Emily Thomas, a sophomore from California majoring in TESOL, said she enjoys working at the Math Lab on campus because it allows her to practice math and help her toward her goals of studying engineering.
What made you apply for the job?
“I like math. It’s one of those things I think is a God-given talent, and it’s commanded that you do something with your talents or you’re offending God. That being said, I’m starting to enjoy math.
“It was definitely a tender mercy. Originally, I did not want to apply for any jobs during my first semester. One of my friends told me to apply. I thought it would be good to have a job, build up my resume, get experience. I applied for the math tutoring job and they replied fast.
“I went in and got an interview. The employer at the time was Elder Mueller. I went in there and talked with him about the job. I took the placement test and I remember I was there for like an hour. I’m this 18 year-old freshman girl, and then this 6’5 buff guy walks in and says, ‘Can I take the placement test?’
“It freaked me out. I said a little prayer in my heart. 30 minutes later, he’s done and gets up and leaves. I was there an hour before him and I hadn’t even finished. I hear the manager in the hallway and she walks in and says to the guy, ‘Your test is half blank.’ Soon after that, I got the job.”
What makes your job unique?
“Just the environment we are in, we are encouraged to work on math everyday and we have to focus on concepts. I don’t see myself as one of the smartest people on campus but I definitely feel like I am surrounded by the smartest kids. They are working so hard.”
“Everything just clicks for them. If I ever have a question about a problem, they could quickly explain the answers. They can tell me the theories behind the problems. Usually I get my mind blown all the time. It’s very much a nerd job. It’s fun, I enjoy it.”
What is your favorite part of your job?
“I really like working at the math lab, it’s forced me to practice math. Growing up I hated math, I didn’t like it. Everyone in the math lab is so kind.”
Describe a typical day
“Basically sitting and answer people’s questions. I grade homework and tests. Also if teachers are not available to teach, I can be a substitute [teacher] for them.”
What do you hope to get out of the job?
“I would do physics applied math or an emphasis in engineering. I’ve always wanted to do engineering.
“My older brother tinkers with math, electrical engineering, and other things. I grew up watching him fix the toaster or the car. I would wire things with him. For example, we made fireworks one year. Probably not legal. He would show me all these crazy inventions growing up and I would always think they were super cool. With engineering, you can do cool things.”
Cons:
“Sometimes at the Math Lab people will come in frustrated and say things like; ‘Tell me the answers.’ or ‘Do my homework.’ I’ve had people breakdown crying over the littlest things. I tell them it’s ok and they can do this. One time this girl cried because her calculator wasn’t working. You do get a lot of different mixes there. It builds patience.”
Pros:
“Every Monday we have a training meeting and it’s basically like family home evening for math tutors. We have a spiritual thought. We recite our math tutor mission statement. It’s super good. It really is a spiritual thing, almost like a calling. We are here to help anyone with math. Help them understand they can do well in the university and in their future.”
“It’s just awesome seeing how passionate everyone is and doing this service. So I feel like even doing my job has brought me a lot closer to my Savior and made me want to serve other people more.”
Writer: Bruno Maynez