At Southeastern, a relatively tight-knit university with student-teacher ratios smaller than those of larger schools, it should be standard for each student to form a bond with at least one SE faculty or staff member during the student’s time here.
Not only does it make everyone’s time here significantly easier, as is the case with any experience in which a person has a mentor or friend, but it is an invaluable connection to make for many other reasons.
Even if professors don’t end up getting their students job interviews, many professors are more than happy to give students advice about how to best apply for or find jobs.
Further, developing friendships with faculty and staff will open up networking possibilities that wouldn’t otherwise exist for the average student.
It is possible, believe it or not, for any student on campus to shake the hand of and make acquaintance with Southeastern’s president, vice president, various deans, directors of organizations and department chairs, not to mention any other faculty or staff member.
Sometimes we as students tend to forget that our professors, administrators and peers are people as well. We become intimidated by someone’s status in relation to our own, and that can make us blind to possibilities of friendship and mentorship.
Holding a position of authority, no matter how major or minor, does not immortalize a person or make them unapproachable.
Certainly, some people will get along better than others, but that does not mean that any person in an authority position at this school is truly disinterested in getting to know students.
As members of a student organization, The Southeastern’s staff and contributors do our best to build relationships with not only faculty and staff at Southeastern but with our peers as well.
It is our opinion that without developing lasting bonds with those we attend college with and are taught and advised by, the degree earned at any university is not much more than a piece of paper.
While it is, of course, necessary to dedicate a large amount of time and energy to studies and casual but enjoyable friendships, what will ultimately carry us the furthest in life are not our college degrees but the strong interpersonal connections we develop while earning those degrees.
Among the many pieces of wisdom Associate Dean of Academic Services Tim Boatmun has shared with many Southeastern students is a gem of advice applicable to anyone on any walk of life: Surround yourself with people who will make you successful. In essence, build your metaphorical softball team for life.
(Side note: you may replace “softball” with whatever metaphorical sport you wish.)
The point he makes is that in order to be successful in most of life’s pursuits, people need other people who are working toward similar goals.
Surround yourself with people who are driven, who are passionate about something important to them, who go to class, who teach a class, who speak wisely, who make you laugh, who study hard and play hard when appropriate.
Take advantage of the opportunities found on a college campus, especially when it comes to making connections.
Many people here likely share the desires and goals you have for life; it would be a waste to pass them by simply because of difference in professional or social status.
Make the absolute most out of your time here, and get to know your adviser, professor or the kind person working in an office somewhere on campus.
And get to know your fellow students. We are all people, and we all have something fantastic to offer.