Peer Academic Coaching
Not sure how to juggle all the deadlines ahead? Are you thinking you might make better use of your study time? Want some tips for tackling tests?
Peer Academic Coaches (PAC), a collaboration between Supplemental Learning and the Writing Centre, offers students the opportunity to have a one-to-one session with another student who has both experienced success and also has an awareness of what it’s like to struggle academically.
Experienced SL Leaders or Tutors can provide students with individualized strategies and resources on a range of academic challenges for a variety of disciplines.
Peer Academic Coaches can offer support with time management, goal-setting, study strategies, giving presentations, note-taking, test-taking and dealing with exam anxiety.
How to book
Appointments may be booked through the website on the Peer Academic Coaches schedule, or visit the Writing Centre to get help with booking an appointment.
Where
Sessions will typically take place in the Writing Centre (OM 1411) or online.
Sessions
Students are invited to book a 45-minute session with a Peer Academic Coach, four times per semester. For additional support, the Coaches are knowledgeable about other student services, and may connect students to resources such as STSS courses, Counselling, Accessibility Services, Writing or Math Help Centres.
Meet the Coaches
Disha D.
Arts & Science
Specialties: Battling Procrastination, Study & Memorization skills, Exam Preparation & Post-Exam Self-Correction StrategiesWhat drew me to become a Peer Academic Coach?
As an international student just starting university in a new country, I was looking for every resource offered by the university that would help me work through my courses. So, when I discovered Supplemental Learning & Peer Academic Coaching to be extremely helpful, I was intrigued to be a part of the team of student leaders who were guiding their peers!
Best advice I’ve ever received:
to just start. Everything seems complicated and difficult from the outside but once we start a project, be it anything, it gets much easier. This also helps battle procrastination. “Just start and the rest will come to you by itself!"
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
I wish someone had told me that it is not as difficult as it seems. Professors, classmates, and others are all there to support us and to help us have a good university experience. During my first semester here, I felt quite overwhelmed and 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 (plus, the library is extremely helpful, especially for arts students)!
Michelle R.
Arts (Philosophy), Graduate Studies
Specialties: Time Management, Organization, Big Picture Views
What drew me to become a Peer Academic Coach?
Peer Academic sessions helped me so much, not just with the class I was taking, but with general studying, that I wanted to be part of sharing that experience with others.
I never go to class without:
Water!
Best advice I’ve ever received:
Anything is possible. You just have to want it enough.
Olivia S.
Science and SOBE (Economics /Mathematics)
Specialties: Research Skills, Managing Test Stress, Public Speaking and Presentations.
What drew me to become a Peer Academic Coach?
In my time at TRU, I've been really lucky to have mentors who helped me through challenges and provided vital guidance when I felt lost. I hope to help other students work through their goals and to balance school and life.
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!
Niharika C.
Business (Accounting - SOBE)
Specialties: Exam preparation, Scheduling, Listener and Supporter (non-judgmental)What drew me to become a Peer Academic Coach?
I find fulfillment in guiding and supporting my peers through their academic challenges. Being an SL leader provided me an opportunity to develop my skills and this background naturally drew me to the role of a PAC, where I can continue to make a positive impact.
Best advice I’ve ever received:
Make consistent efforts toward your dreams. Even the smallest steps add up over time, eventually coming together to fulfill your wishes.
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
Semesters pass more quickly than we anticipate.
Andrew F.
Philosophy
Specialties: Time Management, Study Skills, Prioritization
What drew me to become a Peer Academic Coach?
As someone who as struggled as a student, the opportunity to help other students is extremely gratifying!
I never go to class without:
My iPad!
Best advice I’ve ever received:
"The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts." – Marcus Aurelius
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
How many different support avenues TRU provides!
My academic “a-ha moment”:
There are many different effective ways to study, it’s a matter of consistently applying yourself and trying out what works for you.
Tionna L.
Social Work & Arts
Specialties: time management, mindfulness, prioritizationWhat drew me to become a Peer Academic Coach?
: I love the idea of using the knowledge I have gained over my four years in university to help others work through whatever challenges their university journey may bring them.
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
University is a time to meet new people and try new things. TRU has so many great supports to make your learning journey enjoyable, don’t be scared to reach out!
Cheltey B.
Nursing
Specialties: Organization, Scheduling/Time Management, Self-Reflection/IntrospectionWhat drew me to become a Peer Academic Coach?
: I enjoy being an active member of TRU and the greater Kamloops community. With the extracurricular activities I participate in and leadership roles I hold, I often find myself in positions that have allowed me to provide mentorship to others. I have also been in positions where I have sought out and received mentorship. The mentors I have had offer much wisdom and insight, which has been tremendously helpful. Being a peer academic coach would allow me to provide support to students in a more structured manner, as well as use my experience as a mentee and a mentor.
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 is available now. My favorite/most used services would include Accessibility Services, Supplemental Learning, and TRUSU.
