Professors are most often seen as “the bad guys.”

Professors give too much homework, assign too many research papers and are ruthless when it comes to assigned textbook reading over holiday breaks. But if we took the time to notice all the help, encouragement and hospitality our professors show on a daily basis, we will begin to see their indispensable value and hopefully give them the credit they deserve, especially those at ACU.

One reason I chose ACU instead of a state school like the University of Texas or Texas A&M was because I felt known and seen at ACU. At Texas A&M I felt like just a number in an auditorium that seats hundreds of students. Professors play a big role in making students feel known and seen at ACU.

In each class, ACU professors make special effort to know each student’s name. Moreover, they make special effort to know each student’s character, personality and work ethic. By the end of the semester, professors most likely will be able to write a detailed recommendation for each student, whether good or bad.

I count this as a huge advantage for ACU students. Future careers and jobs require recommendation letters from a variety of sources, but a good recommendation from a university professor speaks volumes.

Most professors are also willing to meet one-on-one with students during office hours, for which there are many available throughout the week. Professors are required by the university to establish very open communication between students. On syllabuses you may have noticed professors cite their cell phone numbers, emails and even mailing addresses.

This open communication relieves much of the stress for college students, knowing that they can go get help or ask questions whenever needed. This lets students know that someone is available to listen and give them advice on how to move forward with any difficult assignment or project.

Professors also provide connections to future job opportunities, whether they offer a personal reference letters or recommendations by word of mouth. They have the abilities to connect you with employers and businesses. Professors also provide well-rounded career advice, having experiences different career paths previously, each professor has wisdom to pass along.

By showing personal support into a student’s future and career, professors do more than just teach and exchange knowledge. They encourage and inspire students on a much deeper level. By giving students a personal connection to their learning and studies, they provide greater encouragement and motivation for students to continue their journey towards a degree.

Professors at ACU go above and beyond the regular professor. Whether professors invite you into their homes and cook a meal for the class, bring a meal to class or spends class time leading the class in prayer, they are exemplifying the image of Christ in hospitality and conduct. That is something I beg students not to overlook.

To our professors: We are thankful for the countless hours and time you spend pouring into our lives now and for representing Christ daily. Thank you for being present with us in class and nurturing our minds and wisdom that we may have successful futures. Thank you for caring so much to make us feel known and seen. Thank you for teaching us to strive for better and work hard to achieve great things.