How to approach Intimidating Professors?

One of the challenges of a first year student is figuring out how to form a good relationship with professors in order to maximize the class room experience. Of course you are not going to understand contracts and Civil Procedure after the first day or week of classes…unless of course you are a natural…which you probably are! Well I was not a natural and those classes I just mentioned were the most difficult classes I had. And so if you find yourself feeling lost after a day in class you must visit your professor. The professor’s at STU while some may seem intimidating in the class room are the total opposite once you get into their office. But the challenge is making that journey to the professor’s office with your laptop and books in hand…. It’s not that difficult what I did was make rounds to every single professor I had at some point during the semester, either to say hello, to talk about something I found interesting in class, but the most difficult time was when I really had no clue what happened in class and didn’t even know what to ask. In that event just go to the professor explain that you put in all the effort [because of the Socratic method- they want to know that you have at least tried!] but that you just don’t understand what happened in class that day. The professors response will probably be well what don’t you understand? Many times my response was “well I don’t know I don’t understand anything” , while I felt like a major retard at the moments the words came out of my mouth – I got positive feedback because I expressed my willingness to learn and understand. Keep going back to the professors- you will likely be in a class of 50 students…it helps when the professor knows you! By going to office hours on more than one occasion that professor will know your name and will remember it. You will be faced with situations where particular students are always talking, always volunteering ….just never shutting up. Don’t let that discourage or dissuade you…some students may actually know what they are saying, many students however speak because they can. If you feel you can’t go to a particular professor’s office…maybe because he is intimidating, another alternative is to go with a group of friends. That takes the attention from any one student but, everyone receives the benefit, and you will be more comfortable going alone next time.
The Bottom line is…..don’t be afraid to speak to professors, on occasion speak to them about a topic you know they are interested in…maybe your property professor is interested in Cats because you see them in his/her office…Speak about your cat..Then get down to the property questions you initially had! You have to work the system…because there are many people who are doing just that and you don’t want to be left behind!