Sometimes I Just Pull Up To J’s Room In A Free Period And Start Talking … She Said I Can Come Talk

tips for anxious tc'ers

having a tc is hard. eveyone knows the feeling of going blank when youre around your tc, or stumbling and choking on your words when you try to speak to them. so i decided to compile a list of tips that i have used that have worked for me (an extremely shy and awkward person) get close to my (extremely closed off/cold-ish) tc. if you're looking for ways to start a conversation with your tc and make that leap into a more casual relationship - read on.

these tips work well for when you're both online and on-campus :)

pets.

this is a very good way to talk to your tc when everyone is stuck at home during online school. how many times have you seen a dog running across the frame in your tc's class? or heard meows in the background? if this every happens, take the leap and ask your tc (preferably after class as not to derail) what their pets name is. when i did this my tc even she sent me some pictures! it's a great conversation starter and you can ask about the pet again in the future :)

casual segways.

this one is a little trickier and more nerve-wracking and it can be difficult depending on what class your tc teaches, but making the leap is really important. to do this, you have to first be having a class discussion in your tc's class. for example, one time we were learning about how different cultures celebrate christmas. so i casually asked L how she'd be celebrating and spending her holiday. this turned into a conversation and brought us slightly closer together. asking your tc personal questions related to what you're learning is great, it shows them you're interested in both them and the class and everybody loves talking about themselves.

joining/coming to class early for small talk.

i know everyone has sat and waited a couple minutes before joining a google meet so that they aren't alone with the teacher, but joining early when it's just the two of you can create some really good conversations. it's scary and you have to be quick, but joining quickly and giving a quick 'hi! how are you?' can create a friendly relationship between you. adding in a 'how was your weekend?' can create a great conversation as-well.

advice, questions, help.

this is an obvious one, but asking your tc for help or reaching out to them for guidance is a great way to talk to them. if you have assignments or assessments in their class, you can ask for advice or for them to check on your work. the worst part about this tip is actually coming up with a question to ask, lol. you can confirm due dates, clarify details, and ask a quedtion about what to do or how to do something.

compliments (within reason)

everyone likes getting complimented, and when we're online it can be a great way to lift up your tc's mood. i wouldn't go too far with compliments, i'd stick with things like 'i like your shirt' or "cool earrings!'. another great opportunity is complimenting your tc if they get a new haircut or change something about their appearance. one time, my tc got bangs and i complimented her. this became a conversation and that was one of the first times i really spoke to her! and if you're worried about being weird or obvious, there have been countless times when ive complimented other teachers on their jewelery or clothes. its alwayd been recieved well.

speak up!

keeping engaged and active during a class is really difficult to do, especially whenever we're online. a good way to create a good relationship with your tc is engaging in their class! obviously, dont be obnoxious or rude, but answering questions and making jokes can be a great way to liven up a lesson. if your tc asks 'how are you guys' in your class and nobody says anything, take the leap and answer! it can be awkward and really scary, but trust me it's worth it. don't let your tc's questions go unanswered.

first time seeing j back at school after easter and

i spent all lunch in her room and it just . felt like home

when she says i can come see her to chat anytime 🥰🥰🥰🥰

why does a fucking teacher need to look so hot

27/12/22

so i’m seeing her next week :)

How to get closer to your TC 💌

As a seasoned tc’er and someone who has a lot of experience with telling my tc exactly how I feel I thought I would put together a list of things I did (or I think would work) to get closer with your tc.

It is important that you do not do these things under any expectation that they will reciprocate any feelings you have. Respect boundaries. Remember they are people and that being a friend/mentor will be more valuable to you than you realise. DO NOT EXPECT ANYTHING ROMANTIC.

- be vocal and interactive in class, being engaged in a teachers lesson is not only flattering but shows you have interest

- try to find some common ground, for my tc it was vinyls and our love of movies

- don’t try to force something romantic. Aim to be friends because that is the only way they will open up and talk to you like anything more than a student

- if your school had any fun events or games, start a rivalry and tease them about you winning it. Challenge them.

- compliment them, everyone likes compliments and it doesn’t have to be super obvious. Some compliments I would recommed are; I love your tshirt, your hair looks good today, that lesson was really fun/interesting, you’re super funny or smart. Stuff like that.

- say thank you when you leave class, it’s the little things that make you seem polite and stick out from the crowd

- if you’re looking to go into the subject they teach, ask them about their experience. And if you aren’t, ask them what University was like or if they think it was worth it

- take interest in their lives, ask them how their day/week/ weekend was and really listen. As long as they say something there’s always something you can continue the conversation with

- if you start to become more friendly ask if you can spend time in their room at lunch (you may even sit in silence but it’s better than nothing)

- do something outside of class that involves them. Join the musical, offer to take photos for the newsletter, help run younger students activities

- make an inside joke. Something fun and lighthearted that they can expect when they see you. (I kept stealing a trophy he won and put it in my home room, I wrote a ransom note and everything. It was lighthearted and worked to start conversation)

- if you see them walking around say hi or stop and have a chat

- ask for advice over email or something to start other forms of communication

- if you two talk about music, make a playlist and put songs you recommend on there (I did this and it is still one of my favourite things)

- tell them you like to spend time with them, don’t try to hide your feelings but tell them little truths.

- tease them. Tell them to step up their PowerPoint game or to stop acting so old.

Obviously these are concrete examples of what you can do but the most valuable thing you can do is treat them like a real person. Just because they’re your teacher doesn’t mean they’re not human, just like you.

Find what works for you and your tc, it’s not as scary as you think.

7/2/22

we had such a nice conversation today she was telling me about her dream car and her family and how much she hates teaching younger classes and it was literally the best time ever . her laugh is so cute

she doesn’t even have kids but j is such a MILF

always enjoy the little things in life, because one day you’ll look back and realize they were big things.

Everything I do, I wonder what you’d think about it.