University mentor

[chris11]

Hey. So, I have sort of just gotten a mentor of sorts this semester. Anyways, the person teaches one of my classes. I made a ridicolous error on todays quiz. Usually, I screw up on the first quiz of the semmester since I've had some time away from such things, and exposure needs to be more or less constant. Also, I pretty much need to have a lot of space while I'm writing a test or quiz. Such space was impossible in today's room. Anyways, the quiz isn't worth a lot of my mark, so I'm not worried about that. What I am worried about, however, is how this person will think of me. No one wants to mentor a fool. :: Rationally, I know that this person knows that I'm not an idiot, because I've talked to her a number of times about interesting problems; however, I can't seem to shake this thought. I hate disapointing people. And I don't know why people post these types of things online. I suspect it's because they want to express themselves to someone, but also want the veil of annonmyminity that the internet gives. Mhm. Just a charateristic that we all have in common, I guess.

 

[kihira]

No one wants to mentor a fool

Why not? I'd rather that than having to mentor an Einstein - bit pointless?

I'm positive she would not think less of you, if you're worried about it then explain it to her

 

[Feathers]

Well, Einstein was considered to be an 'idiot' in the first few years of his life, if I remember it right??

Any wise mentor will know, that sometimes it's important to be 'stupid' or ask 'stupid' questions too... It's how progress is made..
And some people function better in person/in talking than in writing..

Phocas is right, if you knew everything already, there would be no need for education or mentoring.. It may still be good to talk about it if you're nervous.. you can tell about needing more space and if it's possible to arrange it somehow for next time.. (some teachers can be accomodating - maybe an extra chair/table could be brought in, or you might write a test in their chair or in their office...? or maybe they can look for a bigger classroom next time?)
About 'needing more exposure' - is this another way of saying you haven't practised/studied at home much and just 'learn it all at school'? (I've seen it with some high school students - they just didn't know anything after holidays or so) Or you need exposure with tests and it's easier if you write them more frequently? (Two very different things.. In the latter case, the teacher would likely be MUCH more understanding..)
You could even joke a bit that you're aware of the silly error and can't believe you made it and apparently 'the space was too crowded and you need more room to think'? when you get the paper back? (though any serious talk about different arrangements would be best done privately, just you and the teacher)
Many teachers are flattered and appreciative if students are frustrated with not doing their best and want to do better..