Peer Connections Learning Assistants

Name: Jaz Ayala Navarro
Major: Forensic Science
Role: Learning Assistant for Chem 112A

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… how inclusive clubs and organizations were on campus. When I first transferred I felt somewhat lonely even because I was not aware I was surrounded by groups that would love to get to know me. 
  • My best strategy for college success is… talking to your classmates and professors. I found that the connections you make in class can help your personal and academic progress. 

Karma B.
Name: Karma Balakrishnan
Major: Computer Science
Role: Learning Assistant for CS 46A

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… the importance of consistency. Whether it be in academics or personal hobbies, consistency and perseverance are the most crucial factors to success.
  • My best strategy for college success is… good planning and scheduling. College is much more than just academics, and good planning allows for appropriate work/life balance and helps you enjoy college to the fullest extent.

Name: Gavyn Baldwin
Major: Molecular Biology
Role: Learning Assistant for Biol 30

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known…
  • My best strategy for college success is… 

Dominic C.
Name: Dominic Carrillo
Major: Aviation
Role: Learning Assistant for Phys 2A

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known…that you can get free green books and scantrons at the Student Union.
  • My best strategy for college success is… make friends with the people in your class; having someone to talk things over with really helps me understand the class and its materials better. 

Name: Nitzan Drori Retvizer
Major: Electrical Engineering
Role: Learning Assistant for Phys 49

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… that the professors are really friendly. I wish I hadn't been so scared to talk to them and ask questions.
  • My best strategy for college success is… attend lectures, check Canvas very often, study a lot.

Scott D.
Name: Scott Du
Major: Computer Science
Role: Learning Assistant for CS 46A

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… that there are people that you can connect with. You just have to find them.
  • My best strategy for college success is… don't worry about asking "dumb" questions. Each question can establish a connection, correct a misunderstanding, and be a learning opportunity.

Leo F.
Name: Leo Falcis
Major: Aviation Management
Role: Learning Assistant for Phys 2A

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known…
    1) Getting involved is key - Joining clubs, student orgs, or campus events helps you find your community fast.
    2) I stand by the phrase, " You get what you put in!" 
    3) Networking Is Everything - Building relationships with classmates, professors, and advisors makes a huge difference. Those connections can open doors to internships, jobs, and mentorship. (This is the most important one.) 
    4) Campus Resources Are There for You, SO USE THEM! - SJSU offers more support than I realized at first. (Another way to think about it is that these resources are part of what you pay! So use them!!) 
    5)Don't Be Afraid to Reach Out and Connect. 
  • My best strategy for college success is… 
    1) Prioritize 
    2) Time Management 
    3) Learn Your Own Boundaries (Academically and Personally) 
    3) Keep Yourself Accountable!

Mila F.
Name: Mila Fronczak
Major: Biology
Role: Learning Assistant for Biol 30

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… to pursue as many extracurriculars as possible. The best moments in my college career have happened outside of class. Getting involved is the best way to make college a fulfilling experience. 
  • My best strategy for college success is… to maintain a consistent routine. Having a recurring schedule reduces decision fatigue and makes it a lot easier to stay on track when the semester gets tough. 

Name: Elijah Gamble
Major: Civil Engineering
Role: Learning Assistant for Math 32

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… the library is open super late for students, definitely good for studying.
  • My best strategy for college success is… do everything earlier than you think, like homework and projects. It's not worth procrastinating.

Kevin H.
Name: Kevin Hartman
Major: Forensic Science
Role: Learning Assistant for Phys 2A

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… the amount of on-campus resources that were at my disposal. No matter what you are going through there is likely something you can find on campus that can help you, and most of the time it is free of charge.
  • My best strategy for college success is… get as much done as soon as possible, but don’t stress yourself out. Try your best to make time for yourself, or have time with others, doesn’t matter as long as you feel good.

Daniel J.
Name: Daniel Jimenez
Major: Electrical Engineering
Role: Learning Assistant for Math 32

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… how full the parking lots get at the beginning of the semester.
  • My best strategy for college success is… dedicate time to do all your homework undisturbed and with no distractions. It is also important to take breaks while working longer than an hour.

Sanjitha K.
Name: Sanjitha Kurra
Major: Computer Science
Role: Learning Assistant for CS 46A

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… about the resources SJSU has to support students with their own research projects
  • My best strategy for college success is… to try and plan ahead, so that you have something to base your decisions on.

Darin L.
Name: Darin Lehn
Major: Aerospace Engineering
Role: Learning Assistant for Math 32

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… that there is good housing very close to campus and an affordable price (better than on campus housing).
  • My best strategy for college success is… making use of the tutoring services and office hours offered by professors or TAs.

Name: Kim Lu
Major: Biochemistry
Role: Learning Assistant for Math 32

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… that you have to plan your schedule ahead of time. When your enrollment date comes around, have your schedule ready to go.
  • My best strategy for college success is… seek help when you need it. There’s so many resources at school, you just have to find the one for you.

MacKenna L.
Name: MacKenna Lundberg
Major: Forensic Science
Role: Learning Assistant for Biol 30

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… that you needed your Tower ID cards to enter academic buildings. 
  • My best strategy for college success is… when in doubt, make a schedule! It is easy to panic at the thought of amassing assignments, but creating a schedule for your week ensures you get everything done, while also taking time for yourself.

Jeremiah M.
Name: Jeremiah Metry
Major: Molecular Biology
Role: Learning Assistant for Biol 30

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… how many resources were actually available to us at SJSU. I feel as though I wasted a lot of time not taking advantage of these resources, which could have helped me a lot during my freshman year at SJSU. A couple of these resources include Peer Connections (S.I. sessions) and workshops. The faculty and staff at SJSU are super helpful, and being able to network with them and create connections has helped my experience at SJSU tremendously. 
  • My best strategy for college success is… hard work.

Name: Zhea Motley Chomitcz
Major: Mathematics
Role: Learning Assistant for Math 39

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… to apply for scholarships and use school resources.
  • My best strategy for college success is… ask for help when you need it.

Linda N.
Name: Linda Nguyen Bernal
Major: Engineering Technology
Role: Learning Assistant for Phys 2A

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… how helpful it is to attend all events at the start of the semester. It is a good way to put yourself out there to meet new people, learn about the resources available to you and get free things!
  • My best strategy for college success is… participate in class as much as you can and don't hesitate to ask a lot of questions no matter how silly you think they are. 

Ky N.
Name: Ky Nguyen
Major: Aviation
Role: Learning Assistant for Phys 2A

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… about Peer Connections earlier because it’s a great resource that offers mentoring, tutoring, and academic support for all students. As a first-generation college student, having guidance from peers who understand the transition to college would have made my experience less overwhelming and more manageable.
  • My best strategy for college success is… using a calendar app to keep track of deadlines, classes, and responsibilities. Planning ahead and starting assignments early helps me stay organized, reduce stress, and avoid procrastinating.

Name: Dalton Norman
Major: Geology
Role: Learning Assistant for Phys 2A

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… my own study method. Everyone studies differently and finds ways they retain information, finding your innate technique is essential to adapting to college life and finding the lifestyle that works for you.
  • My best strategy for college success is… keep up to date and never be afraid to ask for clarity. Anything can happen when you aren’t prepared. Things can slip your mind, plans change, and you might even do an assignment that never had to be done. Staying in the know and being aware of changes is essential. You may even be able to find the “path of least resistance” and breeze through a stressful class.

Shrey P.
Name: Shrey Pathak
Major: Electrical Engineering
Role: Learning Assistant for Phys 51

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… that joining one club, org or even a sports team in the SRAC early on makes campus feel way less intimidating and helps you find your rhythm.
  • My best strategy for college success is… each Sunday I spend 20 minutes planning my week. I jot everything on a sticky note and check things off as I go. Glancing over slides ahead of time makes class easier, and hitting the SRAC keeps me healthy and active.

Name: Tiffany Pham
Major: Biological Science
Role: Learning Assistant for Phys 2A

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… more about the many resources and activities offered for students here - from internship opportunities, to resources like our pantry, there are many tools that students can take advantage of to help them succeed and thrive.
  • My best strategy for college success is… be proactive in your own life! From reaching for opportunities you may believe are out of reach to studying, you are your biggest advocate. 

Ashley R.
Name: Ashley Roman
Major: Computer Science
Role: Learning Assistant for Math 39

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… that you can find an amazing support system of peers and mentors here, so long as you reach your hand out.
  • My best strategy for college success is… take it easy on yourself! At the end of the day, all of us are still learning about ourselves and our place in the world.

Karla R.
Name: Karla Ruiz
Major: Chemistry
Role: Learning Assistant for Chem 112A

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… to connect with campus communities and resources earlier in my college journey.
  • My best strategy for college success is… utilize the resources available to you. 

Kamila T.
Name: Kamila Tishaeva
Major: Civil Engineering
Role: Learning Assistant for Math 32

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… more about registering for your classes next semester and how it works. Particularly, the hold that won't be removed until we see our advisor.
  • My best strategy for college success is… planning out your week ahead so that you stay on top of your classes and assignments.

Name: Tri Tran
Major: Pre-Nursing
Role: Learning Assistant for Chem 112A

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known…
  • My best strategy for college success is… 

Name: Vivian Tran
Major: Forensic Science
Role: Learning Assistant for Phys 2A

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… about the wide array of resources that students can use to have support in particular courses and for other personal needs. 
  • My best strategy for college success is… to not be afraid to get support when you need it or feel stuck.

Justice W.
Name: Justice Wilkes
Major: Chemistry
Role: Learning Assistant for Chem 160

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… how to reach out for help. In freshman year I had heard about the many different resources we have on campus, but I never used them. I also knew about office hours and discord groups, but I very rarely used them. This mindset did not help me at all when I actually started to struggle adjusting to the college level course load. Reaching out is as easy as sending an email, showing up to office hours, or sending a message on discord. You may feel like you are being a bother, but you aren’t. You have to prioritize yourself and your education.
  • My best strategy for college success is… knowing how you learn. My biggest problem at the beginning of college was studying for exams. I never really had to study in high school so I didn’t have any good habits built into my routine. I tried many different methods (including an all-nighter that actually got me a worse grade) until I found what worked best for me. It is really important that you understand how your brain works and how you retain information the best. It won’t be the same for everyone, so take some time to find the best way to secure your success in your classes.

Julie Y.
Name: Julie Yim
Major: Molecular Biology
Role: Learning Assistant for Biol 30

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… about Peer Connections' Peer Educator positions. When I came here I wanted to do something differently and be more involved in the school's community. I'm a transfer student and I didn't know many people here, so knowing of these kinds of positions would have been a great start.
  • My best strategy for college success is… stay on top of your work, procrastinating can be a major setback and although some may work faster under stress its definitely not great for your mental health overall.