Starting the semester with Inspiration: A student’s perspective

For many students, the start of a new semester is an exhilarating time. We look forward to diving into new subjects, meeting new people, and expanding our horizons. Yet, the first day is often a bit of a let-down. Instead of feeling inspired about the material that lies ahead, we’re usually greeted with a barrage of assessments, deadlines, and subject requirements. While these logistical details are essential, they can feel overwhelming and dampen our initial enthusiasm. What should be an engaging start can quickly turn into a checklist of rules and requirements, making the experience feel more like a chore than an adventure. This procedural focus can deflate the excitement we bring to the classroom, leaving us less enthusiastic about what lies ahead.

What if the start of the semester could be a moment of inspiration rather than obligation?

Beginning with Inspiration: A Fresh Approach

I recently experienced a different approach that made a profound impact on me as a student. My tutor didn’t kick off the semester with a rundown of rules and deadlines. Instead, she focused on something much more valuable—connecting with us as individuals and inspiring us about the journey ahead.

Here’s how she did it:

1. Personal engagement

   Rather than standing at the front and going straight into the syllabus, she moved around the room, engaging with us, one-on-one. She asked about our backgrounds, our interests, and any of our experiences that relate to the subject. This simple act made us feel seen, heard, and valued from the very beginning. We weren’t just students in a classroom; we were contributors to the learning process.

2. Sharing real stories

   She didn’t just talk about the subject content—she brought it to life with her own stories and experiences. These weren’t generic anecdotes; they were insightful, directly tied to the material, and they made the subject feel real and relevant. It was clear that she wasn’t just teaching us; she was sharing a part of herself and her journey.

3. Articulating “the why” of the subject

   Perhaps most importantly, she took the time to explain the “why” behind what we were going to learn. She connected the dots between the content and its real-world applications, showing us why it mattered and how it could make a difference in our lives and the world. This made the learning feel purposeful and ignited our curiosity. When educators take the time to connect personally with their students and share their own stories, it creates a learning environment that is both exciting and meaningful. This approach helps maintain the initial excitement and fosters a deeper connection with the subject matter.

Why This Matters

Starting the semester with inspiration and connection makes a huge difference. As a student, it’s an that approach doesn’t just invite us to be more excited about learning—it makes us more committed to it. We start to see ourselves not just as students fulfilling obligations, but as active participants in a shared journey of discovery.

So, as you prepare for the next semester, consider what beginning with inspiration looks like to you, in your subject, with your students. It’s a small shift that can lead to a big change, with the potential to turn the start of the semester into the adventure it’s meant to be.