Meet the Team
Contact the SL Coordinator
Elizabeth TemplemanE-mail: etempleman@tru.ca
Phone: 250-828-5277 (please leave a message and Elizabeth will get back to you)
Office: OM 2699
Meet the SL Leaders
Interested in becoming an SL Leader? Click here
Esperanza Cantu
AccountingWhat drew me to become an SL leader?
Attending SL sessions showed me the positive impact that studying collaboratively can have. I became an SL leader to help create this environment that promotes collaboration and helps other students succeed.
My best or most memorable SL moment:
When I was preparing for finals, I attended a session where we discussed a concept that I had been struggling to understand, and realized it was actually easy.
I never go to class without:
Previously reading about the content that will be viewed in class. Going to class with an understanding of what the professor will lecture on and with specific questions of that content makes the learning more efficient.
Best advice I’ve ever received:
The key to success is consistency.
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
The most important skills to have in university are time management and organization. These help us to balance life and avoid stressful situations.
My academic “a-ha moment”:
I mostly struggled with learning the terminology in Accounting. I realized that making flashcards and practising with them can be really helpful.
Esther Onyena
AccountingMy best or most memorable SL moment:
Has to be the first day I attended. Meeting new people and sharing knowledge with them felt both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. That day made a real impact on me, not just in my life but also in my academic experience. It was the moment I realized that I could learn so much better with my classmates and that I had valuable knowledge to share with others too. And honestly, the chocolates they had that day? They definitely made me come back for more!
What drew me to become an SL leader?
It's tough to choose because I have so many reasons, but I’d have to say the best is how the SL leader coordinated the group and made me feel included. She had this amazing way of helping us navigate through difficult questions, always knowing just how to guide us. She was so helpful and supportive that it inspired me to want to assist others too.
I never go to class without:
my notebooks because I love taking notes. It helps me stay focused during lectures and makes it much easier to remember things when revising and preparing for exams. I also don’t forget to take my emergency snack stash; it keeps me awake when the lecture gets boring.
Best advice I’ve ever received:
is to remember that life will always have its turmoil and storms, but I need to be kind to myself, keep my head high, and take things one step at a time
Helem Camacho Yanez
AccountingMy best or most memorable SL moment:
When I met my leader and saw the great job she did, that inspired me. When I first attended a session, I faced a very kind environment where I could ask questions, make mistakes, learn, and share knowledge with others. My leader was incredibly kind, making the sessions enjoyable. When I found out that I could apply to become an SL leader I had no doubt that I wanted to join this amazing team.
I didn't think I needed SL until:
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:
A notebook and pens in various colors.
My academic “a-ha moment”:
When concepts I have been struggling with finally make sense, and the practice aligns with the theory!
Kingsley Kingsleyjnr
AccountingMy best or most memorable SL moment:
Were the review sessions just before the tests or final exam.
I wish I had known:
That university is not as hard/scary as it seems. It just takes dedication and consistency.
I never go to class without:
My book and a pen. I feel more engaged with the lecture when I have notes to write.
My academic “a-ha moment”:
Would be when I got my test results and realized that what I was doing was paying off. It motivated me to study harder and consistently.
Nikki Khanna
AccountingMy best or most memorable SL moment:
Sessions with flashcards and the final exam review that made me confident about my preparation for test day.
I never go to class without:
A notebook and a pen – I prefer to take notes like an old-school kid.
Best advice I’ve ever received:
Just go with the flow and everything you ever dream shall come your way. Hope with faith is a big thing!
I didn’t think I needed SL until:
I attended it once and then I became a regular. It just motivated me to study in-depth and to excel in the course.
My academic “a-ha moment”:
For Accounting, totally when my balance sheet matches.
Olivia Simms
EconomicsWhat drew me to become an SL leader?
In my first year, I really benefitted from attending SL. It's a great place to meet friends, make mistakes in a relaxed environment, and grow as a learner! We have a lot of fun in SL sessions and it's comforting to see that others are in the same boat. I also love helping participants bring classroom economics principles back to their own lives and interests.
I never go to class without:
A good pen and a strong cup of coffee.
Best advice I’ve ever received:
Take your life seriously, but don't take yourself too seriously.
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
Take advantage of as many campus supports and events as you can. There's a lot of help available on your academic journey if you take the first step and reach out!
My academic “a-ha moment”:
Sometimes a new subject requires that I completely revamp the way I study. It takes time to figure out what kind of preparation is best for how each course is evaluated. Adaptability and patience are key!
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
I wish someone had told me that it’s not as difficult as it seems. I felt quite overwhelmed and was unsure if I would be able to do well in disciplines I hadn’t ever studied before but my friends, professors and all the resources on campus made me feel confident - quite fast. (Also, the library is extremely helpful, especially for Arts).
My academic “a-ha moment”:
I had been trying to figure out the most useful learning techniques and slowly realized that self-testing worked best for me. Reviewing everything just before the test was nearly impossible and would leave me anxious and wondering if I remembered anything. However, once I figured out that all I had to do was solve possible questions and, in the process, understand which areas I was not sure about, I felt much more confident walking into my exams.
Aaron Okano
MathematicsWhat 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.
Kate Verdurmen
BiologyWhat drew me to become an SL leader?
I had an amazing experience going to SL in my first year. The leaders were great people to work with and learn from. I learned so many new and effective ways to study. I want to allow other students to learn awesome study skills and meet new, like-minded people just like I did. Being an SL leader allows me to create this incredible space.
My best or most memorable SL moment:
Was when I met one of my greatest friends/ study partners while nailing down DNA Replication. Since that SL review, we have studied several times and succeeded in our science courses together..
Best advice I’ve ever received:
I learned from an incredible mentor that failure is the best way to learn: Fail forward and embrace mistakes. The only way that we can build our confidence in anything is to keep trying, no matter what.
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
#1 Don't buy all your textbooks and supplies until you’ve attended your first lectures! Your professors will tell you exactly what you need to help you succeed! #2 Be you. Sometimes, in new environments, we feel that we need to be more, to fit in. But being authentically yourself will allow you to shine in an ocean of people.
I never go to class without:
My water bottle, paperback agenda and my glasses!
Presley Kitamura
BiologyWhat drew me to become an SL leader?
The opportunity to get involved with a program that helped me tremendously during my first year, and now getting the chance to help other students succeed in the course!
I never go to class without:
My laptop, water bottle and peppermint gum.
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
That the year would go by extremely fast! It was easy to get consumed by the amount of work and studying for classes, but it’s also important to remember to take a breather, do something you love, and just enjoy the moment.
I didn’t think I needed SL until:
A friend suggested we go to a session together. Afterward, I realized I didn’t understand the subject or concepts as well as I thought I did! SL helped me to figure out what I knew, what I didn’t, and how to adjust my study accordingly.
Cheltey Berlinguette
Anatomy and PhysiologyWhat drew me to become an SL leader?
The professor that taught my BIOL 1592 & 1692 courses asked me to apply for the opportunity. It was encouraging that such an amazing professor thought I would be fit for the position. These courses are tough and cover a lot of content in a short amount of time, and I think it is amazing that we’re able to provide support for this course.
I never go to class without:
My laptop! I can type pretty quickly, so this is the easiest way for me to get notes down throughout class. My iPad is also handy when it comes to drawing diagrams and creating mind-maps.
Best advice I’ve ever received:
Never stop being you.
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
The number of services available to students. It took me a while to figure this out, but I’m grateful that I know what’s available now. My favorite most-used services would include, Accessibility Services, Supplemental Learning, and TRUSU.
My academic “a-ha moment”:
Spaced repetition is my best friend. It’s helped me to learn, understand, and review a lot of content over the span of a semester, rather than cramming and blindly memorizing. Also, you’ll be sure of what you know if you’re able to easily explain the content to someone else – I like studying with a friend for this reason.
Keziah Vogt
Anatomy and PhysiologyWhat drew me to become an SL leader?
I saw how it helped me with my own studies and I wanted to carry that forward. I also enjoyed the content so much I wanted to be able to go through it again.
I didn't think I needed SL until:
The first week of biology. I knew it was going to be a difficult course and wanted to give myself as much support as possible.
My best or most memorable SL moment:
were playing headbands or competing at Kahoot.
Best advice I’ve ever received:
If you don't try, you'll never know.
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
It will get easier to navigate and friends will come with time.
My academic “a-ha moment”:
Was when I realized that I was more capable of doing hard things than I had ever given myself credit for.
Ella Colistro
ChemistryWhat drew me to become an SL leader?
SL and the amazing leaders who support the program allowed me to develop so many skills and learning strategies to help me succeed. I became an SL leader to help others do the same.
I never go to class without:
A water bottle and my laptop.
Best advice I’ve ever received:
Learn something new everyday.
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
That there is more to university than just attending lectures. There are so many opportunities to take advantage of.
My academic “a-ha moment”:
I was studying for my very first midterm, and realized I didn’t know how to study effectively. After attending SL sessions I learned a variety of review and study methods that I was able to apply to my own learning.
Erin Plowe
ChemistryWhat drew me to become an SL leader?
I naturally love helping people. Making a positive impact on someone’s learning is so important and fulfilling for me. Plus, I appreciate SL’s mantra of collaborative learning. There are so many ways to learn; sharing ideas will guide us to success.
I never go to class without:
Being prepared by reading the preceding lecture notes and predicting which sections to pay extra attention to if the concepts seem difficult to understand.
Best advice I’ve ever received:
Life is not fair. The most successful people don’t blame others… but take self-accountability and ownership of their lives and then make small changes every day to better themselves and the people around them.
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
It’s okay to be nervous. Don’t be afraid to meet new people and reach out for help when needed. There are so many opportunities offered at TRU.
My academic “a-ha moment”:
Failure can lead to your biggest triumphs! Learn from your mistakes. Each class brings different challenges. It’s important to adapt how we learn as we progress.
Ethan Bell
ChemistryWhat 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.
Manuel Centeno
ChemistryWhat drew me to become an SL leader?
I enjoy meeting, talking and engaging with new people, and have always had a desire to help those around me. By becoming an SL leader, I’ll be able to help my peers succeed in areas in which I am interested and knowledgeable.
I never sit down to study without:
Plenty of snacks, headphones, and a bright space.
Best advice I’ve ever received:
“If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.”
-Albert EinsteinWhat I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
There is no competition for the highest grade in a class. It’s important to work alongside your peers to progress and fulfill your academic goals together in a positive environment.
I didn’t think I needed SL until:
I showed up to an exam review. Thinking I was completely prepared, and realized I still had much more to learn and study. This not only gave me an idea of how to prepare, but also which areas I was weaker at and what to focus on studying.
Thomas Olsen
ChemistryWhat drew me to become an SL leader?
I wanted to become an SL leader to connect with other like minded students and try to share my passion for science and hopefully inspire excitement about all things chemistry and biology!
I never go to class without:
My binder, paper, and a pencil. Writing physical notes has always been my routine and I recommend physical note taking to anyone!
Best advise I've ever received:
In my first year playing for the Wolfpack my coach told me whenever you’re feeling anxious on the court just breathe and talk. I think that applies to school to! Sometimes questions or content can be super overwhelming and can cause severe anxiety and self doubt. But if you can take a step back, breathe, and talk it, you’ll be just fine.
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
If you ever feel lost or like you don’t know what’s going on, chances are that your classmates feel that way too. University isn’t a solo journey, its a long road shared by you and your peers so you might as well make friends and tackle the challenge together.
My best or most memorable SL moment:
was attending the organic chemistry midterm and exam sessions. They really helped me prepare and I was able to get a way better grade than I expected!
Paige Hembling
PhysicsWhat drew me to become an SL leader?
SL sessions were so helpful to me in my first year. I loved the collaborative environment and review methods. I want to help others find the same success that my leaders helped me find, especially in a subject I know and understand well.
Best advice I’ve ever received:
Don’t let the fear of doing something stop you from trying. The anticipation is almost always worse than the task itself.
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
Not everyone adapts to university in the same way. What works for others might not work for you, and you’ll probably have to try out different strategies before you find what fits.
I didn’t think I needed SL until:
My days started getting busier and I stopped finding time to review notes. SL encouraged me to prioritize review instead of procrastinating until the day before the exam.
My academic “a-ha moment”:
Understanding the subject material is way more important than a grade on one test or assignment. If you don’t do as well as you wanted, but then figure out something you’d missed because of it, it can still be a win.
Maggie Jones
GeographyWhat drew me to become an SL leader?
I find that learning is a two-way street, and that teaching is the best way to help myself learn! I was excited to turn that into a way to help others.
I never sit down to study without:
My Pilot G-Tec C4 pen.
Best advice I’ve ever received:
To try what I’m interested in, because I’ll never be too old to start over.
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
How important finding profs who were passionate about what (and how) they taught would be, and how important it is to actually take notes in lecture.
I didn’t think I needed SL until:
I realized that it was more compatible with my style of learning and helped me get a firmer grasp on the content of my courses.
Jadyn Michael
PsychologyWhat 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.
Zoe Dimopoulos
PsychologyWhat drew me to become an SL leader?
I've always loved learning about learning and finding the best study strategies, and I thought helping others with that would be a great way to learn more! I also want to become a teacher, and I think SL will be a good learning experience for that, from planning sessions to helping other students achieve their best.
I never go to class without:
A bottle of water and a stick of gum. I find that taking sips of water throughout a lecture helps me stay alert and focused and having something to chew on makes long lectures easier to sit through (Some people even say chewing gum can help with memory).
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
That memorizing every little detail of your notes is not important, at least for the classes I have taken. Seeking out key concepts and vocabulary, then chunking information together and understanding the context of my notes makes studying much easier, and I learn so much more that way!
Disha Datta
SociologyWhat 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.
Melani Sagastume Rodriguez
SociologyWhat drew me to become an SL leader?
I found the SL program to be an amazing opportunity that helped me learn new ways of studying while getting to meet new people. Now I want to do the same, to support others and help them succeed in achieving their academic goals.
Best advice I’ve ever received:
Having determination is an essential element to succeed.
I never go to class without:
A notebook, blue and black pen since I prefer taking notes by hand.
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university?
The importance of attending office hours, as they can be helpful when you have questions about the material or any future assignments.
My academic “a-ha moment”:
Never be afraid of asking questions in class. It helped me to build confidence in myself and to be more engaged during class.
Tionna Lenart
Social WorkWhat drew me to become an SL leader?
I’ve always had a passion for helping those around me. Based on my experiences as a participant in SL, I knew becoming a leader would be a great way for me to help others. I’m also excited to share my passion for learning with fellow students!
Best advice I’ve ever received:
When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
Although it might feel quite overwhelming at the moment, it will get easier. Just stay committed and put in the effort!
I didn’t think I needed SL until:
I went to a session and by the end of the 50-minutes I had a complete understanding of a topic that had been taking me hours to comprehend on my own.
