An an engineering student, I am required to take chemistry. This semester I am in Chem 1210, and it has been a large adjustment from high school chemistry. I have found that I have to teach myself many of the concepts that are discussed in lecture. For me this is a challenge because I am used to relying on a teacher for worksheets, quizzes, extra review, etc. Last week when I was struggling with chemical nomenclature I realized that I was going to need extra help. To search for places to get this help, I reviewed the syllabus which had links to multiple resources. The resource that worked best for my schedule was the free tutoring in Celeste 170. This service is offered M-F, 9-4 (some days differ).
When I arrived at 170 I didn’t know what to expect but the process was simple: sit down at the table for your class and wait for a tutor to arrive. Within 5 minutes I was getting help on my assignment. I was able to ask as many questions as I needed and the time was one on one, so it was very beneficial.
While in college, it is crucial that students seek the help they need. This help could be medical, academic, mental, or anything else. By reaching out, students are able to find the sources they need to relieve stress, obtain their goals, or feel better emotionally/physically. Personally, all of the resources offered at OSU give me a sense of relief and comfort because if I need any kind of help at all, I know I can find it easily.
While in Celeste 170, I asked the necessary questions that pertained to my assignments. If I still didn’t understand the concept, my tutor would offer a new example or try and explain the problem from a new viewpoint. The process was great for me because I got the helped I needed, and my understanding of the concept was strengthened. I believe that this process would also work well for other students. There are many tutors available and they are all very kind and considerate. I felt as if they really wanted to help me learn.
After going to office hours, TA hours, Celeste 170, and the MSLC I have realized that I would love to be a tutor/TA. My entire life I have loved to work with others and I have always wanted to teach. As a current engineering student, I have considered getting a PhD in Engineering Education. While this is a very long way down the road, I can start exploring this option more through being a tutor/applying to be a TA.
I would love to be a chemistry TA, or even a TA for an engineering undeclared survey class (the TAs or “apps” work very closely with us in this class). I was always involved in tutoring in high school and it is definitely something I am going to look into after first semester.
Overall, my initial trip the Celeste 170 helped me complete my homework and gain a stronger understanding of what was a going on in class. Since then, I have been back to Celeste many, many times. With my Chem 1210 midterm quickly approaching, it is great to have such a beneficial resource available. The hours offered are great because I can go in between classes, or I can wake up early and go. 