When Life Gets in the Way

I received an email from a student asking for a letter of recommendation for a study abroad application. This student barely earned a C, and I wrote back to tell them that there really wasn't much I could put on the application because of their mediocre performance in Legal Environment. The student responded with a very personal and heartfelt letter, explaining that their inability to study and focus was due to being put on depression medication for the first time and switching 3 times over the course of the semester while the doctor tried to get the dosage right.

Right. I felt horrible. Maybe I could have helped more, encouraged more, supported more. But I can't help if I don't know. So I urged the student, and I urge you, that when you are facing difficulties outside the classroom that is affecting your ability to perform, when life gets in the way, tell your professor. Don't be embarrassed. We are not here to judge. We are here to help. It's what we do.

#ProfessorInsight #ClassroomMindset