Tutor Spotlight: Lindsay

What is your Major?

Interdisciplinary Marine and Estuary (RIPTIDES) Research Intensive Pedagogical Training for Inter Disciplinary Estuary Scientists. Studying harbor porpoises, and how ocean warming has affected their nutrition.

Do you have any hobbies or personal interests outside of school?

I do really enjoy teaching. I used to be a chemistry teacher. I also enjoy playing video games. I’ve been playing Spiritfarer.

What do you enjoy most about tutoring?

I think just having a chance to see students grow, throughout the semester. 

Why did you want to become a tutor?

I did a lot of tutoring in undergrad, I think, for me, mentorship from somebody that looks like me is really important, especially because I’m in STEM, and not the traditional doctor type of STEM. I really appreciate being able to offer mentorship to undergrads, especially minorities in STEM, because that’s pretty popular at sf state. 

Do you have a favorite assignment or topic to tutor?

Anything related to marine biology is really fun for me. Mostly I like to tutor chemistry, because I think it’s really hard but if you have the right person to teach you, you can really enjoy it.

Did you have a favorite cartoon growing up?

Digimon! 

Favorite hobby growing up?

I’ve always enjoyed making art and playing video games, as well as looking at the ocean!

And finally, the most important question, is cereal a soup or a broth, or something else entirely?

Cereal is its own magical thing because you can eat it wet or dry!

What is the one thing you learned/gained as a tutor that you will carry with you into your future?

I’ve learned to adapt really well to different learning/working styles, as well as understanding my own limits as an educator.

What advice would you give to new tutors?  

It’s okay to say “I don’t know!” But your follow-up to that, shouldn’t be that you feel bad about it. Instead, keep moving with a “Let’s figure it out together!”

What will you miss about SF State?

I’ve made some really great friends, and while those friendships will continue, I’ll miss being on a journey with my friends a lot.

Plans after you graduate? I’m applying to jobs, but hoping to stay in science education in the Bay Area.