Peer Connections Tutors

Tony B.

Name: Tony Barreto
Major: Business Administration
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… while when transferring I was mainly scared of the jump from community college to University, but rather than it being different academically it was more of the same. However, there is more work so you definitely need to manage your time better than any other moment before.
My best strategy for college success is… planning out your days and time because the key to everything is managing your time properly. This can especially help with stress and feeling overwhelmed.

Khoa C.
Name: Khoa Cao
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… how to balance club involvement and academics.
My best strategy for college success is… be mindful about all your decisions.

Name: Kalia Castro
Major: Biochemistry
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… to talk more with my professors. Whether it be participating in class or going up to them after class to introduce yourself, connecting to professors is really important because it helps you enjoy learning the material and makes you stand out. Be a memorable student! Having your professors know you as an individual comes in handy when you need them as a mentor or for future letter of recommendations.
My best strategy for college success is… organizing everything and learning where your priorities lie. Use a calendar to plan out your day and use a planner to list out what you need to do so that you feel more of an incentive to be productive and procrastinate less. Figure out your commitments. What do you have to do this week and what do you need to do first. For me, I hate the feeling of having to push something back, but ultimately what needs your attention first, you have to give it. Be responsible and independent!

Name: Tim Chen
Major: Biology
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known…
My best strategy for college success is…

Name: Tanay Dedhia
Major: Engineering Technology
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… that peer mentors exists and it can be this useful.
My best strategy for college success is… to plan my semester well and follow it, this way I will avoid the majority of the obstacles.

Name: Huy Duong
Major: Computer Science
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known…
My best strategy for college success is…

Name: Aarav Ghai
Major: Interdisciplinary Engineering
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… that taking a proactive approach to stuff is the key to success!
My best strategy for college success is… to take a proactive approach! Half of success is just showing up.

Name: Ayesha Haroon
Major: Behavioral Science
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… college runs by fast so get involved in as many things as you can. You never know when an opportunity for you can be disguised in any form.
My best strategy for college success is… giving up is not an option. Keep going even if you feel it is slow.

Name: Ana Kanishscheva
Major: Political Science
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… that learning is fun and interesting.
My best strategy for college success is… to do my best and not to be afraid of obstacles. Difficulties happen but all of them has a solution!

Name: Shresth Karnani
Major: Computer Science
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… about all the opportunities and resources available to students.
My best strategy for college success is… balancing your social life with studies.

Name: May Khin
Major: Accounting
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… to join clubs and organizations to meet new people and explore interests outside of academics. Also, take advantage of the academic, career, and personal support services offered by SJSU.
My best strategy for college success is… attend class on time, take good notes, pay attention, and join group study sessions. These habits will help you stay organized, understand the material thoroughly, and collaborate with peers for learning materials.

Name: Thu Luong
Major: Business Analytics
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… the importance of networking. Meeting people and building connections can make a big difference in finding opportunities and support.
My best strategy for college success is… be bold! Taking risks, speaking up, and pursuing challenges without hesitation leads to growth and opens doors to new possibilities.

Name: Louis Ma
Major: International Business
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… to join more clubs, organizations, volunteers, or sports teams to make more friends, build networks, and enhance my college experience.
My best strategy for college success is… to manage your time wisely and be responsible and goal-oriented.

Name: Helen Mai
Major: Chemical Engineering
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… the importance of time management.
My best strategy for college success is… always be curious and ask questions!

Name: Atay Moya
Major: Computer Science
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… that there are so many resources available to maximize success.
My best strategy for college success is… study but have fun at the same time.

Name: Nguyen Nguyen
Major: Computer Science
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… the location of each building on campus. My community college was not too big and most of my classes were in the same area, so I thought it was the same at SJSU. I did not search location of building of my classes. During the first week, I struggled to find my classrooms, so I was late almost all classes in the first day.
My best strategy for college success is… to Work Hard - Play Hard. Work Hard to make sure to get a good academic result and Play Hard to stay connected with friends and experience college life.

Name: Jay Patel
Major: Aerospace Engineering
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… more about prerequisite classes and how that would impact my schedules.
My best strategy for college success is… understanding the concepts behind a problem before solving it is important. I am a STEM major so this generally means understanding how the equations work and why, before technically calculating them. If I understand why I am doing something, the process works out easier for me.

Name: Sam Raodeo
Major: Business Administration
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… that "10-minute walk between classes" actually means "10-minute Olympic speed-walk while dodging skateboarders, geese, and construction zones."
My best strategy for college success is… staying organized and treating college like a full-time job - show up, do the work, and stay on top of deadlines. Also, never underestimate the power of a good planner and a strong cup of coffee!

Name: Ash Reddy
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… known more about my resources available to me as a student.
My best strategy for college success is… studying hard, keeping up with deadlines, and staying on track.

Name: Sean Sevilla
Major: Pre-Nursing
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… that it's really up to you to create the kind of life you want in college. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, and you miss every shot you don't take. Also, if you're ever interested in something (even slightly), go for it! You never know what might happen!
My best strategy for college success is… splitting work over time, not cramming everything right away and/or last-minute. Time management is an important skill to develop in college, and it will come with many benefits in the future!

Name: Stuti Shah
Major: Business Administration
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… how valuable campus resources like Peer Connections and the Career Center could be for both academics and career planning. As a transfer student, it is important to network through student events and organizations is a great way to build lasting connections. Additionally, making a positive impression on professors by engaging in class and attending office hours can lead to mentorship opportunities and open doors to future academic and professional success.
My best strategy for college success is… staying organized and proactive. Managing deadlines, balancing my coursework, and networking with as many people as possible has been of utmost importance to me. Building relationships with professors and classmates has also been a game-changer—it’s amazing how much you can learn by asking questions and collaborating. Lastly, taking advantage of campus resources, like tutoring centers and workshops, has helped me stay focused and confident in my studies.

Name: Kshitij Shirule
Major: Computer Engineering
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… about the SRAC earlier. I only found out about it near the end of the semester, and I thought it was only for students who were taking PE related classes. It's a really great place to hang out with friends, play sports, and be healthy.
My best strategy for college success is… just take it one day at a time. Don't try to rush through everything and take your time. Just be consistent and get things done day by day.

Name: Dax Smith
Major: Finance
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… the importance of forming connections with professors. Speaking with them after class, sending emails, or visiting office hours can each be extremely valuable. By doing this, you’ll become more comfortable reaching out to them in the future for help or job recommendations. This practice is especially important for assignments with more subjective grading criteria. By implementing your professor’s feedback, you are showing that you are open to criticism and improvement, which can tremendously help your final grade.
My best strategy for college success is… finish busywork early when given the chance. Sometimes, teachers will post homework for the semester or other small assignments well before their due dates. Complete these early, and you’ll have more than enough time to focus on projects, essays, and studying. This is especially helpful if you have trouble balancing multiple commitments, as I do. It can be extremely rewarding to get ahead of schedule.

Name: Jay Timbol
Major: Software Engineering
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… professors are not as intimidating as they might seem! Many SJSU faculty want to see their students succeed so there's no harm in asking about classwork or even professional opportunities.
My best strategy for college success is… put yourself out there and be open to change - don't constrain yourself to one discipline/environment right away.

Name: Kimberly Tran
Major: Sociology
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… the resources and opportunities students can gain from professors and faculty to help break into their career.
My best strategy for college success is… to not waste time and have a 5 year plan.

Name: Martin Tran
Major: Software Engineering
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known…
My best strategy for college success is…

Name: Cadance Tung
Major: Biochemistry
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… that there are other tutor services offered on campus.
My best strategy for college success is… don't be afraid to ask questions and make mistakes! There is no such thing as a dumb question, every one of them are valuable and worth digging in depth.

Name: Sakshi Vani
Major: Public Health
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… how many helpful resources are available on campus, from Peer Connections and tutoring to career center and wellness programs. There’s so much support if you just reach out and ask!
My best strategy for college success is… stay curious, stay kind, and ask for help when you need it. Also staying on top of deadlines just enough to avoid panic works best, grabbing coffee when in doubt, and remembering that progress beats perfection.

Name: Nathan Wesling
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known… how important it was to make time for sports clubs and academic clubs.
My best strategy for college success is… to make your time as stress free as possible by planning ahead, not overworking, and finding something you enjoy doing on or around campus.

Name: Alan Xu
Major: Computer Science
Role: Tutor

When I started at SJSU, I wish I had known…
My best strategy for college success is…