12 Sep 2. United States of Academia

I am still unable to include pictures in my blog posts, thank you technology, so I have had to take some time to think of an appropriate topic that does not require visual aids. I have decided to go back to basics. The real reason I am here in San Francisco is to study. And so, I shall tell you about my college life.

Firstly there is a lot of reading. It isn’t like the UK where the assigned reading is recommended. No, this reading is compulsory, unless you want to sit in the next class completely clueless as to what is being discussed. If you don’t do your reading, you can’t contribute in class, if you don’t contribute in class then your grade suffers. Thankfully I’m a quick reader so I’ve pretty much managed to keep on top of it.

Attendance is also crucial. I know people, in the UK, who maybe attended one or two lectures per semester and still passed. They most likely even pulled at 2:1 out of the bag. That just would not pass here. Most classes allow you 2, maybe 3, absences per semester and then your grade starts to drop. It’s strict but it certainly helps to get you out of bed for your 8.10am classes.

And now onto the main event: the teachers themselves. On the whole they are referred to as professors. Most are quite happy to be referred to by their first name, just like in the UK, but one of mine likes to be “Profressor” which is fair enough as he probably worked hard for that title. One of my teachers prefers his first name, but also thinks being a professor sounds “cool” so really does not mind what we call him – within reason.

I feel incredibly lucky as all of my professors are very different in terms of their personalities but they all clearly love what they’re teaching. My Californian Culture teacher makes the BEST dad jokes and constantly quotes his Grandmother, Stella. My Acting teacher gave his first lesson on how we should stop giving so many f**ks about what people around us are doing and to focus on ourselves. My Language, Culture and Power teacher has time for everyone’s point of view and then takes the time to see things from their side. My Dialects teacher pushes those who are doing well and encourages those who maybe aren’t quite getting it. Enthusiastic teachers create enthusiastic pupils.

The only negative I can think of about the education aspect of SF State is the mandatory “Think About It” online class that every student had to take. This one-size-fits-all style of online course is intended to educate students on how to stay safe on the college campus. In my view it is a step to eradicate rape culture that indirectly supports it, but that is a whole other blog post right there!!!

So there you have it: read, go to class, speak up and enjoy your professors for all their quirks. All in all, I am loving the academic culture of America. Long may that continue.

Hopefully these pesky technical issues are resolved soon and I can start posting blogs that aren’t just me going on, and on, and on. Pictures make everything a bit more interesting, right?

Until next time, have a good one!