Can I get my microbiology a professor a microbe? serious

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daydreamer84
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22 Feb 2010, 11:04 pm

I have driven my biology professor insane this year by incessantly asking questions, and thus holding her up and making her late for her other classes. I also had a problem with being given the wrong (much lower) grade by accident. I had to communicate quite a lot with her before this issue by email. I spend a lot of time obsessing over exactly how to word the emails so as not to inadvertently offend her (social anxiety). I also have spent most of this year obsessively studying the material for this course, as I found it challenging, and was also very interested in it. I am doing extremely well in this course. Most of this year my life has revolved around it. Unlike some of my other professors she has tried to answer my questions, and has encouraged me quite a bit.

Anyways for all of these reasons, I feel much attached to this course, and my professor. I wanted to get her a little present at the end of term. The problem is that final grades won't be in by the last time I see her. They sell these little stuffed microbes/cells online, they have white blood cells, neurons, herpes, sperm and egg cells etc, and they are really cute stuffed animals! Anyways, I wanted to get her a white blood cell. She seems very passionate about cell biology, so I think if she doesn't already have one she would appreciate it. Also, I think it is a nice thing to do, to get someone a white blood cell. Like wishing them good health. Do you think it is inappropriate to give my university professor a present? If not...it more appropriate to give her the present now or at the end of the year. I don't want it to look like I am sucking to her...grade grubbing. I am already worried she might think this from all the questions I ask. What do you think?



Orwell
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22 Feb 2010, 11:17 pm

It's acceptable to do so, but to avoid any appearance of impropriety you may want to wait until after the professor's deadline for submitting your grades.


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daydreamer84
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23 Feb 2010, 12:34 am

Thank you for responding. That is good advice. The thing is the last time I see her in class will be before her deadline for grade submission. So...do I go to her office after the term has ended...or maybe next year and deliver it to her personally? I know it seems silly to worry so much about this. I just really want to show her how much I appreciate the extra time she took to just answer my many many random questions. I thought I could say thank you to her as well when I give her the present, if I work up the courage. The thing is I really didn't want to go to her office personally...I am not sure I have the courage to do that. Although I probably should....for the sake of propriety. I think you are right.

Also, sorry for the atrocious grammar/ typos/ wrong words for the context of my original post. I just noticed them now. They are pretty ridiculous! I have seven hours of class on Mondays.....and I had a five hour exam in my last period today. I am very very sleepy.
:D



Gremmie
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23 Feb 2010, 3:04 am

Maybe you should give it to her soon after you get your grade (hopefully it will be a good one) and thank her then.



daydreamer84
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23 Feb 2010, 8:45 pm

Thanks Gremmie.....that is probably what I will do. =)



valkyrieraven88
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23 Feb 2010, 10:18 pm

Agree completely with Orwell. I think it's a great idea, too.



TheCaityCat
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25 Feb 2010, 5:46 pm

I think this is a great idea too! Just, as others have said, give it to her after the deadline for grades. Little things like that are often appreciated.