How did you get interested in your field of study?
For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by structures and by everything human beings are capable of building. As a kid, I was the one staring up at bridges, towers, and old buildings, wondering how they stayed standing and what kept them from falling apart. That curiosity never really went away; it just became more technical over time. Eventually it led me to structural engineering, and more specifically to computational mechanics, where I get to explore how we can model and predict the behavior of structures under complex conditions. To me, structural engineering is one of the most tangible ways science meets human life, and that is what keeps me motivated to keep learning and pushing further in this field.
What did you find most beneficial in SCLA 620?
The presentations were definitely the most beneficial part of the course for me. Having to stand in front of the class regularly pushed me to improve my public speaking skills in a way that no other course had. SCLA 620 also helped me a lot with my pronunciation; it was the first time I had a structured space to actually hear myself, get feedback, and become aware of patterns I had been carrying for years without noticing. Thanks to this course, I was able to identify the specific aspects of my English that needed the most work, and just as importantly, I learned how to keep improving them on my own. More than a single skill, the course gave me a clearer sense of where I stand as a communicator and where I want to go.
What specific language, communication, and presentation skills did you improve on in SCLA?
SCLA 620 helped me grow in several areas that I had been struggling with for a long time. One of the biggest improvements was learning to pause and slow down during my presentations, instead of rushing through the content the way I used to. This small change made a huge difference, because it gave the audience time to follow along and gave me time to think about what I wanted to say next.
Would you recommend SCLA 620 for incoming international student TAs? Why?
Absolutely. SCLA 620 is one of the most practical courses an international TA can take, because the skills you build transfer directly into the classroom, into research presentations, and even into everyday social interactions. I have noticed that I am now more willing to start conversations, ask follow-up questions, and clarify when I don't understand something, which has helped me build stronger relationships with other TAs and with the international students I work with. For any incoming international TA who wants to teach with confidence and grow as a communicator, this course is a great place to start.