<p>Yesterday, I e-mailed a few of my professors just to ask which books I'll be needing for this fall so that I could start looking for them online. A friend told me that if I looked in the right places and closely enough, I can get them at much cheaper prices than I would at the bookstores. He said that he's gotten the prices of his books down by half or one third of the original price. I decided to take his advice and to try this for myself. I also knew (and, I'm sure, my friend told me this as well) that when I e-mailed my professors, I would be getting my name to them and would already be making conversation. I knew that this move would pay off in the fall (especially when I show up on their doorsteps wanting to learn during office hours in just a few short weeks). It was a win-win situation.</p>
<p>Well, my history professor has already replied and sent me a letter that I know took much more of his time and effort than needed. I actually wasn't sure whether or not any of them would even respond in the first place (I've been warned that they may not respond)! If I even got a response, all I expected was a list of the books that I would need. </p>
<p>After reading that response (and replying myself to his questions), I hope that most of my professors turn out to be like this over the next few years. It's comforting knowing that they're not only willing to help but are also interested in their students' lives and how much they want to learn. His response has actually been the highlight of my day today! :)</p>