Anusha's Story

How did you get started with Campus life and why?

I previously did some volunteer work where supporting students with course work was part of the role. I realized that I enjoyed teaching and helping out my friends or fellow students. Working on campus was also appealing because I usually had a busy course load, and this made it more convenient with my schedule. I came across the posting for Campus Life Tutor on Career Connect and immediately knew I wanted to give it a shot. I didn't have any prior experience working with people with intellectual disabilities, but I was optimistic after my interview, that my boss Trevi Freeze, the Director of the program, would be an amazing mentor for me in the role.

Describe how you interact with students and help them with their studies.

In addition to wanting support with their course work, most of the students I helped also saw me as a university student mentor who was able to assist them with much more than their academic studies. I tried to make our tutoring sessions as comfortable for them as possible, by having conversations about their day or their interests and plans for university participation.

I had discussions with my students about their likes and dislikes, and what they were hoping to get out of our tutoring sessions and time together. Each student was different. For instance, sometimes I would engage with students by watching online podcasts, or debate videos on selected topics of interest and then discuss some questions that came up or exchange opinions about them. Then with other students we would read the course materials and together develop study guides. I recall with one student we would watch musicals that interested her from the course and then link the relevant course concepts with what we had just watched. I also found it helpful to incorporate humor into our sessions which often lifted the mood if I felt the study time was getting a bit boring or overwhelming.

Sometimes it was helpful to simply have the common stressors of being a university normalized and to hear that verbal reassurance that they are doing a good job.

What is the most rewarding part of being a campus life tutor?

When my students would tell me that they enjoyed a particular topic we studied or an assignment that we worked on and that was stimulating for them. It was really rewarding to see students feeling satisfied and proud of their accomplishments, feel they had learned something useful, or get swept away with interest in a topic they curious about. I also appreciated the support and feedback that I would get from my boss which I found to be extremely motivating. Seeing my students happy at university, enjoying being part of the class and learning, and being able to participate on campus was the most rewarding and heartwarming part of being a campus life tutor.

Is there any specific memory that stands out during your time as a tutor?

There are few things. Like meeting with my students outside tutoring sessions just to have a chat about their university life or personal life outside of academics. Having meetings with fellow tutors and the director to catch up on their work progress or any issues that needed troubleshooting. Watching the students I worked with graduate from the program and walk across stage in cap and gown was always a highlight.

What impact has the Campus Life program and attending university had on the students you worked with?

I think the Campus Life program gave the students I worked with a chance at a post-secondary education and an opportunity to experience the 'university life'. All of my students were passionate about learning something new and looked at being educated as a means to become independent in different aspects of their life. I felt that university gave them confidence to present their ideas and explore different topics of interest. A Few of my students also participated in the student clubs as a means to make new friends and socialize beyond their classrooms while exploring something personal to them (example, a catholic student club, or LGBTQ+ club). It also made them more motivated to be on campus and experience all these moments in person.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience with the campus life program?

As a tutor with the Campus Life program, I learned many great qualities such as dedication, passion, and fulfilling curiosity. It was a huge part of my university life and one of the greatest things that happened in my life. Having human interactions and supporting amazing people with their academic and social participation on campus was a truly rewarding experience. I wish more people were aware of this beautiful program that our university offers, and we could offer it to even more students who are eager to attend university but don’t meet the entrance requirements. I am very proud to have been a part of this program.