The Power of a Name: Creating Connections on the First Day

I’ve learned over the years that the most important word to a student on the first day of class is their name.

Hey Fam,

Thanks for stopping by.

For me, the first day of classes is always special. Stepping into a space full of creative energy and curiosity, surrounded by young minds ready to dive headfirst into their passions, never gets old. There’s something magical about those first few moments, the quiet before the discussions begin, the potential in the air. I believe that the classroom is a place where anything is possible, where every idea is a seed waiting to grow. Teaching, to me, feels a lot like painting.

As educators, we hold the brush to start the first stroke, but the students—they bring the colors that make the picture come alive.

Every classroom begins as a blank canvas. The students—each with their unique experiences, backgrounds, and personalities—are the colors we get to work with. Their energy, questions, and curiosity breathe life into the learning space. Our role as educators is the brush. How we present the material, how we show up with our energy and passion—it all shapes the masterpieces we create together. It’s a living, breathing work of art that evolves throughout the semester.

Each stroke of the brush, each lesson, and each conversation adds dimension to this evolving canvas.

As with any art, it requires attention to detail and a deep respect for the process.

I’ve learned over the years that the most important word to a student on the first day of class is their name. It might seem small, but let me tell you—it’s anything but. It matters when we take the time and effort to say their name out loud (whether you mispronounce it or not). I make it a point to try to memorize each student’s name before the end of the class by playing a memory game during introductions. It works well in smaller classes, and I recommend that you find a way that best suits you and your class size.

Understand that it is less about showcasing your memorization skills and more about showing the students that committing their name to memory means something to you.

It signals to the class that they are not just a number but someone who matters in the space. When we call on a student by their name, we’re inviting them to the class conversation and telling them, “I see you. You matter here.” That connection sets the tone for the entire semester. It shows them that the space we’re in isn’t mine—it’s ours. It’s a small but beautiful way to humanize the learning experience and establish trust from the beginning.?

It’s the first stroke on the canvas and holds more power than we often realize.

This semester, I’m teaching a new course I’ve been itching to explore, Viral Ventures: The Business of Power, Influence, and Attention. This class takes a deep dive into the behind-the-scenes world of social media influencers, how they build their platforms, and the business ecosystems that support them. It’s an exciting space to study, and I’m looking forward to teaching and learning with my students (I’ll be sure to share some clips from my lectures). Social media fascinates me as it constantly evolves, and there is always something new to learn.

I also have the privilege of working with two cohorts of seniors in the Business of Creative Enterprise major through a capstone course called Senior Residency.

This course is particularly special because it’s a blend of theoretical learning and practical application. These students are taking all the skills they’ve honed over their years of study in the program and putting them to the test with a consultancy-style course curriculum. We are privileged to partner with two industry clients: one in the non-profit sector focused on creative youth development and the other in the for-profit space, supporting independent music artists leveraging community building and technology.

Before I wrap up, here are a few things I’d encourage you to consider as you work with your students this semester:

1. Embrace the art of teaching.

Think of your classroom as a blank canvas, full of potential. Your students bring the colors, but your passion, presence, and creativity shape how it all comes together.?

2. Do your best to learn your students’ names early.

It’s more than a formality—it’s a way to build trust and show that you see each individual as a valuable part of the learning environment.

3.??Create space for exploration.

Whether through innovative coursework or mentorship opportunities, give students room to apply what they’re learning in real-world contexts. Let them experiment, fail, and try again.

Our work in the classroom, like a painting, is never really finished. It’s constantly evolving and continually growing. Each semester brings new energy, ideas, and opportunities for us and our students. And that’s the beautiful thing about teaching—it’s a lifelong process of learning, creating, and connecting. I challenge you to ask yourself: What will my classroom canvas look like? How will I shape it with my presence, creativity, and passion?

I’d love to hear about your experiences.

Talk to you soon.

Much Love,

Dr. Jae

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