It's National Tutor Appreciation Week, so get to know one of UMBC's amazing tutors!

Veneeth Antony

Tell us a little about yourself.

Hello everyone! My name is Veneeth Antony, I am a Bioinformatics & Computational Biology Major, Pre-Med Track, currently a junior. I tutor Chem 101/102/351/352, Math 151 and below, Physics 111, and Biol 302 and below. My favorite music album is Under Pressure by Logic, give it a listen! I like playing soccer, volleyball, and tennis recreationally with friends. I also enjoy going on scenic hikes as well. 

Tell us about how you are involved on campus.

I am a researcher in a Bioinformatics Lab on campus, PI is Dr. Maricel Kann. I am Treasurer for National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) and Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), check us out! I am a Teaching Assistant for CHEM 351 and BIOL 302. I am also part of delta class of the professional Medical Fraternity Phi Delta Epsilon.

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

I enjoyed tutoring whenever I was given the opportunity in high school and when taking my classes. I found it rewarding and I understood the material much better after tutoring as well. One of my fellow classmates recommend that I apply to be a tutor for the LRC. Being able to be payed for tutoring and offering it for free to students sounded like an amazing opportunity so I filled out an application, received an interview, and here I am!

What is your favorite thing about being a tutor?

My favorite thing about being a tutor is a student walking out after a session with a better understanding of a concept they were struggling with when the came in. I also love meeting and interacting with new students. 

Why should students utilize tutoring?

Tutoring is super beneficial. I have used it when taking most of my more difficult classes and it just helps to solidify my understanding of material. It also ensures you at least spend an hour a week on material you may not have spent time on.

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

The best way to prepare for a tutoring session is to have questions and concepts prepared for the tutor. Come in with having practice completed so you know what skills you need improving upon. If you do that the tutor can also offer short cuts or tips catered to your needs. 

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

You can find me at the first floor of the LRC, Wednesdays from 4:00 - 6:00PM, hope to see you there!

Celebrate National Tutor Appreciation Week!

Get to know one of UMBC's fabulous Writing Center Tutors: 

Taylor Davis

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Taylor Davis. This is my ninth semester at UMBC, so that makes me a super senior! I'm pursuing a Graphic Design BFA, with minors in Creative Writing and Spanish, and I have plans to graduate this coming winter. Yay! 

Tell us about how you are involved on campus.

Primarily, I am a Writing Center tutor, a Writing Fellow for Eng 100 classes, and I've started appointment tutoring for SPAN 101, 102, & 103. I also co-founded a new student organization on campus: Retriever Design Club. Our mission, in short, is: "We create cool things, together." Essentially, we facilitate collaboration between any and all aspiring designers on campus, regardless of their major. We recognize that design is versatile, and what better way to enjoy its potential than by working with a bunch of creative minds all under one roof? I also recently joined the Caribbean Students Council, which has been an incredibly humbling experience as I've gotten more in touch with my own culture. 

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

I was offered the opportunity to take the Internship class for Writing Center tutors during the fall semester of my sophomore year. I've worked under the LRC ever since!

What is your favorite thing about being a tutor?

Definitely being able to offer my aid to students in need. I've always adored writing, both in the academic and recreational senses, so having that incorporated into a job is fantastic. I appreciate that we strive to be approachable peers, rather than figures of authority whom would otherwise make sessions seem intimidating or uncomfortable. We're all students; we've been there, done that!

Why should students utilize the tutoring?

It's a free service– that fits under the college student's budget! Plus, I find that it always helps to reach out, even when you're absolutely, 100% confident in your work. There's always areas that could be improved. With writing in particular, sometimes you just need that little bit of feedback from an outside, objective reader to help you progress forward in your draft.

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

Breathe! Just come in and be ready to voice your concerns about the assignment, whatever they may be. You're more than welcome to return for more sessions/make more appointments. If it's for writing, bring a physical copy of your assignment if possible, so your tutor can make revisions on a separate paper that doesn't interfere with your note-taking. 

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

I tutor at the WC from 2-4 on Mondays, and 1-3:30 on Wednesdays. However, I also take desk staffing hours on Friday– if you happen to see me in the area (which I usually always am) feel free to stop me with any questions, or to just say hello!

1. Show your Commuter Gold Card to a Commuter Assistant at the event. 
2. Bring a ticket (or other form of physical evidence) to the OCSS office.
3. Publish a social media post on one of our pages (Facebook, Instagram, and/or Twitter)

• Gold: 6000 CP
• Silver: 4000 CP
• Bronze: 2000 CP

OCSS is now accepting applications for the first-ever Commuter Engagement Community (CEC).  This is an opportunity for new, first-year commuter students who want to leave their mark on UMBC while benefitting local communities.

The Commuter Engagement Community parallels the experience offered by Living-Learning Communities in residence halls. This CEC is being offered in conjunction with the Shriver Center and will allow UMBC commuters to connect with one another while positively impacting their communities. The CEC includes a one-credit class component, bi-weekly meetings to discuss student experiences, and immersive academic and social experiences. The CEC will also give participants an opportunity to be mentored by upperclassmen commuter students who successfully transitioned into life as a UMBC Retriever.

Participation in the CEC requires:

• Enrollment in OCSS's PRAC 096
• Enrollment in SOC 396 or the SOCY 396 independent study section
• Completion of a service assignment in the local community (3-5 hours per week)
• Participation in social and academic events

If you are interested in applying for the CEC, please complete the attached application and submit it by Friday, August 11th at 11:59pm.  If you have questions for concerns, please contact Katie Weir, Coordinator for Commuter Engagement, at kweir@umbc.edu.

Students who seek out help do better in their classes than students who try to tough it out alone.

1.  Math Lab 

2.  Writing Center

3.  SI/PASS: Supplemental Instruction/Peer Assisted Study Sessions

You can do this, and UMBC's Learning Resources Center is here to help you!