April 13, 2022
Humanizing Our Professors:
Tracy Fernandez Rysavy
English Literature, Creative Writing, and Women’s and Gender Studies Departments: Marinette Campus
A little-known secret around campus is that our professors were once students. Nervous, confused, and probably as hungry as we all are while sitting through lectures, here are their first experiences as professors and what tips they have to offer for students taking their courses.
It rings true that new experiences cause nearly everyone to feel butterflies of uncertainty. It happened no differently for Professor Rysavy. She’d been teaching in many forms before becoming a professor at UWGB, including piano at the age of twelve and, in later years, writing at NWTC in Green Bay. She recalls that the second time teaching a course always went better; the first is a time for trying new things and seeing what worked best. For example, she initially tried to break her habit of being informal and humorous—it didn’t last very long, and I can say it definitely adds to the classroom to have such a light-hearted instructor.Additionally, Ms. R says that classes are “much more effective when everyone feels they can be themselves,” her included. After all, everyone has a unique experience to offer a classroom, and she’s had the opportunity to learn as much from her students as she hopes they learn from her. The professor wants students who enter her courses to know that they don’t have to be worried or fearful that their answers won’t be “correct.” We come into literature courses fearing the worst. It’s time we remember that our own analyzing of stories counts, too. Our perspectives have much to offer, and usually we can’t go back in time to speak with the author about how they meant the story to be understood anyway. Support your ideas with plenty of evidence, whether they sound crazy to you or not, and let Ms. R have it! And if you ever find yourself struggling on assignments and appearing to class, don’t be afraid to talk to her or send her—and all of your instructors—an email with your concerns. Most of the time, the professors of UWGB will understand your situation and be willing to work with you to the best of their abilities. Remember, you’re paying for this education, she says, and they can’t help you if you don’t speak up for yourself.