Two Professors

The last exam is finally over. The feeling is very good. It is good to know that nothing is due tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, or next Friday. All the classes that were so scary at the beginning are over. The intimidating professors still look scary even if they just want to wish you to have a good summer. At this point though, there is not only the fear of the professors but also respect for their ability to impart their knowledge to their students. Several years ago, I had two very challenging history classes. Professors expected us to think like historians and to analyze events and make our own conclusions about what had happened and why. The requirements were the same but the professors were very different in the way that they presented the material and interacted with the students. One can tell the difference just looking at the notes for both classes. One notebook was three times as thick as the other. But it's not the amount of the paper I
used for the class that made the biggest difference. The first class was in a small, dark and cold classroom. The class
always ran from one bell to the other - not shorter, but not longer either. Our minds were always on the professor's words because no one wanted to miss a word of what he said, nor to interrupt him with questions. He was a very intelligent and kind person, but it took a while for him to get students to talk to him. His classes were based on his
lectures, so he didn't get a chance to ask what students thought about a subject- we had tests for doing that. He compensated for his lack of communicating during class by always exuding a warm and friendly disposition to the students. He perpetually wore a cheerful smile and greeted us by our first names. He was sincerely interested whether each of us had a good weekend or just how life was treating us. The second class was in a spacious, sunny classroom. The class period itself was longer than the first one, but we never knew what the teacher had for us. Sometimes we stayed long after class not being able to end the discussion we got involved in during the class. Sometimes he'd just
let us go early, as if all of us were looking out of the windows not being able to concentrate on the subject. He made us think on the spot. He wanted each of us to have our own opinions on the different matters. Both teachers were knowledgeable and willing to help. Being so different, both teachers taught me to think and form my opinion on styles of
teaching and learning. Both professors showed and made me realize that the amount of work one puts in learning is a lot more significant than just being good at something without any effort. Both classes left the great amount of knowledge but what is more important they proved to me that I can do anything if I work hard enough.

-- Aurelija Slivinski