Hala Nubani

Courses supported: CS-441

Major: Computer Science & Mathematics

Academic Level: Junior

Achievements and Accolades: Dean's List

Post graduation plans: Goals to pursue a PhD in computer science.

Why did you become a UTA? I enjoy being able to help people. There is no substitute for the moment when a student finally understand a topic, they feel genuine joy and you get to be a part of that moment as a UTA.

What is the best advice you would give to a student who may need additional support? I big obstacle is yourself, it hard to reach out for help without internalizing that as an issue with you. There is absolutely no shame in needing help nor is it an indication of anything other than you being able to use your resources well. The advice I can give is to discreetly reach out to your UTA if you are feeling stressed about it, whether that be by shooting an email or waiting until after class to approach them. The UTA's are students as well and we understand the feeling, we will meet you where you areas long as you initiate contact.

What is the best study tip you have for a student taking the course you UTA for? I UTA for CS-441 and something that is incredible helpful for this course and any math related course is to simply practice all that you can. Take the time to look at the book, find problems that look challenging and solve them. Then go to your UTA to see if you did it correctly in their office hours or via email. The biggest thing I see students struggle with is thinking they have a topic down (maybe it's really easy and they don't see it being potentially hard) and then feeling overwhelmed when that problems appears in a context that isn't as straightforward. Again, a way to combat this is to find and do as much practice as you have time and energy for.

Why should students come to your UTA office hours? Besides being able to meet with others peers and be reassured that others may potentially be struggling with the same topics, you also get to meet your UTA to ask all types of question (even numbers in books, going over topics from recitation, preparing for exam, learning more about the major and seeing how some UTA's found their footing in SCI). Essentially, if a UTA is comfortable speaking on the topic then they can give you advice on being an SCI student as well as helping you navigate the course. There is no harm in going to office hours but there so much missed potential innate going. Another really enjoyable aspect of office hours is that when there are two or three students, they get bounce ideas and thoughts off of each other. You as a student know you have all the UTA's focus and get to review concepts based of your needs.  

What is your favorite thing about the subject you UTA for? Too many to chose from, but the favorite part of the course from opinion are the proofs. The way math is taught in high school is ironically not what you need per se for college. The most important thing is analyzing skills. There is something so inexplicably nice about look at a fact you have always taken for granted, question it, and then prove it for yourself. All those questions of why you in math when you were younger are finally going to be answered by you.

Anything else you would like to add? If you are in my recitation, I want you to feel comfortable and to know that I am dedicated to help you. You are entitled to help so go seek it where you feel you need it.