Stephanie, A positive first impression can be made with students through activities that you introduce during the first class. Do an ice breaker or two that gets students talking and interacting with each other and you. Share a laugh with them and discuss how they can be successful in the course. This is of course in addition to being prepared, appropriately dressed, on time and professional in your introduction of yourself and your students. It is amazing that with a few activities at the beginning of a new class you can get the student focused on the class and excited about coming back the next time. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.