Today I had 15 students in my office for office hours (we are learning action potentials, if you know, you know).  They were everywhere, on my couch, on all my chairs, all over the floor, one was even criss-cross apple sauce under my desk.  Before every question, the student apologized first.  Each time with as much patience and warmth as I could convey, I encouraged them to stop apologizing.  At last, one student said, “I’m sorry, I can’t stop apologizing, I’m a woman!” 

True facts.

I want them to take up space. I want them to feel entitled to the resources in the class (including me).  I want them to own their curiosity instead of trying to hide it.  I want them to self-advocate.  I want them to feel that they belonged in that office for that hour, that they were exactly where they needed to be doing exactly what they needed to do.