Harry Schlechter

Courses supported: CS-0007; CS-0401; MATH-0220

Major: Computer Science & Psychology

Academic Level: Sophomore 

Achievements and Accolades: Dean's List Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Fall 2021

Activities and Clubs: Computer Science Club; Vice President of Disc Golf Club

Internship, Research and Experiential Learning: Incoming 2022 LEAD IT Intern at Wabtec Corporation 

Post graduation plans: Software Engineer at start-up or big tech company

Why did you become a UTA? I worked as a part-time tutor during all four years of high school and loved helping other students. I want to continue to teach and help other students. I also switched my major to computer science this year and it was so exciting being introduced to coding I want to give other students the same great experience.

What is the best advice you would give to a student who may need additional support? If you need additional support, just ask for it! The CS community is so helpful and collaborative at Pitt I guarantee almost anyone you reach out will be willing to help in any way that they can. Don't be afraid to reach out! My first semester in CS I went to office hours every single week and even met a very helpful UTA in the CSC club and I don't think I would have succeeded without that extra help. 

What is the best study tip you have for a student taking the course you UTA for? For CS-0007, the best tip I can give is to start your projects and assignments as early as possible; at least a few days for labs and a week for assignments. Very often you'll discover small syntax errors or runtime errors with your program and being able to go to your recitation or office hours with your questions is essential for doing well. If you give yourself enough time to do assignments and go to office hours when you don't understand even the smallest thing you will do very well.

Why should students come to your UTA office hours?  Sometimes recitation isn't enough or there is something you don't understand and that's why you should come to office hours! Especially in the early stages of coding there will be a lot of little things you may forget or not understand and getting help is the best way to understand and improve as a programmer.

What is your favorite thing about the subject you UTA for? My favorite thing about CS-0007 is that it is the beginning of CS. I love introducing students to the world of CS and coding and being able to see people start with not being able to write a line of code to making complex programs just a few months later.

Anything else you would like to add? 

My door (or zoom) and email is always open if you have any questions or even unrelated questions about the school, city, or anything in general!