What makes a good professor?

By Jazmin Jett |Staff Writer|

As students, we enter college with an ideal experience in mind and are often disappointed that attending school slowly but surely becomes a mechanical attempt at a degree.
Our only relief is found in our friends, extra-curricular activities, memories created and most importantly our professors.
I personally enjoy learning. I wouldn’t be consciously putting myself in debt if I didn’t.
I find it refreshing to first walk into a class and be greeted by a professor with at least a sense of humor. It not only makes taking the class more enjoyable but in turn makes the subject matter that much more retainable.
Aside from a welcoming personality, I believe a good professor isn’t afraid to challenge their students. Not with aggression and disrespect but by daring their students to push themselves to their full potential and not staying comfortable with what’s going to get them by.
Often, I feel as if professors diminish their role in our college-going experience.
Perhaps they deemed their influence insignificant and figured they’d just stick to what’s expected.
I’m sure many students can attest that the classes they have taken were only bearable because of the professor who taught them.
Who knows, a professor could be the determinant factor in one choosing their major and eventually their career path.
So what is it about these professors that makes them so extraordinary?
For starters, their willingness to meet you halfway means more than anything. They were once in our shoes so the least they can do is apply empathy within their teaching methods.
Also, professors that leave an imprint and go the extra mile to enlighten us is appreciated. Not just forcing information into our brains, but rather take it upon themselves to make sure every student they encounter is given a lesson that they can utilize throughout their life.
I spoke with several students around campus on what they deem to be a good professor and who they felt demonstrates those attributes. As a result, there was a unanimous vote for Professor Judi Cruz possessing all of these qualities and more.
Jimmy Ohiri, a student, applauds Cruz as, “an advocate for helping students adapt to the university experience.”
Another CSUSB student, Chris Johnson agrees, “She often puts others before herself and is never too busy for her current/former students. I met her my freshman year and she treated me like I actually mattered. She cared enough to check on me and see if I was keeping up with my schoolwork and in good spirits,” said Johnson.
Of all the testimonies I received in regards to Judi, the most captivating comment came from Damarea Parker who claimed Judi is, “in tune with the Universe.”
I too had the pleasure of taking Judi as a professor and can account for the above testimonies.
Though other professors may not have the notoriety that Judi’s gained, there are many like her that have touched the minds and hearts of former students and those who currently attend.