Too young to be a professor?

August 10, 2018 8:40am CST
I have recently switched my job. Now, I am a professor in a university. It is been only two months and I am struggling to look more mature and aged. The students don't take me as a faculty if I am not wearing my ID card. Moreover, other faculties are sort of jealous because of it. I have been wondering is it a good thing or not!
8 people like this
9 responses
• Russian Federation
10 Aug 18
It is not about your face or age. I also look young because it is my aim, but I worked for 2 years in a high school and then 2 years in a uni. I began working officially (at school) when I was 18,5y.o. I have been giving tuitions since 14. Work on your tone, facial expressions, gestures. They are important. If students respect you, they will always keep silence in your classroom and do homework, be ready to help you and do everything you say. Everything depends on you. I have experience working with so-called "difficult" children, orphans with a criminal past, and other categories of students. I always respect my students and treat them well, I am kind to them, interested in them although I am rather strict. I see real people in them. That is why they love me. Good luck
2 people like this
11 Aug 18
Hey Masha! Thank you so much for your advice. Children are nice to me and I have good bond with them The problem is rather the male colleagues.
2 people like this
• Russian Federation
11 Aug 18
@Bluemermaid Even now, you may be a better specialist than they are (you remember you uni's lessons better than them). Show that you are no dependant on them, that students love you, and, of course, show your students' good results after your work and efforts at the end of a school year. Do things the way you feel they should be done, not like those teachers usually do. When you talk, use such words as "innovation," "changes for the better," call yourself a "young specialist." Politely ask them to mind your tone while talking to you if necessary. Be on your own, not in their "flock." I am sure, smart people will support you and turn to you with the time!
1 person likes this
11 Aug 18
@MashaVickina You are right... I agree...
1 person likes this
@Freelanzer (10744)
• Canada
11 Aug 18
You just have to be proud of who you are and your accomplishments. There will be always those who are jealous.
2 people like this
11 Aug 18
Thanks :)
1 person likes this
@cupkitties (7421)
• United States
10 Aug 18
As the mom of a young teacher I can kind of relate to this. My daughter started as a student teacher when she was in high school. One teacher yelled at her because the children ran to hug her. The teacher was just upset because the kids never hugged her. This teacher and some others were always glaring and pointing their phones at her. Not much you can do about haters. Just remember your ID. Also it may help some if you adopt the 'Teacher fashion" at work. Confidence works too. What really matters though is that your students listen to and respect you, you do have the power to put them in their place if they don't
2 people like this
11 Aug 18
Hi! Thanks for the response. I have good bonding with my students and they do respect me. It is just the other staff and some colleagues who are the problem. However, once they realize that I am more than my age and looks, they will back off.
2 people like this
@louievill (28851)
• Philippines
10 Aug 18
Being young and or looking young is a blessing, why mind what people think and let it affect you? Do the best you can in your job and that is to impart learning and knowledge to students and sooner or later they would know that there is something more inside than the outward young age or looks.
2 people like this
10 Aug 18
True indeed. Thanks, it is extremely encouraging.
@Hannihar (129926)
• Israel
10 Aug 18
@Bluemermaid Is all of that affectring your performance?
1 person likes this
10 Aug 18
Not much. But I do feel confused as in how to deal with the situation.
1 person likes this
@Hannihar (129926)
• Israel
10 Aug 18
@Bluemermaid Is there anyone to talk to about it?
1 person likes this
10 Aug 18
@Hannihar No :(
1 person likes this
@Sammilita (228)
• Philippines
11 Aug 18
Physical appearance is just a feature, age is just a number. Dont let other people drag you down because of insecurities.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
11 Aug 18
@Bluemermaid no worries, just keep in mind you're working for the future brings.
11 Aug 18
Hey Jessa! Thank you so much for the encouragement.
1 person likes this
@1hopefulman (45121)
• Canada
12 Aug 18
If this is a job that you love and what you want to do for the rest of your life then endure and persevere. There are things you can do to look more mature by the way you arrange your hair and the clothes that you wear.
@yecall (208)
• United States
12 Aug 18
Don't worry. Just be proud that you achieved so much in so little time.
12 Aug 18
True... Thanks :)
12 Aug 18
Oh my. You are trying to looked matured and aged? While I am dying to look young and healthy. Lol
1 person likes this
12 Aug 18
Hahaha... It is all about circumstances and priorities...