Birizibe Gnassingbe

Courses supported: CMPINF-401, CS-0445, CS-0007, CS-0011

Major: Computer Science & Political Science

Minor: Africana Studies

Academic Level: Junior

Achievements and Accolades: Dean's List; Software Engineering CS SCI Scholar Award

Activities and Clubs: Underrepresented Minorities in Computing; President, African Student Organization

Internship, Research and Experiential Learning: The College Xoice Startup

Post graduation plans: I'd like to take a gap year and live outside of the U.S. Ideally, I would be teaching disadvantaged children how to code. After the gap year, I would like to continue my education in a Master's program.

Why did you become a UTA? I started informally tutoring people my freshman year, many of my friends would come to me with coding problems. I noticed that I really loved the feeling of someone coming to me with an "impossible" issue, and their entire face lighting up once their program finally worked! Then they'd get even more excited once they understood the fundamental concepts. I also got a big personal benefit because it gave me the ability to work on my problem-solving, coding, critical thinking & communication skills! It has helped me become a better student.

What is the best advice you would give to a student who may need additional support? Reach out to anyone you can! We all have different ways of learning, conceptualizing things, understanding concepts, etc. Maybe your Professor explains it in a way you don't understand, but your TA might make it click. Or, maybe your TA can't help you understand, but a tutor can! There are so many resources, please take advantage!

What is the best study tip you have for a student taking the course you UTA for? I'm currently TAing for CS11, and I'm encountering a lot of students who are taking the class to fulfill a requirement - they're not interested in coding. Coding, when originally introduced, seems like such a foreign concept. If you have trouble understanding - please understand that it's not you. Coding is unlike any other study, and it definitely takes some time to adjust. So, don't overthink it & please reach out.

Why should students come to your UTA office hours? I'm here for you! Whether it's a coding assignment, or just to speak to another student - I'm happy to be there for anybody who needs it!

What is your favorite thing about the subject you UTA for? Every question is a small little puzzle and it's fun to work through them.