Lessons from a Frustrating College Professor; Gift of Forgiveness

I did not see the relationship between me and my nutrition instructor turning out this way.

From the beginning of the year, I knew he was a passionate, well-informed professor and I was excited to have a college professor that was an expert in his field. Though as the semester moved on, I felt less at ease with the way I felt about him. He always emphasized success in his class and would assume how we felt about the class and him as a person. This caused a shift in my mindset telling me I needed to have a deeper connection with him and allow him to be able to "read" me. However, rather than a cordial, good energy experience in class, I was faced with the opposite. My grade in the class was struggling and I found myself having confrontational email chains with my instructor that neither of us appreciated. I was nervous, especially with the idea of studying abroad under his guidance looming ahead.

However, a pivotal conversation shifted our dynamic. During a meeting to discuss an assignment, my professor brought up the topic of our relationship. For nearly half an hour, he said exactly what I needed to hear to bring me clarity and relief. I hadn't anticipated his vulnerability and depth of understanding. I learned he is really in tune to the energy that others' give off and beyond his lectures, there is so much more to him. We were both able to acknowledge our missteps and forgive each other, among getting to know each other better. Our relationship may have started out rough, but I now recognize its depth and potential for growth. I am grateful and optimistic about going on a study abroad under my professor this summer!

Lessons from this experience

Through this experience, I gained an appreciation for complexities of human relationships and the power and gift of forgiveness. The world is a beautiful place to learn and grow from our mistakes!