By Lydia Reeves Timmins, Temple University

With the first two weeks of the semester done, I’m feeling much more confident about this new role. Although having students refer to me as “Professor Timmins” always makes me turn around to see who they’re talking to! The students certainly see nothing odd about it. It will take me awhile, I think, to get used to the formality of the classroom versus the newsroom.  I feel I have to present myself at a higher level, somehow, than I did before, that more is expected of me as the “expert” in front of the class.

My students are opening up to me more. There’s more eye contact—although I still haven’t gotten used to people furiously writing down everything I say! I have a feeling of what it must be like to be a police chief or city official holding a press conference, and seeing the tops of everyone’s head. Part of me wants to say stop writing and start listening! But when I think back to my college and grad school days, I remember how much I didn’t want to miss anything that might be on the test. I just hope they are actually listening to what I say.

Another big change I’m noticing is in the time to complete an assignment. Students have weeks, not minutes to find out information! It feels weird to stand up there and discuss what needs to be turned in TWO WEEKS from now. Of course, I’m sure they will wait until the last minute to do it, but at least they have advance warning.

My next hurdle—the first exam. It’s not for a few weeks, but I’m already stressing about whether to do multiple-guess, essay, short answer or what! The adventure continues…