What is your major(s)? Year? Extracurricular Activities?
I expect to get two majors. I initially was a Biology major, but I took Physics classes in high school and college and those classes interested me. Before committing to Medicine, I wanted to try Engineering so I signed up for a semester of it. Now, I want to stay with Engineering. I’m in my fourth year, so I’m going to go back another two or three years, depending on the number of summer classes I can take.
For three years, I was part of the Association of Pre-Health Professionals (APHP). In the fall, I’m planning to join the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). I’m also interested in looking at the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), where they basically build a car and then try to compete to build the best car.
Tell us a little about your role as a Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leader for the ASC. What does that position entail?
As an SI Leader, we function as a hybrid between a tutor and a study group leader. We’re not there to re-teach the material to students. We expect them to have at least gained a basic understanding through the lectures and through their own studying. We’re there to get the students to engage with the material and to get them to a deeper understanding. I think a lot of students come into SI with an approach to their classes where they just memorize things or they’ll stare at their notes or their slides and call it a day. To study more effectively, you need to really think about what you’re learning while you’re learning it and really understand what’s happening. Also, just test yourself to see how much you can actually recall. I think SI sessions help with all of those things.
I think we sort of act like a model student, someone who’s further along and has already gone through the process that they’re currently going through. We can all look back at our classes and wish we knew things, when I was at their point. Now, as an SI Leader, I can come back and show students the things I wish I knew.
What is the most important piece of advice you give to students?
In my sessions, when I’m meeting my students, I tell them not to be afraid to make a mistake. I tell them to make mistakes here and then don’t make the same mistakes on the exams, where it really counts. I also feel you get an emotional reaction when you’re making mistakes, which really makes a stronger memory.
Now that the campus is opening up, what are you looking forward to for the Fall semester?
I’m looking forward to meeting people in classes again. It’s really hard to meet people when it’s all online and cameras are all off. Also, personally for me, it’s hard to do work when I’m at home because it’s my mind’s standard to relax at home.
What is an item/habit that you must have/do in order to survive the semester?
For me, it’s taking the time to do things I enjoy outside of school. I think one of the biggest problems with going to college is just feeling burnt out. Doing things outside really helps with that. Also, I’m trying to learn not to feel guilty for taking time off. I’ve seen a lot of my friends taking a break, but I feel guilty when I’m not doing anything, so I’m trying to take time to enjoy things outside of school.
What has been your favorite class at UNLV, so far? Why?
I guess I could say Physics 152 because that’s when we learn about electromagnetism and that’s what I’m studying now. That’s been the most interesting class so far. I also really enjoyed my Nature Writing class for the Honors College. It’s not that I particularly enjoy nature writing, but we had a nature journal that we needed to complete every week. It’s just nice having a class where one of our assignments was to take time to look around and draw something we found pretty in nature.
Is there anyone on campus that has been particularly influential in your time at UNLV? Why/How?
I remember my college public speaking class. I had Dr. Brian Blankfield and I remember some advice that he gave us at the beginning of class. A couple of pieces stuck with me. When you become part of something, always try to leave it better than how you found it. Also, try to make as many connections as you can while you are in college.
What are your plans after graduation?
I’m going to continue and finish my Electrical Engineering degree. After that, I plan to work designing electronics or hopefully working in the aerospace industry. I want to work for a little bit and earn some money and then probably come back later for my masters.
