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It may seem like a good
idea, but it's the Kiss of Death.
“I
was gone last class. Did I
miss anything important?”
This
is actually a common question which, on the
surface, seems harmless enough. Aren’t
you even quite responsible to follow up and
ask to make sure you aren’t missing out on
some crucial point in your education because
you didn’t attend the last class?
Alas,
dear student, in spite of your best
intentions about making up for lost time in
following up on any goodies missed, here’s
what the professor hears, “Did you say
anything I’ll be tested on?” or worse,
“You don’t usually say anything
important, was last Tuesday an exception?”
Sadly,
either way, you don’t end up looking very
good. And
oh, by the way, you already missed class, so
what’s up with that?
I
know, it cuts to the core to be
misunderstood. What’s a well-meaning, conscientious
student supposed to do when she misses class?
Ask
for the notes of a couple of friends, and
review them. As long as you have also read the
material necessary for the class you missed,
make an appointment to see the professor so
you can make sure you have a clear
understanding of what you see as the main
concepts.
Since you’re showing initiative, and will have
great questions to ask, your professor will
be much more receptive to helping you and
filling in those missing pieces. Don’t
expect a complete rehashing of the class, of
course, but with your prep, this session
could be enough to make up for the missed
class.
By
the way: there
are only a few legitimate reasons for missing
class. If
you go in for extra help after missing a
class, make sure it falls within the “true
emergency” category. If
you’re reason doesn’t pass muster, (and
sorry, an American Idol marathon doesn’t
count) don’t even try to make an
appointment with the prof for extra help.
You’ll
just call attention to your absence even
more. And
who needs that?
©2006 Copyright Crystal Jonas |
NOTE: You're free to reprint any or all of this
article as long as you attach the following information to the excerpt:
Crystal Jonas, the Nation's
"College to Career Success Coach" is the author of the top selling
book "College Success Your Way," and the CD Set "The Power of
Purpose." Crystal delivers over 100 programs across the U.S. a year
and helps college students excel in college and prepare for career success.
Find out more about her programs and products for "College to Career
Success" at www.TapYourGenius.com.
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