It seems that every class I have, the subject of dropping out comes up. I notice a connection with my students that tells me they know that I "get it" when I tell them my true personal story. I almost dropped out of my master's program years ago due to the death of someone close to me. One particular professor of mine was instrumental in making me hang in. I am forever thankful to her. I feel she payed it forward.

With my students I always start by giving them my phone number. I tell them to let me know if they have a problem getting to class. The last thing I want is for them to feel like if they are 5-10 minutes late. they should not even show up. I don't wait for them to start teaching, but I feel like this understanding keeps them coming and motivated. I teach math, and they already feel intimidated from the get go. They are responsible for catching up, and I find they always do.