Published: 2011 | Revised: 01/23/19
"This is not something to forget but to reflect on."
I document (write & record audios/videos) of my experience in the academic setting which extends to the early 2000s (high-school & college). I thought it would be wise to provide an overview, and therefore: I titled it...Academia (to provide a significant amount of coverage).
I'll organize by providing links to specific areas of interest.
Index: read by clicking on the following.
I completed my education in both nutrition (dietetics) and exercise science.
Therefore, I reflect on certain experiences.
As a student in dietetics: at times, I was out-spoken...pointing out inconsistencies, conflicts of interest and all things w/ the American Dietetic Association (now called: The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics). In Dietetics (and the academic setting)...that is frowned upon..
I focused on a post and videos titled: Men in Dietetics, click here.
I constructed this entry in (2011). Whether a person is a graduate or undergraduate...I wanted this to be...you are not alone type of entry; so, when reading/listening, there maybe a certain level of entertainment and education. Originally, this entry was titled: Professors who brag…but cannot teach! However, there are layers worth peeling. Few would openly disclose and discuss issues on the inside...especially...if someone's academic career is at cost. Some people build an academic career through an approval system of: brown-nosing and etc.
"Politics (and one's socioeconomic) status plays a profound role on who gets pushed to the top and who remains there."
I was advised NOT to share nor speak of my experience. Because...I performed considerably well, and could possibly, have a strong career as: a dietitian and/or personal trainer.
"Why jeopardize that?"
Therefore, I was directed NOT to point out conflicts of interest and poor protocols....makes the profession look bad, and I would be an outcast and/or blackballed; also, I was informed: no professor will support you - that includes: letter of recommendation and etc . Now, any student who wants to apply for program, will most likely, need support - it does not get any easier moving forward (unless someone is pushing a new face so-to-speak).
I was not that guy everyone liked or agreed w/ either - badge of honor.
I feel that's the problem w/ our educational system. Yes, I admit...there's backlash. I did lose respect from some educators and they would NOT associate w/ me - I was ostracized. I took it in stride and made the Dean’s as one of the university’s high achieving students (w/ perfect attendance). I focused on my goals (not industry goals of how I should be).
Additionally, I was the go-to-guy and recommended tutor; I helped students better understand nutrition biochemistry and physiology. No one can take that away from me. W/ hard work and dedication...I managed to earn letters of recommendation. Furthermore, since the early 2000s, I've been working as a fitness & nutritional consultant.
I want to (L)EARN as-much-as possible.
I must repeat myself...I wanted to earn my education the right way and stay away from the wrong people. Sounds like a good idea, however, I learned that was not realistic. I cannot avoid all situations...it is a learn-as-you-go type of experience. Furthermore, the wrong people can come in the form of: students and professors. I stood my ground and managed to call-out (predator types) gender discrimination (both men and women) / racist individuals in power. Yes, this goes on in academia (even academic dishonesty / plagiarism). Sometimes....anonymously and publicly...I reported some professors for favoritism - NO student should receive a higher grade just because s/he agrees or brown-noses to-the-top...but it happens...especially anyone pursuing the dietetic industry (RD credential).
An academic setting should NOT be a popularity contest. Rules should apply to everyone.
I study both nutrition & exercise science, and for the most part….I’ve had an awesome experience. W/ that said, I had to be firm...rules should apply to everyone!
No good deed goes unpunished.
For various reasons, I reported quite a few professors & teaching assistants. I realize some failing students tend to-take-it out on others (including the professor)...I am not part of that group. keep in mind, usually...at that time, I scored above class average.
Anyway...that is where I constructed my original entry...titled: Professors who brag…but cannot teach (an issue plaguing the U.S.A)!
Before I continue further...there are good and bad professors.
Just imagine paying $ just to teach yourself, and at times, that was me. I was paying $300-to-$500 per credit - that does not include textbooks / material and cost of living.
I recall one experience in particular - exercise science course: lecture and lab - we were not given an option or any details to purchase a textbook - PowerPoint presentations were provided; I, however, did not sell-back nutrition/physiology textbooks...and so, I was able to re-use to complete the course.
I recall my professor pulling material (including images) from the internet w/ out citations/sources.
The information was not only inaccurate...but poorly constructed / presented.
At the time, the instructor was unaware that I was a tutor & completed a handful of biology courses (physiology and chemistry).
Therefore, I confronted the instructor.
****Please visit this page for further updates as I am currently adding material / information****
I’ll elaborate:
Read word-for-word off of a PowerPoint presentation
Lazy and not prepared
Lose students homework
What was the underlying problem:
The professor was UNABLE to:
Answer basic questions
Understand basic concepts
Teach basic concepts
Communicate one-on-one - failed to: 5. Empower individuals 6. Properly monitor 7. Make corrections – treat individuals as an equal – build on knowledge base allowed / permitted: 8. Academic dishonesty 9. Embraced poor performance
What did this professor exhibit: 10. Egotistical (brag about a degree) 11. Interest in appearance (expensive clothing)
How does this set an example?
Some professors are overrated and hide behind a degree (friends at a university) to justify wrong doings. I witnessed it first hand, and I called attention to it. I said, “Where is equality… up in here? Don’t get me started on how women-poo-poo-on-women.”
In USA, we seem fond of this type and wonder why our educational system is an epic failure – girlfriend, not only is it failing – that shit has already fallen – don’t bother picking up the pieces…the foundation has rotted and should be abolished.
Time for a new team that empowers human-beings!
What’s my response?
I was better off teaching myself. Can I receive compensation for that?
I was a tutor: (some people share common horror stories).
In my case – sometimes, mandatory attendance (waste of quality time)!
What’s the end result?
I’m somewhat worried for future professionals in the field of exercise and nutrition. I mean, look at what we have! Personally, I was in a class…students could not perform simple calculations, and I am no pro at mathematics – some resorted to cheating and the professor was aware of it. How is this productive? What does this say to other students who are working hard and not cheating to pass? Do they get any credit - at-least they earned whatever grade.
In the media: hear about the admission scandal? More like...admission scandals.
Note: later, the same students who cheated (failed or barely passed advanced courses). Whatever the case, how will this help perspective clients!? What makes s/he credible?
I understand why the public ignores (so-call-health professionals).
If we take education seriously and treat people how we like to be treated...I consider that a start in the right direction. Furthermore, we need to stop putting such high expectations when (we ourselves cannot legitimately pass). Some of my professors, to be honest, I don't know how they managed to pass science base courses.
Original review / complaint sent to the (the chairperson): I can’t blame ******** (course setup). I’m disappointed with the lack of guidance. I had difficulty getting clear directions/answers (in person/email). Also, goals assign: *** stated: “I’ll only answer questions in this particular lecture. So ask questions now.” Well, later, we may have questions — be open minded/helpful! When communicating: *** had issues making eye contact — her tone was unprofessional/unfriendly. Course: there’s no textbook & powerpoints need citations — where is this data coming from? As for exams: I was disappointed, students were using technology/other means to cheat. Where is the work in cheating? I did report this, but I was told NOT to be the professor. I have a problem with a mediocre system destroying our educational system. Stop ignoring the issues & create solutions for the future! I paid for this course..not you. Spend more than 4 minutes on the topic of heart function and basic biochem. Powerpoint: if there is no textbook – please include citations (sources are important). If a student reports an instructor: please, I hope you take it seriously. A person with a decent track record, a tutor — a double major (who is paying out of pocket) would not waste valuable time. If students are NOT contributing to in-class discussion and cannot recall details from a prior exam — you have to ask why? Why are the minorities (including myself) able to provide answers in-class?