The Importance of Your Student Staying Connected to Their Advisor/Professors

As all students are, our son was assigned an advisor who was related to the major he chose upon entering UMass. With such a big school environment, maneuvering his way around college life, classes and now off campus living, it can all be intimidating and overwhelming.  He sort of knew what direction he was interested in but could not figure out exactly what career direction to reach for.IMG_7781

During this past summer, through much thought and discussion with his friends and us – his parents – he realized what he is most passionate about (and I could see and hear for the first time the excitement).  However, he was concerned about having to change majors yet again if it meant he had to stay an extra year or more to complete his degree.

A friend suggested he should meet with the head of the department (Agriculture and Sustainable Farming). This can be an intimidating task for a young person, to seek out, reach out and set up an appointment with someone they don’t know. But it’s a GREAT lesson, especially in this technological world where it’s easy to hide behind a keyboard or smart phone. Well, he did it and it was the best thing he could have done for himself. This particular professor was actually on vacation at the time but was going to be in the area and so happily agreed to meet with our son and my husband to discuss his ideas (farming by the way). My husband wanted to be present in case he had questions himself – after all – he’s footing the bill!

After the meeting, our son (and we – his parents) were very encouraged. He looked at what classes he has taken and what he’ll need to take to graduate.  The professor was able to help him get into the classes he still needs.  In the end, thanks to the time and advice of this man, our son will actually graduate on time and since all of his Gen-Ed requirements are satisfied, the classes left are subjects he’s very interested in.  With the semester in full swing – this professor is our son’s new advisor and they keep in touch to keep on track.

So my advice to all parents/caregivers, in a large environment such as UMass Amherst, is to encourage your student to get to know their advisor and professors – the right person can be extremely helpful in guiding our students down the path of their choice and helping them make the right decisions.

Pam Meoli  is the mother of a Sustainable Food & Farming major student, class of 2018