The Importance of Overcoming the Fear: Why Visiting Professors’ Office Hours is Essential
One of my favorite students told me a story about his first day of college classes. As he walked into his class on the first day he was slightly intimidated at the 100+ seat room where his class was held. As he walked in, his backpack hit the desk of the professor, knocking off his coffee. While this wasn’t the way any student wanted to start the semester, this act actually ended up working in this students favor. He cleaned up the mess, introduced himself and shook the hand of the professor. The professor then invited him to come to office hours. This student took advantage of that opportunity and learned first hand the benefit of weekly visits to his professors office hours.
For many college students, the thought of visiting a professor’s office hours can be intimidating. Whether it’s the fear of asking a “stupid” question, feeling like you’re imposing on their time, or simply not knowing what to expect, the reasons for this fear are varied. However, overcoming this fear and taking advantage of office hours can be incredibly beneficial to your academic and personal growth. In this blog post, we’ll explore why it’s scary to go to professors’ office hours and why it’s so important to push past that fear.
Why It’s Scary
- Fear of Judgment: Students often worry that they’ll be judged by their professors for not understanding a concept or for needing extra help. This fear of judgment can prevent them from seeking the assistance they need.
- Feeling Intimidated: Professors are experts in their fields, and for students, especially those who are new to the subject, approaching them can feel daunting. The fear of being out of your depth can be a significant barrier to seeking help.
- Uncertainty: Not knowing what to expect during office hours can also contribute to the fear. Students may worry about how to start the conversation, what questions to ask, or how long they should stay.
Why It’s Important
- Clarifying Concepts: One of the most significant benefits of attending office hours is the opportunity to clarify any concepts or topics you’re struggling with. Professors can provide additional explanations, examples, or resources to help you better understand the material.
- Building Relationships: Visiting office hours allows you to build a relationship with your professors outside of the classroom. This can be beneficial for future reference letters, research opportunities, or career advice.
- Gaining Insight: Professors often have valuable insights into the course material, the field of study, and potential career paths. By engaging with them during office hours, you can gain valuable knowledge and perspective.
- Showing Initiative: Taking the initiative to attend office hours demonstrates to your professors that you are committed to your education and willing to put in the effort to succeed. This can leave a positive impression and open up opportunities for collaboration or mentorship.
Overcoming the Fear
- Prepare in Advance: Before attending office hours, prepare any questions or topics you’d like to discuss. This can help you feel more confident and make the most of your time with the professor.
- Start Small: If the idea of attending office hours is particularly daunting, start by asking a simple question or seeking clarification on a minor point. Gradually, you may feel more comfortable discussing more complex topics.
- Remember, They’re There to Help: It’s important to remember that professors hold office hours to support students. They are there to help you succeed and are likely to appreciate your effort in seeking assistance.
While it may be scary to go to professors’ office hours, the benefits far outweigh the fears. By overcoming this fear and taking advantage of office hours, you can clarify concepts, build relationships, gain insight, and show initiative—all of which are essential for your academic and personal growth. So, next time you’re struggling with a concept or just curious about a topic, don’t hesitate to visit your professors during their office hours.