Lessons Learned: Surviving and Thriving as a Fresh Grad Teaching Undergrads

Ah, the glamorous life of a fresh graduate thrown into the academic fray, tasked with molding the minds of eager undergrads while still navigating the post-grad haze of uncertainty. Let me regale you with tales of my journey as an instructor, juggling classroom chaos with wit and wisdom.

Instructing over 100 students? Check. It was like conducting a symphony of knowledge, except sometimes the orchestra had a few off-key moments (I blame Monday mornings).

Increasing student participation? Piece of cake. I created an open, safe working environment where even the quietest souls felt compelled to share their insights—sometimes more than I bargained for, but hey, it's all about engagement, right?

Providing feedback and grades? Ah, the joys of being both judge and jury. I honed my skills in delivering constructive criticism with a sprinkle of encouragement, because let's face it, we all need a pat on the back now and then.

But let's talk about the real skills I developed on the fly: leading discussions, problem-solving student dilemmas (like the great "My Dog Ate My Homework" saga), exercising critical thinking strategies (especially when faced with unexpected questions), and mastering the art of active listening (even during those inevitable mid-lecture daydreams).

I was the keeper of attendance records, the guardian of grades, and the gatekeeper of performance assessments—all while adhering to institutional policies and procedures like a seasoned professional (or at least pretending to be).

Supporting student success? That's where the real magic happened. I offered office hours, and mentoring sessions because teaching isn't just about what happens in the classroom—it's about guiding and nurturing individual growth.

And let's not overlook my commitment to staying relevant. I had to meet them on their level at times to keep the content fresh and students engaged.

In the end, my stint as a fresh grad teaching undergrads was a whirlwind of challenges, triumphs, and plenty of moments that kept me on my toes. Here's to all the lessons learned, both inside and outside the syllabus!