You spend at least 13 years of your life in school, add a minimum of four years for undergrad and with grad school afterward, you're in school for roughly two decades. In all those years of being a student the people who are always there are the men and women who are teaching you.

I'm one of the few lucky ones who has never really had a bad encounter with a teacher or professor. Sure, I've had teachers who I wasn't the biggest fan of, but with around 80 teachers/professors that I have had so far it's impossible for all of them to be my favorite. Though like anyone, I have a few of my favorite professors and they are the ones that push you. The ones that are going to fight to make sure that you succeed. The ones that are there to give you advice and listen when you need it.

I was able to find a couple of professors while in college and they have made the past two years so much easier. Due to some personal issues I was having one semester, there was a point where I was struggling to pay attention to homework and other assignments. I would stare at my laptop for hours and not have any drive to write papers.

When I was able to talk to one of my professors about the whole situation, she helped me get the help I needed to make sure that my academics would not be affected. The next day I had one of my professors pull me aside and told me that if there was anything that he could do to make sure that I was successful. He also said that if I wanted him to, he would talk to my other professors on my behalf. By the end of the week, I had everything set up to make sure that my classes were not affected and I was back on track to ended the semester smoothly.

These professors would notice when I was not having the best days and would ask to make sure that I was doing alright. I was able to find a mentor within the staff on campus and have an "office of my own" that I can study in. I had an advisor who was willing to fight to get a major I was thinking of declaring when the school got rid of the program on campus. My advisor was also encouraging when I was thinking of taking certain classes and going abroad. I have advisors who are patient and willing to work with me when getting paperwork done in a timely manner. I was able to become successful with my academics, work, and organizations because of the professors and staff on campus.

My biggest advice to anyone in school, of any level, is to find teachers who will fight for you and make sure that you’re on the right track. Make connections with professors who are going to make sure you succeed. I don’t know how my college experience would have gone on without the help of teachers and staff that have been there for me.