Professors Are People, Too.

I was thinking the other day about the professors and community at STU.  The catalog and publications tout the "open-door" policy of the faculty here, and I have to say that it is an accurate statement.  The professors here are amazing.  The faculty consists of, literally, a cast of characters.  My first 1L semester, each of my 5 different professors had such distinctive and unique (okay, VERY UNIQUE, in some respects) personalities, that often I felt like I was watching a comedy based on my life in law school.  (I recommend that anyone considering law school read Scott Turow's 1L, because he also describes wacky professorial antics, and it is an interesting read.)  Once I had completed the required courses, and was able to take electives, I gravitated toward professors I admired, enjoyed, and just understood.  There are a handful of  faculty members I now know pretty well, and I turn to them for advice, guidance, and interesting information in general.  I consider them friends and mentors.  I definitely love the fact that at STU, the open door policy is so important.  At many other law schools, professors are unapproachable, or it is possible that students don't even have classes with professors, but with teaching assistants (Horrors!).  I couldn't imagine going through this experience without the opportunity to get to know my professors.  Time spent in their offices, outside of class, discussing specific questions, issues, or concepts is so helpful, and that time is what truly makes this crazy educational endeavor human, and whole, and personal.  Hearing about a professor's family, work experience, or interests has opened my eyes to new areas of law, and life.  I didn't approach any of my professors outside of class the first semester I was here, and I sort of regret that.  Despite encouragement and an open invitation for all students to come meet with them, I avoided the faculty outside of class.  I definitely changed that my second semester, and it was reflected in my grades.  There are so many aspects of a law school education, beside going to class, taking exams, and reading all the time.  Not many people tell you about it, and you just have to figure it out for yourself (that's why this blog is a great thing!).  Each individual law school experience is highly personal.  For me, getting to know my professors, and taking advantage of their willingness to work with students, to help them as they grapple with all the new concepts and rules of law, has been pivotal in forming my own perspective on the law, and my life as a law student, and probably my life in general.

Have a great day, and go hug your professor!  Ok, maybe just shake their hand...or at least say "hello."  Or, you know, bring them an apple.