Washington & Jefferson College

Alexandra Tropea, left, with Jennifer Harding, assistant professor of English at W&J

My New Best Friend…The Teacher?

W&J prides itself on its 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, but there’s more to it than that.

Professors at W&J make it a point to get to know their students on a deeper level so that they can provide the best guidance to each student. Professors stay late to clarify points, but they also like to hang out with the students. To them, it’s more than a 9-to-5 job.

Dr. Harding is one of the professors I have established a good relationship with. She was my professor for Freshman Forum (an introductory class for all W&J freshmen) and since freshman year, I have had her for three other classes. I take Dr. Harding’s classes because I like her as a person, but I like her because she made my first experience in a college class memorable. She always is willing to offer advice or to ground me when I’m getting ahead of myself.

I’ve even managed to develop relationships with professors whose classes I haven’t taken simply by seeing them around and starting a conversation. Dr. Cavoti, chair of the psychology department, is a professor I met when he observed my class. I got to know him by staying after to have a chat. A simple hello turned into humorous banter anytime we now meet.

I attribute a large part of my success at W&J to the positive professor/student relationships I have established. Along with their genuine concern for our well being, the professors’ respect for our opinions is another reason why you may surprisingly find your professor your best friend at W&J.

Alexandra Tropea
W&J Class of 2011