That's So Library!

Name:        Colin Noort
Program:   Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering

What attracted you to becoming a Peer Tutor?

I have always enjoyed being in people oriented roles whether it be supervising at Starbucks or being a resident advisor with BCIT housing.  Additionally I really love the academic environment and being able to help my fellow students succeed in their BCIT programs.  I also would love to become an instructor one day and saw this as a great opportunity to dip my toes into a teaching role.

How has working as a Tutor helped you?
Tutoring has helped me in a few major ways.  One big one is simply in the connections I have made through the peer tutoring role be it with fellow tutors or students in grades before or after my own.  Additionally I believe I have gained a vast amount of skills in terms of teaching and framing information in a way that is understandable and relatable for a wide range of people since everyone learns in different ways.  It’s also a great way to review material that I have learned in previous years of study.

If you could give one piece of advice to a BCIT student what would it be?

What I tell all students who come to me for help is that the biggest key in succeeding at school and especially at BCIT is to learn how to learn material and study most efficiently.  Being able to regurgitate information and perform during tests will help with you grades but in terms of overall performance at school and afterwards, I believe developing great studying, learning and organizational skills is key.  So try to focus equally on learning the material as well as on learning how to learn and study better and more effectively and efficiently.

What would your dream job be when you leave BCIT?

My dream job after leaving BCIT would be working as a design engineer in the renewable energy sector, focusing on developing more sustainable and economically responsible energy generation and retention systems.

If you had a free day, how would you spend it?

I would spend it with friends doing something active or exploring somewhere new.  I love outdoor activities.  In the summer time I enjoy rock climbing, and in the winter I love to snowboard.  I would also love to go on a day trip somewhere beautiful I haven’t been before.

Name:        Riley Smith
Program:   Nuclear Medicine Technology

What attracted you to becoming a Peer Tutor?
I used the service last year several times and I enjoy talking about what I learned.

How has working as a Tutor helped you?
It’s great to get encouragement from peers that have done the classes we are currently in and get insight on successful course management.

If you could give one piece of advice to a BCIT student what would it be?
Look at the big picture. In other words, why are you learning this topic?

What would your dream job be when you leave BCIT?
A nuclear medicine technologist to practice my acquired skills, but eventually teach as an instructor at BCIT.

If you had a free day, how would you spend it?
I would take the time for myself to decrease the sense of panic and stress and go swimming, hiking, or camping, etc.

Name:        Carlos Suzara
Program:   Architecture and Building Technology

What attracted you to becoming a Peer Tutor?
I was already helping my classmates understand course material in our program in my first year, and I enjoyed it. I figured I might as well get paid to do something I enjoy part-time while I help other people learn, grow and succeed. I was also attracted to the job-transferable skills I would gain.

How has working as a Tutor helped you?
I took up tutoring once in our building (NE01) to get help with learning a fundamental concept for Structures class; I hit a mental block with understanding the content. I have to say that I would not have come out with good grades for this class if it weren’t for the tutors’ help with this basic knowledge. They helped guide me through the concept, encouraged me  and gave tips on how they went about it when they were in my shoes.

If you could give one piece of advice to a BCIT student what would it be?
My one piece of advice would be to remember why you are in school. Keeping your life goals at the forefront, whether that is having a stable income to buy a house, traveling, funding your wedding, or making your family proud, helps with your resilience. It gives you motivation to do well and overcome learning obstacles.

What would your dream job be when you leave BCIT?
My dream job would be to work for a prestigious architectural firm with coworkers I can get along with and with a good work-life balance so that I can tend to my family.

If you had a free day, how would you spend it?
On my free day, I would go out on a date with my girlfriend or play Tekken on my PS4 if she wasn’t available.

Name:        Aleksey Makin
Program:   Electrical and Computer Engineering

What attracted you to becoming a Peer Tutor?
I’ve wanted to become a peer tutor because it gives me the opportunity to help other students, review content and work while studying.

How has working as a Tutor helped you?
Tutoring helped me when I was unable to understand a subject myself and now I can help others.

If you could give one piece of advice to a BCIT student what would it be?
If you want to be successful you need to understand, not just memorize.

What would your dream job be when you leave BCIT?
Embedded systems design or in power distribution.

If you had a free day, how would you spend it?
Go hiking.