That's So Library!

Christine Shea hiking in the Yorkshire Dales England.

Name:       Christine Shea

Program:  Technical Writing

What attracted you to becoming a Peer tutor?

BCIT is actually my alma mater! I graduated from the Broadcast Communications – Television program, class of 2002, so I’m really excited to be able to work here in some capacity. Also, I might have a genetic predisposition to becoming a tutor, as both of my parents were teachers.

How has tutoring helped you?

Because I’m primarily working with the ISEP students, I am forever being reminded of what a messy, irrational language English can be and I am very grateful that I learned it as my first language. I am constantly in awe of anyone who attempts to learn English as an additional language, so each tutoring session truly inspires me.

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

BCIT will push you to your limits, but you’ll be amazed at what you’re capable of. Apply this determination to all aspects of your life and the sky will be the limit! Unless, of course, you end up being an astronaut; then your limit will be well beyond the sky. 🙂

What would your dream job be when you leave BCIT?

To be the world’s most eminent technical writer, if that can be a thing. I chose technical writing because I believe it is a career that will offer endless challenges and learning opportunities, both of which I crave.

Christine Shea at La Tomatina tomato throwing festival in Bunol Spain.

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

I grew up cross-country skiing, and I’ve always wanted to try biathlon (cross-country skiing + shooting targets), which I’ve heard you can try in Whistler. So I’d probably take a lesson in that, followed by some hot chocolate someplace. 🙂

We’re glad Christine has decided to continue her studies at BCIT as well as helping others in the Writing Centre.

Rylan Kaliel

Name:      Rylan Kaliel

Program:  Bachelor of Technology – Accounting

What attracted you to becoming a Peer tutor?

Tutoring to me seemed like an excellent opportunity to work with students and be able to share some of my skills and abilities that allowed me to succeed. Over the last two years of tutoring I have gotten plenty of opportunities to meet new people and see them excel at the courses we discuss. What keeps me tutoring is this opportunity to teach and watch students grow.

How has tutoring helped you?

Tutoring has been an excellent outlet for me to relearn material and thrive in my chosen field. I relearn material often and always have the foundation that I need to do well in my courses. Without tutoring I would not have achieved the marks I did in my second and third year of studies and would not know half of what I do now.

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

One of the most beneficial things you can do for your studies is learn how to be a better learner. Understand your own study style and what works best for you. For myself it is to read ahead, connect information in the lecture with what I read, do homework throughout the week (as opposed to on just one day), and then finally discuss the material with friends to ensure I really know it. This has worked very well for me and is one of the major things I attribute to succeeding in my studies.

What would your dream job be when you leave BCIT?

I would love to work in anything creative or innovative. I love the thought of working in technology or arts and being on the side of creating something. Using my skills as an accountant I’d love the opportunity to help make dreams come true and be a part of the creative process.

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

Sometimes its hard to remember what a free day is like! I would love to be able to be lazy and do nothing for a day. Probably put on something to watch, or play some video games, and just relax. Let my body and mind do what it wants and take a break.

We wish Rylan all the best in pursuing his dream job. To book an appointment with Rylan, check out the Peer Tutoring schedule online.

Clarice Fojas

Name:        Clarice Fojas

Program:   2nd Year Accounting Diploma

What attracted you to becoming a Peer tutor?

I wanted to help other students succeed with their studies and make a difference in their learning here at BCIT.

How has tutoring helped you?

Meeting a diverse group of people has taught me a lot of things. From tutoring others I’ve noticed that people learn differently and see certain things in different perspectives. It has been a learning experience for me too!

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

To manage your time well and stay organized! I think that is the key to success here at BCIT.

What would your dream job be when you leave BCIT?

My dream job is to be a CPA!

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

I would spend it looking for a new place to eat or if it’s a nice day out I’ll be looking for a new place to hike.

If you’re looking for help in Accounting, Business Information Systems, Business Math or Business Statistics stop by the Learning Commons on Mondays between 5:30 – 7:30 and say hi to Clarice.

Ann Lin

Name:        Ann Lin

Program:  Accounting

What attracted you to becoming a Peer tutor?

I’ve always enjoyed helping classmates in class. Being able to explain something until their light bulbs switch on is satisfying.

How has tutoring helped you?

I am now a lot more patient than I used to be and I’ve managed to meet different people from different business programs.

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

Don’t compare yourself to others! You are who you are.

What would your dream job be when you leave BCIT?

An entry-level job at Canada Revenue Agency would be awesome!

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

Given BCIT’s course load, I would probably stay in bed and do nothing.

Ann works in the Learning Commons on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. To book an appointment check online.

Alison Smith

Name:        Alison Smith

Program:  Nuclear Medicine

What attracted you to becoming a Peer tutor?

I tutored students during my university education and found it most rewarding.  Having attended tutoring last year, I wanted to help my fellow students and provide them guidance about my experiences in the program.

How has tutoring helped you?

Tutoring has helped me become better at problem solving.  I have also come to better appreciate the different ways we learn. Not all students learn the same way, so I have to think of different angles to approach each problem. This ensures I am changing the student’s perspective on the problem and finding a new method that they understand.

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

Take time to reward yourself (exercising, watching a movie or getting some fresh air) after finishing assignments. It is a great way not only to relieve stress but also maintain a high level of concentration on each topic.

What would your dream job be when you leave BCIT?

My dream job would be to working as a full-time Nuclear Medicine technologist, hopefully with all of my classmates. I have made such great friends and will miss being around them everyday after we graduate.

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

I enjoy baking. Whenever I have free time I like to try making extravagant desserts. My newest challenge is to try to make a croquembouche.

We hope Alison and her friends find their dream job as Nuclear Medicine technologists and are able to celebrate with a homemade croquembouche!

Jonathan Bond

Name:        Jonathan Bond (yes, really, my parents didn’t name me James)

Program:  Technical writing

What attracted you to becoming a Peer tutor?

I love to talk about writing with other people and believe that being able to write competently will help you, no matter who you are.

How has tutoring helped you?

Tutoring helped to remind me that while I enjoy sitting down and knocking out four or five pages, writing can be a special kind of hell for others. But it has to be done and doesn’t have to be agony.

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

No one will follow this advice, even if it will make their life immensely easier: as soon as you get an assignment…..START! Starting is the hardest part but you know what’s harder? Rebounding from procrastination. Finish 3-4 days early and reread your work.

What would your dream job be when you leave BCIT?

A job where I make the rules and then I can have a coffee mug at the office that says “The buck stops here” or something equally trite.

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

I would write exactly what I wanted, eat tacos, go for dinner with friends and somehow fit in a surprise trip to San Francisco with someone who I thought was super nifty.

Thank you Jonathan! We hope you get your ideal free day soon!