Bridging Connections

Getting personal perspectives from Professor Alabi and Professor Yapici was very interesting and refreshing to hear about in the Rose Buzz Fellow Interview. As a student, hearing about a Professor’s research and contributions within their fields is both inspiring and a bit intimidating. I feel that sometimes our professors can seem a bit unapproachable. This further establishes a hierarchical structure between students and their professors, which prevents the ability to make closer, personal connections with them. However, hearing about Professor Alabi’s and Yapici’s background, upbringing, and the struggles that they faced along their career journeys allowed me to see them more as the individuals they are versus the professional titles they hold. It was nice to hear about their experiences and realize that before reaching the place they are today in their careers, they too were once students first discovering their passions and trying to navigate through the hurdles of life. In addition, hearing about their experiences within teaching and the ways they enjoy engaging with their students was interesting as well. When both professors mentioned that they prefer more informal engagement with their students and enjoy more personal conversations, it was comforting to hear. As a fellow student, I really appreciate their clear efforts to make their own students more comfortable and willing to freely discuss and express their ideas. Their comments throughout the interview have encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and try to create greater connections with my professors and in general authority figures around me that can help guide and mentor me through this time in my life.

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