Deeper Connections
25 SEPTEMBER 2025 / By Flay-Ming Akori
25 SEPTEMBER 2025 / By Flay-Ming Akori
Relationships
What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of the word ‘relationship’? Could it be a friend, your family, or even a partner? Those answers work, but what if connections can span beyond the basics? Making connections with the right people can help you succeed in your future. Whether it’s taking the time to talk to your professors, or smiling at a news reporter; finding the right connections can get you far in life now and after you graduate.Forming Connections
When it comes to forming connections, it’s quite easy. The key is to start simple and work up.Getting to Know Your Teachers and Professors
Bobcats and Spartans can both agree that getting to know your educators is a smart move when it comes to working up the ranks. Why be popular with other students when you can be popular with teachers instead? This way, you’ll be more likely to be called on and get stickers.Things you can do to connect to teachers and professors is to smile and wave to them as you pass by in the hall. Another thing you can do is stay after class to connect, chat, and express positive feelings about their class and subject. Researching and studying the subject can also help connect, giving them the impression you’re genuine. You could impress them with your knowledge and ask well thought-out questions.
Getting to Know Your Future Boss
Being active in forming connections outside of school can help improve your chances of being considered for internships, which is perfect for getting hired after graduation. Internships are a great way to explore different job interests you may have, and can help you develop skills for that job.Things you can do is catch them outside of work and ask them questions about their jobs, giving them your attention and being genuine. Another thing you can do is pinpoint the school subjects that relate to the profession and to choose those classes over others. Doing that will allow you to gain the right abilities and information you’ll need to eventually gain a connection with your potential boss.
If you want to be a school faculty, like a teacher or receptionist, you can form connections with the people with the roles in school. It’ll be easier since they’re all in one place each weekday.
Forming Connections with Family, Friends, and Classmates
Some students can relate to having a family member as a member of faculty. Whether it’s a parent or sibling, family life can often merge with school life. While this isn't a bad thing, it can lead to a shift in dynamic. You’re able to keep up a positive familial relationship, but at school, it’ll be wise to take a step back and be respectful and form a professional relationship. As someone who relates to this, I make an attempt to attend their classes when they host. I also find the classes more interesting when I know the person who teaches it.Friendships should be formed whenever you can. The more friends you have, the more friends of those friends you’ll get to know. Expanding your social circle gives you more opportunities to meet people who can give you opportunities. That could look like knowing a friend’s friend, who also happens to share an apartment with a reporter, a profession you happen to want to check into.
Classmates hold a similar effect, but covers a broader range. It’s unrealistic to be friends with everyone and their friends, so getting to know your classmates can help improve your social skills. Simply being nice will get you far in life, and you may even find a good friend.
