by Paris Morris
Like most of my friends, I was excited to come to the University of Michigan not only for the football, but for the opportunity to be taught by some of the most prestigious professors in their respective fields. When registering for classes at orientation, I was told that most of the famous professors teach upper level classes. As a result, I expected my freshman-year intro-level courses to be, for lack of a better word, ordinary.
During my first semester of college I took English 125, the standard first year writing requirement that every LSA student must complete. While registering, I decided to join the same English 125 class that the cute boy next to me was enrolling in, hoping to have some eye candy in a seemingly boring class.
When I walked into my English class on day one, there was no sign of that cute boy. Immediately I started to dread it. Little did I know that this English 125 class would not only increase my confidence as a writer, but also introduce me to a great friend and mentor.
My English 125 class was taught by a GSI, or graduate student instructor. Our 18-student class consisted of a wide variety of students — extroverted business school pre-admits, international students who weren’t yet fluent in English, and shy girls slightly intimidated by the fraternity boys. I believe the goal of all teachers is to create a collaborative environment in which every student can find their voice. No instructor of mine had completely adhered to this mission until my English GSI.
Conversations on course readings would transpire into in passionate discussions about topics that allowed us to become more vocal and informed students. Every student felt comfortable sharing his or her voice, free from worrying about judgment.
The instructor’s goal was not to act as an authority by sitting in front of the classroom and lecturing at us. Her goal instead was to facilitate deep conversations and contribute with us. She reached out to each and every one of her students to make sure we were getting the help we needed. I could email her questions about my paper the night before it was due, and she would often stay late to help us with our papers. She showed us she truly cared.
For students who are upset about taking a class with a GSI, I urge you to have hope. There certainly are diamonds in the rough.
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