Meet the Team
Contact the SL Coordinator
Michelle RaglinE-mail: mraglin@tru.ca
Office: HL 441
Meet the SL Leaders
Interested in becoming an SL Leader? Click here
Chidinma Ugbaja
AccountingWhat 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 Evans
Anatomy & PhysiologyWhat 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 Boice
BiologyMy 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 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.
Kate Howick
ChemistryMy best or most memorable SL moment:
SL sessions bring together like-minded students, and through them, I met some of my closest friends who are my ride or dies to this day.
What drew me to become an SL leader?
SL was incredibly helpful to me in my first year, so I wanted to give back by supporting other students the same way. I also saw how welcoming the SL community is and I was excited to be a part of such a great group of people.
I never go to class without:
Gum, coloured pens and a hair tie.
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
Everyone feels nervous and unsure on their first day. Don’t be afraid to start a conversation because chances are the person next to you feels the same, and you might just meet someone amazing.
Camdyn Peace
ChemistryWhat 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.
Eric Kitt
Computer ProgrammingI never go to class without:
A pencil, eraser, sharpener and lined paper. Study habits are important, but having these on me develops a routine that supports my learning habits.
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
Faculty at TRU are very approachable. I thought initially that because faculty mostly have doctorates and advanced degrees, they would not want to talk to first-year students. However, at TRU, reaching out to faculty via email or office hours is not only acceptable but encouraged.
My academic “a-ha moment”:
When I learned what LaTeX is, it blew my mind. Before learning about it, I had been writing all my citations and references manually. It may seem complicated at first, but if you plan to do any academic writing, I strongly recommend learning LaTeX.
What drew me to become an SL leader:
It feels good to serve my community. Students of computing science too often come by the CAN Lab asking good questions, the kind that really should be asked in a group setting, like an SL session. As an SL leader, I can serve the student body in a way that I feel is in great demand.
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.
Sara Muñetón
MathematicsMy 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 Ashong
MathematicsI 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 Kitamura
PhysicsWhat 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 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.
Kristiana Green
PsychologyMy 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 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.
