Hey guys!
In honour of the ongoing tutor recruitment I would like to share some of my experiences about tutoring and my journey within Laureamko in general. I’ve been somewhat unusual when it comes to student union matters, because ever since I started my studies, my career path in Laureamko has been fairly clear in my mind.
Back in 2018 when my studies began, I knew that I wanted to be a tutor. After my amusing tutor interview luckily, I was chosen to be a part of the amazing group of tutors and chosen to be one of three tutor representatives in Leppävaara campus. I volunteered to become a tutor representative because I wanted to gain experience on leadership and peer management. Concretely the gathered experience could be seen while planning events and during the specific occasion. As a tutor representative I made sure that the tutors of my campus knew where theyneed to be, when they need to be, were up to date with all information and motivated them in times of frustration. I was also the primary link between Laureamko and the tutors.
During the tutoring study unit, I got a first-hand view of event planning in for example the shadow freshman party and the orientation week events. I also got to help the tutors responsible in organizing. Organizing and event aside, the best part about tutoring was getting to know new people and helping and supporting new students with their studies and teaching them about student culture.
As everything does, my time as a tutor came to an end and I was facing a choice. Whether to join the campus team or apply to be on the student union board. Due to scheduling struggles I decided to join the campus team. There I proceeded to become the member responsible for tutors. I was actively contacting the tutor representatives of our campus, asking how they are doing and how the study unit was going and questioning them about any help they might need. Unfortunately, due to the covid-19 situation not many events were held, and online events were still unheard of. I still maintained communications to the tutors until the end.
I wanted to move forward to the last step of my previously mentioned career plan, so the question of joining the board arose again. It was the beginning of the last year in my studies, I still had to do my thesis and complete the last work practice. Still, after long consideration and a few motivational speeches I decided to apply. Luckily, I was chosen and at a later time it was determined that I was going the be responsible for tutors and guidance.
Applying to become a board member was one of the best choices I’ve made. In a short time, I’ve learned a lot of new things and had an effect on the operative activity of Laureamko. I’ve met some amazing people and now in the beginning of my third month I’m excited about the tutor search and later interviewing the new candidates!
If you’re thinking about it, apply!
-Bill Ojwaka, Laureamko’s board member 2021.