Senior Starts Student Help Desk

Thanks to the efforts and vision of senior Oscar D, Tandem students can both teach and learn from one another as part of a Student Help Desk Oscar brought to life. During a college visit tour, Oscar noticed that most colleges had peer tutoring centers and he thought it would be incredible for Tandem to have one. He decided it would be a great Senior Project to create and staff a Student Help Desk for peer tutoring at Tandem, and a great legacy to leave behind after graduation. Tandem's first Student Help Desk is now physically located in the Math Science building lobby, where existing tables and space, along with a blackboard on the far wall, support the cause. Oscar recruited a dozen juniors and seniors, based on teacher recommendations, to serve as math and science peer tutors. The Help Desk is now staffed during lunch and Office Hours, and students can also make appointments during other times. Oscar has witnessed consistent use, especially when there are pending tests in science and math classes (last week there were 13 students seeking help before a Chemistry test). Oscar spends most lunch periods there as a peer tutor and loves how the space has already transformed into less of a lobby and more of a collaborative study area at all times. Peer tutors Van and Seth agree that the system is working well and students love the informal, drop-in aspect of seeking help. For now, Oscar says the Help Desk will focus on math and science, but they may consider some expansion into other subject areas in the future. What a great Senior Project!