What I've Learned

I initially signed up to be a TA because I saw my own TAs doing exciting things like presenting recitation problems and helping us out with our assignments in office hours. At the time, they seemed like some of the coolest people I knew, and their job seemed like one of the most interesting things that I could do on campus. Seven semesters later, I can safely say that being a TA was, in fact, one of the defining experiences of my undergraduate career. During my journey as a TA, I've probably helped hundreds of students, and I've also learned a lot of things about teaching along the way.

I've learned that every student that you help presents you with a unique experience. At a glance, this statement might seem cliché – but when you're trying to write a solution that will go out the next day, it's easy to get lost in the conceptual realm and forget about the students, who each form a different impression of the content from reading the same thing. If you give the same problem to a few groups of students, at least a couple different approaches might come out of it, and that's a good thing! Don't shy away from a new solution, just because it doesn't match what you had written down. The things that worked one semester might not work the next. There are always new paths to be explored – and exploring them is part of the fun.

I've learned that being able to communicate with students is often more important than knowing the material that you are communicating with them. Students will appreciate that there is someone else willing to sit down with them and understand their needs – someone kind, someone approachable, someone who can support them through their struggles and celebrate their victories. And as long as you are willing to do that, the content will come with time. You'll learn what works for them, and once you've connected with them in this way, the rest will follow.

I've learned that sometimes, the most important things to explain are the fundamentals. These can seem like the simplest portions of the material, yet they can also be some of the hardest to explain. Computer science can often feel like a series of logical leaps of faith from point A to point B, but helping someone understand why the first couple of leaps are made can make them feel a lot more comfortable. I feel like some of the most rewarding "aha" moments come after going in-depth on some of the most foundational concepts. There's always time to take another look at the basics, and if there isn't, it might be worth making that time.

I've learned that every detail, no matter how inconsequential it may seem, matters to someone. You might not know who they are, but someone values the fact that you took the time to present an alternate solution, or explain a concept again. In a few months, you probably won't remember that you showed up a couple minutes late to something because you were writing an email or answering a post – I certainly don't. However, the student that received your response will probably remember the concept that you clarified, or the solution that they were able to reach after you helped them. You'll constantly have chances to improve the student experience – and you should take them! Volunteer to do the things that will make the course a bit more organized internally, help out at an extra office hour, or proctor an exam. Even the little things can have a huge impact.

Getting the chance to be a TA has undoubtedly been one of the most valuable experiences of my undergraduate career. As a TA, I was able to meet many wonderful instructors and fellow TAs, and work with many more amazing students. I am thankful to Prof. Iliano Cervesato for giving me my first opportunity to be a TA, and to Prof. Charlie Garrod for the guidance and wisdom he has provided me. Most of all, I am thankful for every student that I have met along the way. I hope you all were able to learn something from me – I certainly learned something from you.