Hope Jernigan speaks out for personal communication. “We’re social creatures. We need to hear tone of voice, see body language, and take in all the meaning those convey. In written communication, those meanings get lost in translation. It’s easy to misunderstand a written message.” An IU Online senior at IU Kokomo, Jernigan is fully immersed, with 18 credit hours, law school applications, and a full-time job. She’ll graduate with a B.S. in Business Administration in August 2025.
Law school is next. She credits her success to the relationships she’s built with faculty and to her own determination.
Talk to your professors!
To students she says, “Your professors want to talk to you! They’re people too. They miss that in-person interaction and want you to be more than a screen name. I asked a professor for a recommendation for law school, then asked if we could Zoom first. He thanked me for reaching out! He wanted to know more about me, my story, why law school, and how his class prepared me for law school.”
IU Online professors are more than teachers
“I’ve been to six schools. At IU Online, I received an equitable educational experience. My professors have showed me grace and empathy. They understand that adult online students experience all kinds of life circumstances. They worked with me when I had family concerns and health concerns. They understand that life happens and accommodated me. This is what higher education should look like.
“There’s a difference between a teacher and an educator. Educators have a wholistic approach. They’re the Kobe (Bryant) of their class. They’re empathetic and understanding. They offer individualized learning.
“A big shout out to Professor Elizabeth Clayton, who teaches organizational behavior. She provides a very well-rounded curriculum, and she’s also a great educator. During a coffee chat one day, she advised me that one of her professors bestowed grace on her, and in return, she bestows it upon her students."
Meet your profs, build your networks
“Speaking with your professors helps your networking skills. You build confidence in working through the hierarchy. You get experience breaking the ice. This is preparation for your work life.
“Putting a face to a name goes a long way in building your networks. The goal of the degree is your career. You get a lot of jobs through word of mouth. You never know who knows whom.”
Talking is more effective than writing
“Talking to someone instead of writing makes a world of difference. You form a deeper connection. So many phrases hide deeper meanings and assumptions. What does someone really mean when they say, ‘Good point’? Ask why they think it’s good. That helps you identify your strengths. The deeper meaning is especially important for problem solving in the working world. You need to know the details of the problem: the background, how it came about, what it means, who the stakeholders are, and why they feel as they do. You find out those things in conversation.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t advocated for myself, talked to my professors, and experienced their grace. Please meet with your professors. They want to hear from you."
