The Tribune

DESIGNER 101

By Teri M. Bethel

Nothing spurs a teacher on like a student who is hungry for more knowledge. I have told my kids for years throughout their education that the squeaky wheel gets the oil. The student that sits quietly but does not pull on their teacher for information, instruction or direction is quite often the student who is least likely to receive above and beyond what the instructor was prepared to give.

Don’t get me wrong, they will probably get the basics or just enough to pass the class. But the student who is hungry and passionate about learning the subject matter is more likely to see their grades soar beyond their wildest imagination.

This does not only apply to youngsters but to adult students who have enrolled in classes. While you want to be considerate of other students receiving the time they are due, that extra push is what takes the go-getter student heads higher than their counterparts.

Yes I know, some teachers may consider you a pest but I’m not suggesting that you pester your instructor; rather, respectfully approach them, and remember timing is everything.

A good instructor will go beyond what is considered standard course material to bring excitement to the class. They will research ways to help their students take their knowledge beyond their expectations. They will be the ones who students pass the good word on and remember for a lifetime.

So you say you are not passionate; you are bored; you just want the time to fly. The best way to see time fly is to become actively involved in the class. Boredom has a way of causing time to feel like it is standing still. But here is a little tip that may help you. Do a search on the internet concerning your subject; see what relevance it has in the bigger scheme of things. Find out alternate ways of doing what you need to get done. Perhaps you can then discuss it with your teacher.

A great teacher will not only embrace the standard way of doing things but just may invest some time in experimenting on other methods of teaching you the same principles. Remember though, chances are they are not doing it because they have nothing better to do. It is usually done just because you are worth it.

• Teri M. Bethel is a texture painting & handbag instructor. She is the designer of Teri Monique Handbags, a line of custom made art purses for ladies. Visit us at: http://www.paintwithtexture.com Tel: 242-676-4474