Actual video footage of my students, probably:
"Am I overthinking this?"
Yeah, probably.
"How do I get started?"
The same way that you eat an elephant: one bite at a time.
"What book is this in? When is this due? Who do I send this to?"
Double-check the syllabus and/or the first email you received about the class.
"I don't remember going over this in class."
- I may have actually forgotten to mention that, in which case, thank you for the reminder.
- We did go over that, but you might have been late/absent/dissociated.
- I didn't explain it very well. Thank you for your patience and for giving me the opportunity to try again.
"Can I have an exception because of XYZ?"
It's always worth asking, but please be mentally and emotionally prepared in case the answer is, "No." I try to say yes to a lot of things. If I do say "No," there is likely a reason -- sometimes that reason is, "someone else ruined it for the rest of you" or "I already asked someone else in charge and they said 'no.'"
"OH MY GAWD, WHY ARE YOU FREAKING OUT ABOUT ZYX?"
I do my best to be patient and professional. If you perceive that I am "freaking out" about something, I have likely hit my limit. It may or may not have anything to do with you. Please send feedback through the appropriate channels. (Related: public chats/forums/social media accounts are not the appropriate channels.)
"Why do I have to do this?"
It builds character. It's an opportunity for you to push the edges of your comfort zone to try something new or different. This way, if you encounter this again in the future, it will feel a little more familiar and a little less daunting.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAA?!"
Yes, I agree and I empathize. Your feelings are valid; however, some of your behaviors may not be appropriate. Again, please direct your feedback to the appropriate persons through the appropriate channels.
