In elementary school, each class creates a set of rules written on a large sheet of paper to hang on the door for the rest of the year. As students, we created these rules for ourselves. 

Each year, from first to fourth grade, the outlines became more and more specific. The rules we created included things like keeping your hands to yourself, not speaking when the teacher is talking, being respectful, being kind, raising your hand to speak and using an inside voice.

As a college student, it has become clear why we went over these rules. It was because, in elementary school, manners were something that our parents taught us. It was their responsibility to make sure that we said please and thank you – we didn’t know them from instinct.

But as young adults attending Point Park, we no longer have our mommy and daddy to hold our hands and tell us if we are being polite or rude to someone – we have to figure that out ourselves. However, we’re old enough now that it shouldn’t be difficult.

This semester, after taking a particular 101 course, it has suddenly become clear that some of my peers still need this guiding hand when speaking to professors who only intend to help an entitled and struggling student.

In addition to going over the syllabus on the first day of class each semester, students should be required to create their own rules to re-establish respect for human beings who are only attempting to help us.

With all that satire aside, we are adults and should act like young professionals if we wish to succeed in our relevant fields. It is not proper for us to act like children and throw a fit when a situation does not go our way, especially if it includes speaking disrespectfully to a professor.

During almost every session of this 101 class, witnessing the same students claim that they were right when a professor attempted to correct them was a common sight. In reality, their given answer was wrong and they were instead taking advantage of his kindness.

Just because we are paying for our classes and our professors does not mean that we are entitled to treat them like they are beneath us. Be real with yourselves – even if you don’t like being wrong, your professor likely knows what they’re talking about and you should listen to them.

However, it’s no secret that a professor can act cocky sometimes and that is also not okay. But remember, they were placed into their role for a reason. They already have a job in the field they want while you, the student, probably do not.

One of my peers says that people who cannot succeed in their field, teach. While this can be true, it is also true that you may assume a higher position than that professor one day. Today is not that day.

It is not proper conduct to talk back to a professor in any situation, especially when you are disrespecting them. When you have no idea what you’re talking about and are wrong, you need to just sit it out and leave your professor alone. The professors are just trying to do their job.  

College should be taken as practice for the real world. As students, we should treat our professors like colleagues and should treat regular staff members around the university with even more respect.