How to Handle a Difficult Professor
I’m currently dealing with a professor whose heavy accent makes it really challenging to understand him. To make matters worse, the workload is overwhelming—there’s just too much to get done in one week. With three other courses to manage, I can’t devote all my time to this class.
I’ve even stopped taking notes because I’m so swamped with assignments. To keep up, I’ve been using ChatGPT to help answer questions since I find it hard to grasp the material. Unfortunately, this means I’m not truly learning anything; I’m just rushing to meet deadlines. Even though this is a college-level course, none of my previous classes have felt this frantic.
Right now, I have about 60 tasks due next week, including videos, labs, notes, and various questions. I feel completely burnt out, and we’ve barely just started the semester.
Unfortunately, dropping the class isn’t an option since it’s past the add/drop period, and it’s required for my major. I already dropped one course because the professor’s yelling gave me a headache. How can I cope with this situation for the next few months? Any advice would be appreciated!
It sounds like you’re really in a tough spot, and it’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed. Here are some strategies you might consider to help navigate this situation with your professor:
Communicate: If you feel comfortable, try reaching out to your professor to express your concerns. You could mention that you’re struggling to understand the material due to the language barrier and ask if there are additional resources available—like office hours or supplementary materials—that could help clarify things.
Form a Study Group: If possible, find classmates who feel similarly and form a study group. Collaborating with others can make it easier to discuss the material and help each other out with assignments.
Prioritize Tasks: Break down your assignments into manageable parts and prioritize them based on deadlines and importance. Focus on the most critical tasks first, and give yourself permission to do your best rather than aiming for perfection.
Seek Academic Support: Many colleges offer tutoring or academic support services. Consider reaching out to them for help with understanding the material or managing your workload.
Talk to Your Advisor: If things continue to feel unmanageable, consider discussing your situation with your academic advisor. They can provide guidance on what options you have and how to approach the class.
Take Care of Yourself: Make sure to prioritize your mental health. Set aside time for breaks and self-care, even if it feels like there’s no time. It’s important to recharge to avoid burnout.
Reflect on Your Learning Style: Since note-taking isn’t working with the current pace, think about other ways to engage with the material—maybe watching recorded lectures multiple times or using different resources that provide clearer explanations.
Remember that you’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed in college, and it’s okay to ask for help. Good luck, and take care of yourself!