Peer Connections Learning Assistants

Name: Jon Auyong
Major: Computer Science
Role: Learning Assistant

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… to talk more with my professor! Not just asking them for tips on homework, but if they want help with research, that is a great way to gain experience!
  • My best strategy for college success is… noting down things that should be done every day and their due dates. Splitting big tasks from writing an 4 page essay to just writing a paragraph a day really helps stop stress from doing it all on one day.

Name: Abigail Acosta
Major: Software Engineering
Role: Learning Assistant

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… how many resources SJSU provides to their students, and that it is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed or stressed out at first. College is a place for students to enjoy learning and experience new things, so it is okay to ask for help on the way.
  • My best strategy for college success is… maintaining a list of all assignments in a weekly planner, and setting time for breaks in between studying to explore new hobbies.  

Name: Karma Balakrishnan
Major: Computer Science
Role: Learning Assistant

  • 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: Zach Bernales
Major: Software Engineering
Role: Learning Assistant

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… to ask more questions when I was unsure about something.
  • My best strategy for college success is… to learn effective studying techniques. Studying deliberately for 30 minutes can sometimes be more beneficial than studying for hours with bad habits.

Name: Anushree Bhattacharya
Major: Molecular Biology
Role: Learning Assistant

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… more about how the articulation of international courses and transfer of units works. I also wish I knew more about the resources offered by the SJSU library.
  • My best strategy for college success is… to stay organized by maintaining a to-do list, and be proactive in managing your coursework load. Do not hesitate to ask for help, reach out to your professors, student assistants or even your classmates. Make sure to take breaks and spend some time to relax. 

Name: Soham Bhowmick
Major: Computer Science
Role: Learning Assistant

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… that the toughest challenge wouldn’t be the exams or assignments—it’d be hunting down a free charging outlet in the library during exam week! On a more serious note, I really wish I had known about all the amazing resources available for students. There are so many helpful options, like free tutoring, workshops, and career services. And don’t forget about the SAMMY app—it’s like a little survival guide for navigating life at SJSU and connecting with fellow students!
  • My best strategy for college success is… keep that caffeine flowing, believe in yourself, stay curious, and definitely befriend someone who always checks the syllabus—they’re like gold! And don’t forget to enjoy the learning journey—seriously, it can be a blast!

Name: Dominic Carrillo
Major: Aviation
Role: Learning Assistant

  • 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: Malcolm Coaxum
Major: Forensic Science
Role: Learning Assistant

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… to better consider my major and what I wanted to do. I spent a lot of time lost taking classes that did not help me reach my goals
  • My best strategy for college success is… to start assignments early.  

Name: Scott Du
Major: Computer Science
Role: Learning Assistant

  • 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.

Name: Mila Fronczak
Major: Biology
Role: Learning Assistant

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

Name: Ampelia Gomez
Major: Child and Adolescent Development
Role: Learning Assistant

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… how important it is to ask for help early and take advantage of campus resources. As a transfer student, I felt like I had to figure everything out on my own, but there are so many people here who genuinely want to support your success from academic advising to mental health services to student organizations.
  • My best strategy for college success is… staying organized, getting involved, and building a community for myself. I use a planner to keep track of deadlines, participate in clubs and campus events, and make an effort to connect with classmates and professors. Having a strong support system and clear goals keeps me motivated and on top of my work. 

Name: Josie Gonsalves
Major: Forensic Science
Role: Learning Assistant

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… how challenging parking can be after 10am.
  • My best strategy for college success is… don’t be afraid to ask for help! Trust me, you aren’t the only one struggling. 

Name: Kevin Hartman
Major: Forensic Science
Role: Learning Assistant

  • 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.

Name: Esha Hooda
Major: Accounting & Analytics
Role: Learning Assistant

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

Name: Vinny Huynh
Major: Software Engineering
Role: Learning Assistant

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… all the different programs and resources offered by SJSU such as the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP)! Programs such as these really helped me solidify what I want to pursue both academically and professionally.
  • My best strategy for college success is… create a plan and stick with it. Being consistent through both the highs and lows will help no matter where you go.

Name: Meghana Indukuri
Major: Software Engineering
Role: Learning Assistant

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… that tutoring services exist at SJSU. I only learned halfway through one of my classes that I could get help with the content. I also wish I had known about the Writing Center earlier.
  • My best strategy for college success is… to make sure that your tasks are organized and your time is managed well. If you avoid cramming, you retain more information which helps for later assignments and classes. 

Name: Jordan Iversen
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Role: Learning Assistant

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… the value of office hours and making friends with classmates.
  • My best strategy for college success is… dedicating a spot to studying, keeping a calendar, and sitting at the front of class.

Name: Gursimran Kaur
Major: Data Science
Role: Learning Assistant

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… to join student clubs.
  • My best strategy for college success is… time management and motivation to achieve goals.

Name: Sanjitha Kurra
Major: Computer Science
Role: Learning Assistant

  • 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.

Name: Darin Lehn
Major: Aerospace Engineering
Role: Learning Assistant

  • 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: Dalen Martin
Major: Computer Network Systems Management
Role: Learning Assistant

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… to always be open to pursue new opportunities that arise. It may be difficult at first but getting out of your comfort zone can help expose you to new exciting experiences that may give you positive life-long memories and friendships.
  • My best strategy for college success is… learning how to manage your time and create a schedule that gives optimal time for studies, as well as giving a chance to take advantage of what SJSU has to offer.

Name: Josh Milstead
Major: Engineering Technology
Role: Learning Assistant

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… how important it is to get involved whether it's through clubs, sports, or organizations. At these places, you can find a community of people you can relate to and be yourself while taking a break from academics. I recommend that all new students whether frosh or transfer reflect on their interests and passions to get involved in something they enjoy so that they can make the most out of their college experience.
  • My best strategy for college success is… effective time management. The best way to achieve this is to create a planner whether it's Google Calendar or an agenda and mapping out the class times, times to study and do homework, as well as free time or any other tasks that need to be done throughout the week. Before I did this, I was overwhelmed that I had to memorize all my classes and homework and I didn't set enough time for myself to study, but when I used a planner it changed everything and I was able to get all my assignments done on time. 

Name: Linda Nguyen Bernal
Major: Engineering Technology
Role: Learning Assistant

  • 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. 

Name: Ky Nguyen
Major: Aviation
Role: Learning Assistant

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

Name: Donna Quach
Major: Biochemistry
Role: Learning Assistant

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… how to effectively plan my schedule for each semester.
  • My best strategy for college success is… to talk to everyone. 

Name: Brandon Rodriguez
Major: Systems Physiology
Role: Learning Assistant

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… that lab classes are not typically held during the first week, and where to see updates on campus events.
  • My best strategy for college success is… understand the syllabus and use it as a guide for what to study and when.

Name: Ashley Roman
Major: Computer Science
Role: Learning Assistant

  • 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.

Name: Jacob Rose
Major: Mathematics
Role: Learning Assistant

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

Name: Karla Ruiz
Major: Chemistry
Role: Learning Assistant

  • 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. 

Name: Jenna Senior
Major: Forensic Science
Role: Learning Assistant

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… to utilize professors' office hours and the various tutoring opportunities offered for each course.
  • My best strategy for college success is… time management! 

Name: Hannah Suazo
Major: Molecular Biology
Role: Learning Assistant

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… that Peer Connections offered free help for almost any subject that I could be having trouble with. Instead of trying to figure out everything on my own, Peer Connections offers help from other students that can really improve my learning.
  • My best strategy for college success is… to always ask for help. Although many times it can be discouraging to not be able to do things individually, asking for help can lead to widening one's perspective, as well as making new connections with others.

Name: Sanya Tolani
Major: Microbiology
Role: Learning Assistant

  • When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… how to manage my time correctly. That is because despite studying for classes, I realized that we should also know how to make time for ourselves.
  • My best strategy for college success is… make a plan. 

Name: Justice Wilkes
Major: Chemistry
Role: Learning Assistant

  • 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.