Meet the Team
Contact the SL Coordinator
Elizabeth Templeman (with Michelle Raglin, co-coordinating)E-mail: etempleman@tru.ca
Phone: 250-828-5277 (please leave a message and Elizabeth will get back to you)
Office: OM 2699
Meet the SL Leaders
Interested in becoming an SL Leader? Click here
Esther Onyena
AccountingMy best or most memorable SL moment:
Has to be the first day I attended. Meeting new people and sharing knowledge with them felt both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. That day made a real impact on me, not just in my life but also in my academic experience. It was the moment I realized that I could learn so much better with my classmates and that I had valuable knowledge to share with others too. And honestly, the chocolates they had that day? They definitely made me come back for more!
What drew me to become an SL leader?
It's tough to choose because I have so many reasons, but I’d have to say the best is how the SL leader coordinated the group and made me feel included. She had this amazing way of helping us navigate through difficult questions, always knowing just how to guide us. She was so helpful and supportive that it inspired me to want to assist others too.
I never go to class without:
my notebooks because I love taking notes. It helps me stay focused during lectures and makes it much easier to remember things when revising and preparing for exams. I also don’t forget to take my emergency snack stash; it keeps me awake when the lecture gets boring.
Best advice I’ve ever received:
is to remember that life will always have its turmoil and storms, but I need to be kind to myself, keep my head high, and take things one step at a time
Helem Camacho Yanez
AccountingMy best or most memorable SL moment:
When I met my leader and saw the great job she did, that inspired me. When I first attended a session, I faced a very kind environment where I could ask questions, make mistakes, learn, and share knowledge with others. My leader was incredibly kind, making the sessions enjoyable. When I found out that I could apply to become an SL leader I had no doubt that I wanted to join this amazing team.
I didn't think I needed SL until:
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:
A notebook and pens in various colors.
My academic “a-ha moment”:
When concepts I have been struggling with finally make sense, and the practice aligns with the theory!
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.
Kate Verdurmen
BiologyWhat drew me to become an SL leader?
I had an amazing experience going to SL in my first year. The leaders were great people to work with and learn from. I learned so many new and effective ways to study. I want to allow other students to learn awesome study skills and meet new, like-minded people just like I did. Being an SL leader allows me to create this incredible space.
My best or most memorable SL moment:
Was when I met one of my greatest friends/ study partners while nailing down DNA Replication. Since that SL review, we have studied several times and succeeded in our science courses together..
Best advice I’ve ever received:
I learned from an incredible mentor that failure is the best way to learn: Fail forward and embrace mistakes. The only way that we can build our confidence in anything is to keep trying, no matter what.
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
#1 Don't buy all your textbooks and supplies until you’ve attended your first lectures! Your professors will tell you exactly what you need to help you succeed! #2 Be you. Sometimes, in new environments, we feel that we need to be more, to fit in. But being authentically yourself will allow you to shine in an ocean of people.
I never go to class without:
My water bottle, paperback agenda and my glasses!
Presley Kitamura
BiologyWhat drew me to become an SL leader?
The opportunity to get involved with a program that helped me tremendously during my first year, and now getting the chance to help other students succeed in the course!
I never go to class without:
My laptop, water bottle and peppermint gum.
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
That the year would go by extremely fast! It was easy to get consumed by the amount of work and studying for classes, but it’s also important to remember to take a breather, do something you love, and just enjoy the moment.
I didn’t think I needed SL until:
A friend suggested we go to a session together. Afterward, I realized I didn’t understand the subject or concepts as well as I thought I did! SL helped me to figure out what I knew, what I didn’t, and how to adjust my study accordingly.
Ella Colistro
ChemistryWhat drew me to become an SL leader?
SL and the amazing leaders who support the program allowed me to develop so many skills and learning strategies to help me succeed. I became an SL leader to help others do the same.
I never go to class without:
A water bottle and my laptop.
Best advice I’ve ever received:
Learn something new everyday.
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
That there is more to university than just attending lectures. There are so many opportunities to take advantage of.
My academic “a-ha moment”:
I was studying for my very first midterm, and realized I didn’t know how to study effectively. After attending SL sessions I learned a variety of review and study methods that I was able to apply to my own learning.
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.
Thomas Olsen
ChemistryWhat drew me to become an SL leader?
I wanted to become an SL leader to connect with other like minded students and try to share my passion for science and hopefully inspire excitement about all things chemistry and biology!
I never go to class without:
My binder, paper, and a pencil. Writing physical notes has always been my routine and I recommend physical note taking to anyone!
Best advise I've ever received:
In my first year playing for the Wolfpack my coach told me whenever you’re feeling anxious on the court just breathe and talk. I think that applies to school to! Sometimes questions or content can be super overwhelming and can cause severe anxiety and self doubt. But if you can take a step back, breathe, and talk it, you’ll be just fine.
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
If you ever feel lost or like you don’t know what’s going on, chances are that your classmates feel that way too. University isn’t a solo journey, its a long road shared by you and your peers so you might as well make friends and tackle the challenge together.
My best or most memorable SL moment:
was attending the organic chemistry midterm and exam sessions. They really helped me prepare and I was able to get a way better grade than I expected!
Paige Hembling
PhysicsWhat drew me to become an SL leader?
SL sessions were so helpful to me in my first year. I loved the collaborative environment and review methods. I want to help others find the same success that my leaders helped me find, especially in a subject I know and understand well.
Best advice I’ve ever received:
Don’t let the fear of doing something stop you from trying. The anticipation is almost always worse than the task itself.
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
Not everyone adapts to university in the same way. What works for others might not work for you, and you’ll probably have to try out different strategies before you find what fits.
I didn’t think I needed SL until:
My days started getting busier and I stopped finding time to review notes. SL encouraged me to prioritize review instead of procrastinating until the day before the exam.
My academic “a-ha moment”:
Understanding the subject material is way more important than a grade on one test or assignment. If you don’t do as well as you wanted, but then figure out something you’d missed because of it, it can still be a win.
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.
Zoe Dimopoulos
PsychologyWhat drew me to become an SL leader?
I've always loved learning about learning and finding the best study strategies, and I thought helping others with that would be a great way to learn more! I also want to become a teacher, and I think SL will be a good learning experience for that, from planning sessions to helping other students achieve their best.
I never go to class without:
A bottle of water and a stick of gum. I find that taking sips of water throughout a lecture helps me stay alert and focused and having something to chew on makes long lectures easier to sit through (Some people even say chewing gum can help with memory).
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
That memorizing every little detail of your notes is not important, at least for the classes I have taken. Seeking out key concepts and vocabulary, then chunking information together and understanding the context of my notes makes studying much easier, and I learn so much more that way!
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.
Melani Sagastume Rodriguez
SociologyWhat drew me to become an SL leader?
I found the SL program to be an amazing opportunity that helped me learn new ways of studying while getting to meet new people. Now I want to do the same, to support others and help them succeed in achieving their academic goals.
Best advice I’ve ever received:
Having determination is an essential element to succeed.
I never go to class without:
A notebook, blue and black pen since I prefer taking notes by hand.
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university?
The importance of attending office hours, as they can be helpful when you have questions about the material or any future assignments.
My academic “a-ha moment”:
Never be afraid of asking questions in class. It helped me to build confidence in myself and to be more engaged during class.
-
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!
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.
Kenzie Evans
anatomy and 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.
Naa Aryeley Ashong
mathematics (MATH 1070)I 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!
Sara Muñetón
math, biologyMy 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.
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
COMP 1230I 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.
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.
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.
Rebekah Miller
social workWhat drew me to become an SL leader?
What drew me to becoming an SL leader for the social work course on theory and ideology is how much the previous leader aided my learning and overall appreciation of Supplemental Learning. Before that experience, I had no clue what SL was. Because of that positive experience, I was motivated to work towards being that same positive support for students going to SL.
I never go to class without:
I never go to class without my agenda. I am so forgetful and with having to manage courses, homework, work schedules, extracurriculars and social time, the only way I can remember everything is to rely on my agenda.
Best advice I have ever received:
In my first year, I struggled to find a flow and understand the dynamics of being successful in courses. I struggled and often contemplated if I was smart enough to be at university. My mom, during this time, told me that university is meant to test you and it's expected for students to struggle. She also told me to keep pushing, get feedback, learn from mistakes, and seek support, because once I get a hold of a flow and system that worked for me it would be a breeze. So that’s what I did. It was tough to get there, but now I know exactly what needs to be done to obtain my goals and even surpass them.
My academic a-ha moment:
My academic a-ha moment was in my first year during a fall semester sociology course. I realized that all the readings attached to the Moodle shell were not recommended, but required. That was a reality check as I spent the next two weeks having to catch up on all the readings that I missed. Now I understand the importance of course readings and how much they benefit learning and the effectiveness of the courses.
Olivia Simms
mathematicsWhat drew me to become an SL leader?
In my first year, I really benefitted from attending SL. It's a great place to meet friends, make mistakes in a relaxed environment and grow as a learner! We have a lot of fun in SL sessions and it's comforting to see that others are in the same boat. I also love helping participants bring classroom economics principles back to their own lives and interests.
I never go to class without:
A good pen and a strong cup of coffee.
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 lots of help available on your academic journey if you take the first step and reach out!
My academic “a-ha moment”:
Sometimes a new subject requires that I completely revamp the way I study. It takes time to figure out what kind of preparation is best for how each course is evaluated. Adaptability and patience are key!
