Being seen makes all the difference.
We joke about professors assigning five assignments over reading week, but behind the memes, there’s something real.
Many students feel misunderstood. Not because professors don’t care, but because there’s a gap between what students are dealing with and what professors might assume.
Student life isn’t just about studying — it’s a constant juggle of classes, part-time jobs, family responsibilities and mental health challenges.
On top of that, there’s pressure to perform, meet deadlines and stay afloat. Professors are a big part of this journey. They teach, guide and support you. But sometimes, students just wish their professors truly understood how much they’re carrying at once.
We asked some Humber Polytechnic students what they wish their professors knew about students. Here is what they said.
Living in survival mode
I spoke with an anonymous international student who opened up about the real struggles of studying abroad. Many international students might seem late to class, quiet or behind on assignments, but often it’s because they are in “survival mode.”
They deal with a lot, immigration stress, financial worries, working long night shifts and adjusting to a new culture. “We finally got the chance to study abroad, but a lot of us are just trying to keep up,” the student said.
The student acknowledged that this can sometimes frustrate professors, saying they understand the challenges and hope students can do better.
Still, small acts of kindness from professors make a huge difference. One professor, with his humor and patience, made a difficult course much easier.
“I didn’t even like the subject, but his humour helped me learn more than I expected. I think he’s the best professor I’ve ever had,” the student said.
Caught between work and due dates
Another international student described the fatigue of juggling a part-time job while trying to keep up academically.
“I’m writing essays at 2 a.m. after an eight-hour shift. If I look zoned out or don’t participate much, it’s not that I don’t care. I’m just tired all the time,” they said.
They also shared how tight deadlines can be overwhelming. “I’ve skipped meals just to meet a deadline. It’s not healthy, but sometimes it feels like I have no choice,” the student said.
“I wish assignments were a little less because it gets a lot and there seems to be no break,” they added.
Despite this, the student emphasized how even small gestures from professors can make a big difference.
“When a professor shows understanding and says, ‘Let me know what you need,’ it means the world,” they mentioned.
Just knowing they are seen motivates them to keep trying harder.
Struggling to learn
A student described the invisible pressure they face while navigating their studies.
They noted that many professors rely heavily on YouTube videos or online tutorials to deliver course material, which can be confusing and hard to follow.
The student noted that while some videos are engaging, lengthy ones often become boring and make it difficult to stay focused.
“When explanations aren’t clear, it feels like we’re expected to figure everything out on our own,” the student explained.
This approach can leave students feeling isolated and uncertain. The student also shared that they often hesitate to ask questions in class, fearing they might stand out or appear less capable.
They also shared a desire for more class discussions, believing it would make learning more enjoyable and engaging.
Understanding starts with empathy
It’s important to note that students know professors are navigating a lot, too. They manage large classes, create content, answer emails, grade assignments and often juggle their own research, other jobs and personal lives. Compassion isn’t one-sided.
Many professors go above and beyond and students do notice. Even small actions leave a mark, like extending a deadline, checking in after class or simply creating a space where students feel a little relaxed.
Some students are afraid of being judged. Others don’t know what they’re allowed to ask for. Some have simply never been taught how to advocate for themselves. But when professors lead with understanding, it helps break that silence.
And when students begin to see professors not as distant authority figures but as human beings, communication can flow both ways.
Being seen matters
There’s no perfect formula for how professors should interact with students or vice versa. Every student’s story is different. But one thing these stories share is a need for understanding.
So, here’s to the professors who balance high expectations with kindness, the ones who ask how students are really doing, who lighten the room with a joke and remind us all that learning is a human journey. Your impact is greater than you know.
And to the students who feel exhausted and overwhelmed yet keep showing up, even when your effort goes unseen, you are not invisible and you are not alone.
The classroom thrives when both sides are truly seen and heard.
More honesty, more listening and more kindness can change everything!
Feature image courtesy of Kenny Eliason via Unsplash
Professors were once in your shoes. Want to hear their advice? Get it straight from the source!
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