Dana Parkinson, a USF St. Petersburg graduate, tutors full time after obtaining a degree in environmental science and policy. But instead of tutoring in her major area of study, she does it for her minor: Spanish.
“I just always loved Spanish. I loved taking the classes, learning the language. I love all of the cultures,” Parkinson said.
Parkinson initially enrolled in a few Spanish courses as requirements, but fell in the love with the language. She cycled through the notable professors, gained a repertoire with each and excelled in courses that were completely produced in the language. When her classmates struggled, she tutored up to two at a time. Parkinson has been tutoring for five years, one year with the Student Success Center while enrolled as an undergraduate.
“It’s a great opportunity,” Parkinson said. “I already have a strong relationship with all of the employees.”
After earning her bachelor’s degree last spring, Parkinson is spending a year exploring St. Petersburg and her love of tutoring. Aside from her tutoring at the Student Success Center, she works as a private tutor for $25 an hour. She requires students to work with her at least two hours a week to allow them to absorb the material.
“I love that I’m working with students who are working with the same professors that helped me with my skills and influenced me to become a Spanish speaker,” Parkinson said.
The renovated Davis lounge has become a center of technology and student commitment to improve their understanding of coursework. Selecting tutors is a critical process that involves selections based on faculty recommendations and critical qualities.
“Peer tutors are students who demonstrate a strong competence in their subject areas, desire to help other students and possess good communication skills as well as patience and compassion,” said Cynthia Edwards, assistant director of the Student Success Center.
Tutors work with students in a way that involves teaching skills of learning. According to Edwards, tutors are trained to assist students within content areas by helping them develop effective independent learning strategies.
“Tutoring isn’t just teaching, it’s fostering independent learning,” Parkinson said. “A large part of tutoring is making someone feel confident in their skills and feel confident in the learning process.”
Most students turn to the Student Success Center for assistance in math and science courses, such as calculus, chemistry and statistics. Caitlin Greene, a marketing major, turned to the tutoring services for help in business calculus, financial accounting, business statistics and college algebra.
“I’ve seen a huge difference between before and after visiting them,” Greene said. “They would help me with any questions I had and observe how I was working, then they would offer suggestions on how to be more effective.”
Two adjunct instructors are holding their office hours in the Student Success Center, which Edwards feels “promotes the partnership between faculty and the SSC and the united goal of helping students achieve academic success.”
Growing connections between programs and the center include a foreign language placement test, which will allow faculty to determine the level of understanding a student has in the language prior to course entry. Edwards hopes to see a continued growth of the center due to its central placement on campus.
“The space is ideal for meetings and small seminars,” Edwards said. “Our central location on campus has made students, administration, and faculty more aware of our services.”
The Student Success Center is located in Davis 107. For more information call 727-873-4632, email academicsuccess@usfsp.edu or simply stop by. No appointment necessary. The center is open Monday through Friday with varying hours. Visit www1.usfsp.edu/success for full hours of operation.
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