As I write this, Tropical Storm Isaac is moving away from Florida and headed for New Orleans. Florida is getting rain, a little wind, and there is a threat of tornado formation. Students are not thrilled to be walking around campus in this kind of weather, and some will decide to skip classes.
Don’t. Just don’t. Your professors will be in class, and they will not be pleased that you didn’t make the effort to be there too. Oh, they will remember skipping classes when they were undergraduates, but they won’t be sympathetic to your desire to stay dry.
For those of you in areas where rain is common, put a large plastic bag inside your backpack and just leave it there. Someday you can use it to protect your books so even if your backpack gets wet, your books won’t. Wear it as a poncho if you need to. There will be others looking just as dorky as you, wearing garbage bags to stay dry. If you can’t bring yourself to do that, keep an umbrella in your backpack, but we warned that if it has a metal shaft, it becomes a lightning rod and is not safe to use in electrical storms. The wind may also turn it inside out.
Do you really think anyone is looking at you hurrying into a building in the rain? They are trying to get inside themselves, and are only looking up enough to avoid running into you. Once inside, you can remove your garbage bag poncho and be comfortable, while they will be waterlogged and miserable.
Most important, though, is that you made it to class. Not only do you not miss important information, you have made a good impression on your professor. Take this opportunity to ask a question, make a comment, or do something to let the professor know you are still focused on learning, even if your shoes have an inch of water inside and your toes are turning into wrinkled prunes. Turn in your assignments, take notes, and congratulate yourself on braving the elements to maintain progress toward your goals.
Every impression on your professor makes a difference in how they see you. Do you need a letter of recommendation for a student government position? They will remember your dedication and effort to do what it takes to complete your obligations. Do you need just a few extra points to raise your grade? Knowing that you care about your education may be enough for the bump to the next grade.
Student Success Strategy #58: It’s raining! Be prepared for inconveniences. Go to class anyway.
Strategies for Students 