Peer Connections Tutors

Name: Yanet Alemayehu
Major: Pre-Nursing
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… that I can get a lot of things done by using the times I set for studying effectively.
My best strategy for college success is… setting priorities and understanding my priorities.

Name: Kalia Castro
Major: Biochemistry
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… to talk more with my professors. Whether it be participating in class or going up to them after class to introduce yourself, connecting to professors is really important because it helps you enjoy learning the material and makes you stand out. Be a memorable student! Having your professors know you as an individual comes in handy when you need them as a mentor or for future letter of recommendations.
My best strategy for college success is… organizing everything and learning where your priorities lie. Use a calendar to plan out your day and use a planner to list out what you need to do so that you feel more of an incentive to be productive and procrastinate less. Figure out your commitments. What do you have to do this week and what do you need to do first. For me, I hate the feeling of having to push something back, but ultimately what needs your attention first, you have to give it. Be responsible and independent!

Name: Pankti Chavda
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… since I’m just transferring to SJSU, I’m still getting to know the campus and community. I’m excited to learn more this semester and hopefully be able to share helpful advice and experiences with future students next semester!
My best strategy for college success is… ask for help!

Gerard C.
Name: Gerard Consuelo
Major: Computer Science
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… about the resources and clubs available to me.
My best strategy for college success is… put yourself out there, build time management skills, and know your "why".

Name: Aarav Ghai
Major: Interdisciplinary Engineering
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… that taking a proactive approach to stuff is the key to success!
My best strategy for college success is… to take a proactive approach! Half of success is just showing up.

Name: Tina Huynh
Major: Forensic Science
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… how nice it actually is to work out at the SRAC after classes. It's such a big stress reliever and great for maintaining your mental health during a difficult time in life.
My best strategy for college success is… to never give up and give yourself grace to make mistakes.

Name: Snigdha Josyula
Major: Accounting
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… how important it is to get involved early, whether it was joining clubs, attending events, or talking to peers. It really helps you build a sense of belonging and community, making such a big campus feel smaller. I also wish I had taken advantage of campus resources sooner such as tutoring and career services as they can make a huge difference.

Another thing is time management. College can get overwhelming really fast, and staying organized from the start can save a lot of stress later on. And finally, don't be afraid to ask questions or reach out to professors. They are more approachable than it might seem.
My best strategy for college success is… staying consistent and managing my time well. I've learned that keeping up with assignments, even a little bit each day, is way less stressful than cramming everything at once. I also make it a point to stay organized. Using a planner helps me keep track of deadlines and exams.

Another big part of my success has been acknowledging I need help and asking for it when needed, whether that is going to office hours, forming study groups, or using campus resources. At the same time, I try to take care of myself by getting enough rest and not overloading my schedule. Finding a balance between school and personal life has made a huge difference.

Name: Shresth Karnani
Major: Computer Science
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… about all the opportunities and resources available to students.
My best strategy for college success is… balancing your social life with studies.

Name: Branden Lum
Major: Chemical Engineering
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known…
My best strategy for college success is…

Name: Thu Luong
Major: Business Analytics
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… the importance of networking. Meeting people and building connections can make a big difference in finding opportunities and support.
My best strategy for college success is… be bold! Taking risks, speaking up, and pursuing challenges without hesitation leads to growth and opens doors to new possibilities.

Name: Alina Lurie
Major: Psychology
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… to take advantage of all of the campus resources like Peer Connections. Our campus offers so many valuable resources that can support you in your college career, and being aware of these resources can significantly enhance your learning experience at SJSU.
My best strategy for college success is… to manage your time effectively by organizing and planning. It's also important to prioritize your emotional well-being. Remember that taking breaks is normal when you start to feel burned out.

Name: Louis Ma
Major: International Business
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… to join more clubs, organizations, volunteers, or sports teams to make more friends, build networks, and enhance my college experience.
My best strategy for college success is… to manage your time wisely and be responsible and goal-oriented.

Name: Helen Mai
Major: Chemical Engineering
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… the importance of time management.
My best strategy for college success is… always be curious and ask questions!

Name: Atay Moya
Major: Computer Science
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… that there are so many resources available to maximize success.
My best strategy for college success is… study but have fun at the same time.

Khoi N.
Name: Khoi Ngo
Major: Public Health
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… about the numerous resources a student has at their disposal. For example, Peer Connections, the Writing Center, the Career Center, etc.
My best strategy for college success is… to stay on top of things. Never wait for the last minute to do an assignment.

Name: Nguyen Nguyen
Major: Computer Science
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… the location of each building on campus. My community college was not too big and most of my classes were in the same area, so I thought it was the same at SJSU. I did not search location of building of my classes. During the first week, I struggled to find my classrooms, so I was late almost all classes in the first day.
My best strategy for college success is… to Work Hard - Play Hard. Work Hard to make sure to get a good academic result and Play Hard to stay connected with friends and experience college life.

Name: Jay Patel
Major: Aerospace Engineering
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… more about prerequisite classes and how that would impact my schedules.
My best strategy for college success is… understanding the concepts behind a problem before solving it is important. I am a STEM major so this generally means understanding how the equations work and why, before technically calculating them. If I understand why I am doing something, the process works out easier for me.

Name: Nikitha Perumal
Major: Microbiology
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… how important it is to explore resources early instead of waiting until I was struggling. Things like office hours and tutoring sessions can help you stay ahead.
My best strategy for college success is… focusing on consistency. I make sure to plan ahead, stay organized with my work, and make use of resources. I also make sure to have the flexibility to adjust my approach when something isn't working.

Name: Sam Raodeo
Major: Business Administration
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… that "10-minute walk between classes" actually means "10-minute Olympic speed-walk while dodging skateboarders, geese, and construction zones."
My best strategy for college success is… staying organized and treating college like a full-time job - show up, do the work, and stay on top of deadlines. Also, never underestimate the power of a good planner and a strong cup of coffee!

Name: Ash Reddy
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… known more about my resources available to me as a student.
My best strategy for college success is… studying hard, keeping up with deadlines, and staying on track.

Name: Erik Rodriguez
Major: Business
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known…
My best strategy for college success is…

Name: Sean Sevilla
Major: Pre-Nursing
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… that it's really up to you to create the kind of life you want in college. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, and you miss every shot you don't take. Also, if you're ever interested in something (even slightly), go for it! You never know what might happen!
My best strategy for college success is… splitting work over time, not cramming everything right away and/or last-minute. Time management is an important skill to develop in college, and it will come with many benefits in the future!

Name: Dax Smith
Major: Finance
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… the importance of forming connections with professors. Speaking with them after class, sending emails, or visiting office hours can each be extremely valuable. By doing this, you’ll become more comfortable reaching out to them in the future for help or job recommendations. This practice is especially important for assignments with more subjective grading criteria. By implementing your professor’s feedback, you are showing that you are open to criticism and improvement, which can tremendously help your final grade.
My best strategy for college success is… finish busywork early when given the chance. Sometimes, teachers will post homework for the semester or other small assignments well before their due dates. Complete these early, and you’ll have more than enough time to focus on projects, essays, and studying. This is especially helpful if you have trouble balancing multiple commitments, as I do. It can be extremely rewarding to get ahead of schedule.

Name: Jay Timbol
Major: Software Engineering
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… professors are not as intimidating as they might seem! Many SJSU faculty want to see their students succeed so there's no harm in asking about classwork or even professional opportunities.
My best strategy for college success is… put yourself out there and be open to change - don't constrain yourself to one discipline/environment right away.

Name: Kimberly Tran
Major: Sociology
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… the resources and opportunities students can gain from professors and faculty to help break into their career.
My best strategy for college success is… to not waste time and have a 5 year plan.

Name: Cadance Tung
Major: Biochemistry
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… that there are other tutor services offered on campus.
My best strategy for college success is… don't be afraid to ask questions and make mistakes! There is no such thing as a dumb question, every one of them are valuable and worth digging in depth.

Name: Sakshi Vani
Major: Public Health
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… how many helpful resources are available on campus, from Peer Connections and tutoring to career center and wellness programs. There’s so much support if you just reach out and ask!
My best strategy for college success is… stay curious, stay kind, and ask for help when you need it. Also staying on top of deadlines just enough to avoid panic works best, grabbing coffee when in doubt, and remembering that progress beats perfection.

Name: Bruce Wen
Major: Psychology
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… about all the resources that the school provides, especially with transportation services having free Clipper cards and SJSU providing a Lyft membership to use the bikes found around downtown.
My best strategy for college success is… getting rid of distractions and being in an environment that allows me to be as productive as possible.

Name: Nathan Wesling
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… how important it was to make time for sports clubs and academic clubs.
My best strategy for college success is… to make your time as stress free as possible by planning ahead, not overworking, and finding something you enjoy doing on or around campus.