Anecdotes from a Freshman TF

We just spent last week in New York City for the big ECU TF Junior Trip! To make up for our absence publishing the blog this week, here are two different stories from one of our freshman Fellows.

Looking Ahead To Tutoring
by Katilin Bunch (freshman)

I recently went to visit and volunteer at my little sister's kindergarten class. I had gone to surprise my sister by having lunch with her. I got to meet her classmates and her teacher. She asked me to stay and learn with her; I asked her teacher and she told me it would be fine to stay. I helped all the students to learn to write their last names and helped staple books that they had made together during my three hour stay. I also went outside with the class; I had a great time.

This experience has me very excited to start tutoring for a school in Greenville this semester. It reminded me of why we as Teaching Fellows are majoring in Education. Education is so important and vital with so many rewards and I want to be a part of that. It also reinforced my decision to teach high school students. I love smaller children but I know that I am better suited for older students. I am so glad I got to experience this. It has helped me to prepare for volunteering here in Greenville and I can not wait to get started!!!

A New Experience: Communicating with Professors
by Katilin Bunch (freshman)

In high school I never had trouble understanding my teachers. My sophomore year a foreign exchange teacher from Japan was supposed to come and teach my science class but he never came. I never had a teacher with a really strong accent. Here at college, however, I am faced with two professors that have very strong accents. It is extremely hard to understand both of them; especially when they begin to talk fast. I have learned to pay very close attention and take extensive notes. So far this has been difficult for me because I am not used to it. One of my professors seemed worried at the end of our first class and when I went to introduce myself to her she began to question me about how I thought the class went. She also asked if I thought everyone had understood since no one had asked any questions. I told her that when she spoke so quickly it was hard to hear her and understand what she was saying. She thanked me for talking to her and told me she would try to slow down during the next classes. She did slow down and it really helped a lot and people began to ask her questions and participated in class more. I encourage anyone who is having trouble to talk to their professors too . . . your grade depends on you!