Get to know Brianna Salmond Math Lab Tutor & Sherman Scholar

Tue, 03 Oct 2017 16:37:22 -0400

Celebrate National Tutor Appreciation Week by getting to know Math Lab Tutor Brianna Salmond!

Tell us a little about yourself.

- I am a Math major/ Psych minor here at UMBC. I’ve worked in the Math lab since Fall 2015. I plan on getting my Masters in Education after graduation.

Tell us about how you are involved on campus.

- As stated before, I’ve tutored in the Math Lab since Fall 2015 but I’m also part of the Sherman Scholars Program. I am also a grader/TA in the Math department.

How and why did you get involved in being a tutor?

- I got involved with being a tutor because of my Mentor Mrs. Tighe in the Math department. I decided to become a tutor because I knew that when I was in many of other student’s place, I wanted the help. I knew that I wanted to help people that needed help as well.

What is your favorite thing about being a tutor?

- My favorite thing about being a tutor is the lightbulb that brightens in the students minds when they finally understand what I’m saying. They have a certain look of accomplishment and I truly appreciate because I made it more clear for them to understand.

Why should students utilize the tutoring?

- Students should utilize tutoring because it is a resource that is available. Students shouldn’t have to suffer if they don’t understand something that their professor might’ve been vague about. If someone needs a little more help, that doesn’t mean you’re “dumb” or you “just can’t learn”, like some may think. We are here to help and people should feel comfortable taking advantage of that help. No question is a “dumb” question.

What advice would you give students about how to prepare for a tutoring session?

- When preparing for a session, DO NOT just come in to say “Okay, teach me stuff.” You should have specific questions already prepared, whether it’s a homework question, practice question, or something that wasn’t clear in class. We are tutors, not professors.

When and where can someone work with you through the Learning Resources Center?

- I am usually in the Math Lab (located in the Library) from 4-5pm on most days. Mondays I am there 4-6pm, Tuesday 4-7pm, Wednesday 4-5pm, and Thursdays 3-6pm.