Meet the team Supplemental Learning

Julia RaeSocial Work

My academic “aha” moment:
Switching from Science to Social Work and realizing that I can reach my long-term goals without running myself to the ground doing something I am not passionate about.

What drew me to become an SL leader:
As a student in SL, I always walked away feeling like I actually understood the course material, plus I always made friends when I attended. I wanted to make sure that the next generation of students has the same opportunity.

I never go to class without:
Water bottle, laptop, a favourite pen, headphones.

Best advice I’ve ever received:
“Trying your best” can and will look different every single day.

What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
You are allowed to make friends with your profs. Go to their office hours.

Bradley HuangComputer Science

What drew me to become an SL leader?
I enjoy helping other students understand challenging concepts. If I can make programming a little less confusing for someone, I feel like I’ve done something meaningful.

I never go to class without:
My laptop, water bottle, and something to take notes with.

What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
It’s okay to ask for help. Talking to professors and studying with other students can make a huge difference.

My academic “a-ha moment”:
I realized that being able to explain a concept to someone else is one of the best ways to know whether I actually understand it.

Simranjit KaurBiology

What drew me to become an SL leader:
I learned many effective study strategies from my SL leaders and was inspired to give back to the student community in the same way. At the same time, I saw the role as an opportunity to strengthen my communication, leadership, and networking skills. I am excited to help others succeed while continuing to develop my own abilities. I also enjoy creating a supportive environment where students feel comfortable learning, collaborating, and growing together.

I never go to class without:
A willingness to learn, my notes, a pencil, an eraser, and a water bottle.

I didn't think I needed SL until:
I realized that no matter how much I learned from lectures, independent study, or online research, there was always something new I could learn from my peers. Before attending SL sessions, I underestimated how valuable they could be. I discovered that I could attend a session with limited knowledge of a topic and leave with a much deeper understanding through collaborative discussions and different learning approaches. SL taught me that learning becomes easier when you can exchange ideas, ask questions openly, and work through challenges with others. It showed me the true value of peer support and collaborative learning.

My academic "a-ha moment":
I realized that I did not need to reread material repeatedly to master a topic. Instead, I needed to understand it thoroughly once and then use effective study techniques such as active recall and spaced repetition to reinforce my learning and retain information over time. By applying these strategies, I was able to study more efficiently and save a significant amount of time. I am grateful to my SL leaders for helping me discover and develop these skills.

Best advice I have ever received:
Every hurdle, setback, and failure is an opportunity for growth. This advice reminds me to keep moving forward, learn from my mistakes, and focus on personal development rather than fearing failure.

Chidinma UgbajaAccounting

What drew me to become an SL leader:

When I walked into my first SL session with no previous knowledge of accounting and a fear of failure, my SL leader who had been in my shoes assured me that I just needed to relax and take everything one day at a time. She gave me the confidence to figure my course out on my own and I’d like to help as many people as I can feel that confidence.

I never go to class without:

I attended an SL session for the first time and realized it not only helped me to clarify the content but also served as a great review to consolidate what I learned in class. I was able to understand the material very clearly and so I wouldn´t have to wait until exam time to figure it out on my own.

I never go to class without:

My notes, pencil case, water and caramel squares.

Best advice I have ever received:

"It's never too late to try."

My academic "a-ha moment":

It had to be when I figured out how to solve problems in statistics. I am still surprised that I got an A in stats!

Kenzie EvansAnatomy & Physiology

What drew me to become an SL leader?

After attending SL in my first year, I was highly motivated to join the team and provide support to students. Attending the sessions benefited my understanding of the material and allowed me to listen to others' helpful techniques to remember terms or concepts.

I never go to class without:

A water bottle, snacks, pencil, paper or my iPad.

Best advice I’ve ever received:

One day at a time. Create a routine, show up prepared and review material daily. Stay in the present.

What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:

It’s okay not to have everything figured out right away. You’re not alone, you’re here for a reason and the journey starts now.

Mekenna BoiceBiology

My best or most memorable SL moment:

I met some of my best friends in SL sessions. My favourite moments were sitting in study rooms together before a big exam, coming up with mnemonics and practicing matrices we learned in SL.

I never go to class without:

My water bottle, iPad, gum and glasses.

What drew me to become an SL leader?

SL had such a positive impact in my first year and my academic success. It was a space where I felt safe asking questions and was free to try—and fail—without judgment. I knew I wanted to create that kind of environment for other students!

What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:

Go to classes before buying textbooks or lab supplies. Don’t purchase Microsoft 365 Personal—you automatically get it as a student. However, do buy a parking pass!

Best advice I’ve ever received:

If you believe in yourself, anything is possible.

Ethan BellChemistry

What drew me to become an SL leader?

SL helped me succeed in my first year, and being able to provide the same opportunity to others is what motivated me to become a leader.

I never go to class without:

My water bottle and snacks.

I didn't think I needed SL until:

I realized how many great resources there are at sessions. Things such as mock tests/quizzes, flashcards, and peers learning the same material all contributed to understanding concepts at deeper levels.

What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:

You need to put the work in to get the results you desire.

My academic “a-ha moment”:

Understanding any concept to the point of being able to explain it to peers is a good indication that you’re studying effectively and thoroughly understand the subject matter.

Kate HowickChemistry

My academic “aha” moment:

Realizing that when something isn’t clicking, doing more of the same thing isn’t always the answer. Sometimes I need to figure out what I’m missing and try a different approach.

What drew me to become an SL leader?

SL made my first year feel a lot less overwhelming, both academically and socially. I wanted to give other students that same space to feel comfortable asking questions and getting to know their peers.

I never go to class without:

Gum, iPad, and a hair tie.

I didn’t think I needed SL until…

I realized that knowing the material and knowing how to actually study it are two very different things. SL gave me a place to ask questions, work through things out loud, and realize I wasn’t the only one figuring it out as I went.

Camdyn PeaceChemistry

What drew me to become an SL leader?

SL was a resource that helped me build confidence in my first year at TRU both academically and socially, especially when everything felt overwhelming as I adjusted to university. This inspired me to become an SL leader myself, to provide peers with that same support I received and help position them to achieve success of their own!

I never go to class without:

My iPad, a water bottle and my glasses.

Best advice I’ve ever received:

If something you wish to do scares you, do it anyway. Sometimes your own mind can be your biggest obstacle, but you should never let your thoughts hold you back from pursuing your goals. No matter the outcome, you will always learn something valuable along the way.

What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:

Everything will come with time! You don’t need to have perfect study habits or lifelong friendships figured out in the first week. If you simply try to challenge your ways of thinking and expose yourself to new opportunities, the rest will fall into place.

My academic “a-ha moment”:

I realized that being a successful student is about much more than having a transcript of perfect grades. True success includes building connections with students and profs who encourage you to push yourself and learning to balance your academics with things that recharge you when you’re feeling burnt out.

Aaron OkanoMathematics

What drew me to become an SL leader?

I want to make a posi8ve impact on other students at TRU. If I can make coursework even slightly less daunting or confusing for others, I feel like I’ve achieved success.

Best advice I’ve ever received:

Teach once, learn twice. I learned this early on in my life and have found it to be very true. Some of my most meaningful learning has happened for me while attempting to explain or teach a subject to a peer.

What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:

Everyone is nervous on the first day. I was so focused on myself the first week of classes that I never realized that everyone else was just as stressed as me. Had I realized this, I’d have been more outgoing, and introduced myself to other first years.

My academic “a-ha moment”:

A turning point in my education was when I learned to use my resources. For many years I relied purely on myself to learn everything at school. When I moved to TRU I was introduced to many Professors and resources including SL, that aimed to aid my learning. It became clear that these tools could make my learning much more successful.

Sara MuñetónMathematics

My best or most memorable SL moment:

One of my favorite SL moments was when our group finished all the board exercises in a single organic chemistry 2 SL session. We had memorized all 12 chemical reactions we needed to know for our first midterm! It felt amazing to be that prepared and it showed me how effective collaborative learning can be.

I never go to class without:

My tablet, water bottle and a big cup of coffee.

Best advice I’ve ever received:

Own your mistakes; they’re proof that you’re trying and growing. This phrase reminds me that it's okay and there’s plenty of room to make mistakes. After all, I’m at university to grow both personally and professionally. Mistakes are a big part of the journey.

I didn’t think I needed SL until:

I realized that I needed to understand six different concepts that sounded identical but meant completely different things, after only one lecture.

My academic “a-ha moment”:

When I discovered how to split my screen. It might sound unbelievable, but I didn’t know this existed! The discovery opened a higher level of multitasking during class gave me opportunities to improve my note-taking and made it easier to stay focused.

Naa Aryeley AshongMathematics

I never go to class without:

My water bottle, lip gloss, laptop, notebook, pencil case and a little snack because you never know when the hunger will hit!

What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:

That everyone is figuring it out one step at a time. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed and not have everything figured out from day one. University is as much about learning who you are as it is about lectures and assignments. In those moments just take a deep breath, ask for help when you need it and don’t forget your water bottle and lip gloss… lifesavers!

My academic “a-ha moment”:

At the beginning of my calculus class I was lost about 80% of the time. But I didn’t give up and I kept trying and pushing myself, even when it felt overwhelming. As we progressed, things started to click. The earlier topics suddenly made more sense, and I began to understand the bigger picture. That shift in understanding helped me gain confidence and I eventually excelled in the course. It was a real turning point for me!

My best or most memorable SL moment:

The session before my final accounting SL session, my SL leader told me she had a surprise for me and I had no idea what it could be. At the end of the last session, she commended me for being her most consistent student and never missing a session. She then brought out a box of pizza as a reward. That moment stuck with me, not just because I love pizza but because it showed me that the little things, like showing up every week, really do make a difference! It was thoughtful, encouraging and a great way to end the semester!

Courtney KitamuraPhysics

What drew me to become an SL leader?

I know that the transition from high school to university could be challenging but SL can provide a lot of support. I have always enjoyed helping others and would love to give back to the program that helped me so much during my first year.

Best advice I’ve ever received:

Mistakes are often the best way to learn. Work hard and be patient.

I didn’t think I needed SL until:

My sister highly recommended it to me. I was debating whether to go or not but once I did, I never looked back. I ended up meeting some of my best friends who I continued to study with outside of SL. I excelled in my classes due to the study techniques and advice that I was given during sessions.

What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Take some time to get to know your professors and the people around you. It’s important to focus on academics, but also to prioritize having a healthy and balanced life.

Disha DattaSociology

What drew me to become an SL leader?

As an international student starting university in a new country, I was looking for every resource that would help me work through my courses. So, when I learned about SL, I decided to attend whenever I could. Soon these sessions became a part of my routine and gave me that extra push to succeed in my course. My leader inspired me and by the end of the semester, I had no doubt that I wanted to be a part of SL.

Best advice I’ve ever received:

“Just start and the rest will come to you by itself!” Everything seems complicated and difficult from the outside but once we start a project, it gets much easier. This also helps battle procrastination.

Kristiana GreenPsychology

My best or most memorable SL moment:

Making friends with classmates while playing headbands.

What drew me to become an SL leader?

I learned a lot about learning and recall in SL, and I want to help others with the same.

I never go to class without:

Paper and pens because I learn best when I take handwritten notes.

Best advice I’ve ever received:

Start assignments and studying earlier than you think you need to! More time than expected is usually best.

Jadyn MichaelPsychology

What drew me to become an SL leader?

I wanted to become an SL leader after attending a semester of sessions and learning how to retain more information using strategies my leader had shown me throughout the term.

I never go to class without:

Coffee and snacks.

What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:

Find friends in your classes to study with, don’t overload your schedule, and continue to make time for yourself.

I didn’t think I needed SL until:

My second semester of first year psychology when some of the content became more intensive. By attending the sessions regularly I was able to process everything and recall it more accurately.

My academic “a-ha moment”:

Writing down everything I can remember from the most recent class and then going back to fill in anything I wasn’t sure about is a great way to build the connections between topics.

Danika SchultzPhysics

What drew me to become an SL leader?

When I started university I felt lost and didn't know who to ask for help. I started going to SL and it helped my study habits and my grades. I have continued to attend SL and the leaders have been so helpful with understanding my coursework. That help made me want to be that person for other students in difficult courses.

I never go to class without:

My laptop, tablet, water bottle, and a charger.

What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:

University is so different from high school. It is normal to feel lost and it's okay to need time to adjust the way you study and do schoolwork. Friends won't always come right away but like people say good things take time.

The best advice I've heard:

"Don't let the fear of failure overcome the excitement of success."

Gurshan RandhawaChemistry

What drew me to become an SL leader?

Attending SL sessions early on in my first year of university showed me how effective and helpful peer-led, collaborative learning can be. The sessions helped me understand difficult concepts and made the transition to university learning much easier. Experiencing the value of SL myself motivated me to help other students feel more confident with course material and contribute to the positive impact SL has on many.

I never go to class without:

my iPad, gum, and water bottle.

What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:

On the first day of university I wish I had known how accessible and approachable our faculty is. Everyone feels a little intimidated when they start university, but the sooner students realize that everyone on campus is there to help you succeed, the sooner they start seeing the result they want. Attending office hours and talking to your professors are critical to success in university but something many new students don’t take advantage of.

My academic “a-ha moment”:

My biggest academic a-ha moment came through group study sessions where I focused on collaborative and active learning. Those study sessions helped me realize that trying to memorize facts isn’t nearly as effective as explaining concepts and actively recalling information. Switching to this learning approach made the material so much more approachable and helped me understand concepts at a much deeper level.

The best advice I've heard:

Focus on progress not perfection. Everything in life, including university, is a learning process, and making mistakes throughout that learning process is completely normal. As a student, you need to take advantage of those mistakes, learn, grow, and find yourself one step closer to reaching your goals.

Juliana BellChemistry

What drew me to become an SL leader?

SL provided me with a lot of success in my first year and had a huge impact on my study habits and overall accomplishments. I want to be able to help other students study in the best ways to achieve their own academic goals.

I never go to class without:

My iPad, gum, and a water bottle.

What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:

It takes time for each person to figure out what works best for them when it comes to studying and overall success. Students often have to try new types of learning that challenge them to think in different ways.

My academic “a-ha moment”:

I finally understood difficult concepts better when I tried studying the material differently. This allowed me to connect facts and explain concepts in full instead of trying to actively remember what I was studying. I felt more confident on tests and I was able to remember what I was learning over a long period of time.

I didn’t think I needed SL until:

I realized how many additional resources are available to help to break up complex topics and build a deeper understanding for the material.

Emma TranahBiology

My best or most memorable SL moment:

My most memorable SL moment was attending a session on a topic I had been struggling to understand in lecture. Collaborating with classmates, sharing perspectives, and filling gaps in my knowledge helped everything finally click. When that topic came up in the exam, I thought back to that SL session, and I was able to ace it!

I never go to class without:

A water bottle, my iPad, and my laptop.

What drew me to become an SL leader?

I wanted to help other students find study strategies that work for them and feel more confident in their courses. SL sessions were part of my week that I looked forward to, and I wanted to have the chance to be a part of creating that space for other students.

What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:

You don’t have to figure out everything alone. Going to office hours, attending SL sessions, and finding friends with common interests or career paths can make university feel less isolating and help you find your people.

Best advice I’ve ever received:

“Everything happens for a reason; trust the process.”