose sight of why you’re in college (and everyone’s why is going to be different).

For many of you, college will be about exploring and experimenting with sex. Remember CONSENT MATTERS.
No means no.
Maybe also means no.
A hesitant okay is also a no.
The only thing that means yes is a yes.
And people can change their minds and when they do, back off.

There is always free food to be found somewhere. Carry around an empty plastic container to take food home. No one likes throwing out food.

Get enough sleep. Really. I cannot stress this enough. Prioritize sleep 💤. Your overall health and success depends on it. aasm.org/college-studen…

Cut down on the worrying. I love, love, love this advice from Gaur Gopal Prabhu: #WhyWorry

And that's it from me! I'll RT advice I get and respond as I can but I also need to spend time with my kid!

For those of you getting ready for this adventure: You're going to have highs and lows and all of that is okay. Find your people and be kind to yourself and others. End🧵

A few things I forgot: It's okay, even good, to set boundaries for yourself. Esp. important give yourself time to have fun and enjoy college! Even if that means scheduling in the time to get some R&R.

A college class schedule looks REALLY different from your HS schedule (which is typically 8-3). You'll see a lot of blank space in the week. But don't fool yourself! You need time to read, assignments etc. For every 3hr class, make sure you sched 2-3hrs outside class to keep up.

I don't know how I forgot to mention librarians! Librarians are probably the most underused resource in college. They are AMAZING. Get to know them and ask them for help. They really love helping and are so good at what they do. #LibrariansRock

Additional advice from @comprof1 to which I'd like to add: too many of us think it's okay to work from our sick bed. It isn't. When you're sick, rest. At most, communicate with profs and figure out a plan to make up work but prioritize your health.

https://twitter.com/Comprof1/status/1560729212973068288