NFC Peer Tutors Make Positive Impact on Campus

Peer Tutors - NFC Student LeadersSee full feature article

MADISON, FL - In Spring Term 2019, over 530 individual students received help at North Florida College’s Academic Success Center (ASC). Over 325 of those students visited the Peer Tutor Lab where NFC students are employed to offer tutoring services in writing, math and other subjects. Students helping students is a welcoming part of the Tutor Lab’s appeal.

NFC students spent nearly 3200 hours with the Academic Success Center during Spring 2019, over 2300 of which were spent either in the Tutor Lab or using our online Peer Tutoring options. According to Jamen Brock, Tutor Lab Manager at NFC, “we like to have two Peer Tutors from each subject on staff every hour, every day!”

During Fall Term 2019, the ASC employed 15 students as Peer Tutors, eight for English and seven for math. In addition to individual and walk-in tutor sessions, the ASC offers online writing consultations, online tutoring and group study sessions.

“I highly recommend to everyone to visit the Tutor Lab at NFC,” said NFC student Charlie Fulmer. “The peer tutors are always welcoming and go above and beyond to help you work through the assignment and make sure you understand what is required. Whether face to face, emails, or through an online session, there are accommodations available for even the most demanding of schedules.”

NFC student Andres “AJ” Quesada has been an NFC Peer Tutor since fall 2018. “I assist students with intermediate and college algebra, statistics, Spanish, computer applications, and business classes,” said Quesada.

Quesada says having this job on campus is convenient and rewarding - “allows me to save money in gas and is amazing to have a great group of people that are always available to lend a helping hand. I have learned how to manage and treat every person in a positive and effective way.”

Brock, an alumnus of NFC and former Peer Tutor, can personally attest to the importance of student leadership roles on campus. “Talk about a full circle! Working at the Tutor Lab was my first job outside of the family farm. Now, I couldn’t be happier being back. The Peer Tutors inspire me every day and it is a joy watching them help their peers.”

“I hope the Peer Tutors form a better appreciation for their own success, and a greater appreciation for those around them who are trying their best to succeed as well,” said Brock. “I expect them to better form and/or perfect a number of qualities that will help them in their remaining academic careers, work, and life. At a minimum, I hope crossing paths with so many other students will help the Peer Tutors grow into the best versions of themselves.”

Brock and the Academic Success Center staff’s commitment to the program and NFC students is definitely paying off.

“My journey at NFC not only has better prepared me for the future in regards to what career I would like to pursue, it has given me a better understanding of what kind of person I would like to become,” said Quesada.

PHOTO: NFC Tutor Lab Manager Jamen Brock, standing, and Peer Tutor Andres “AJ” Quesada, right, assist NFC student Daniel Jerome during a tutor session.