For those starting a new semester, you may have already looked up your professors on “rate my professor” to get an idea about what you’ve gotten yourself into. Some of you may be dealing with a difficult supervisor, or have a bad relationship with said professors because of some issues that may have occurred (or will occur this semester). If it makes you feel any better, you’re not alone.
As a new mom and a University student, I have faced many challenges with maintaining a professional relationship while advocating for my rights, and having to fight for grades and opportunities I earned that were threatened due to my having a child. Luckily, I have learned a lot from those experiences and have been able to maintain my professional relationships thus far.
My first tip in dealing with difficult people/supervisors is to avoid confronting an issue in the moment. Doing so may cause the receiving party to feel attacked and they may become defensive. Instead, try writing down your frustrations and concerns, or find someone to vent to so you are able to approach the next step with a clear mind.