Choosing a Destination

 Choosing a Destination

Intranet announcement for Service Learning in BIOC17

Placement opportunity posted by Dr. Brunt on the course intranet page

I was enrolled in BIOC17 during the summer of 2012. I had taken this course as an elective and initially I did not enjoy it much but gradually as the semester progressed I dicovered a new interest in the world of microbiology that I never knew I had. Dr. Brunt was my instructor at that time and she posted the announcement on the course intranet page for any student interested in helping out the TAs in the lab during the winter semester as a lab assistant. 

Checked the placement posting on CTL website

Placement was posted on Center for Teaching and learning
website with the Job description

  

After reading the intranet announcement and hearing Dr. Brunt mention it in class as well, I decided to give it a shot and checked the job posting on CTL website to gain more information about the job and what to expect. It seemed an interesting idea to apply what I had learned in a practical setting and return to the microbiology labs, only this time not as a student but a facilitator. I have always had a passion for teaching and I already worked at the ChemAid center to help organic chemistry students. Adding microbiology to my list of skills seemed an excellent idea so I decided to go ahead and grab the opportunity.

Contacted Dr. Brunt through Email

Emailed Dr. Brunt regarding Service Learning 

                           

I emailed Dr. Brunt about her announcement and arranged a meeting with her. I was apprehensive about what was her selection criteria and what was she looking for. I prepared myself with the necessary documents such as my timetable and results page from ROSI and went to see her. She gave a brief overview of placement activities and what is to be expected. Since most of the TAs joining in the winter were new; Dr. Brunt wanted a student who had recently taken the course to help them and the students with microscopes and weekly lab exercises. I was excited at the opportunity and Dr. Brunt took me in. 

Filled out the Application form

Glimpse of the application form  found online

The next step was to fill the application form found on CTL website. I was excited to fill it and submit it quickly so I could get enrolled in the course and make it official as soon as I could. I also requested the course on ROSI at about the same time.

Recieved Confirmation on ROSI

CTLB03 shows up on the timetable on ROSI

One lucky day I recieved the email of my confirmation and checked my ROSI status which had changed from interim to approved. I was excited but at the same time nervous and anxious at the thought of working with new peers and colleagues. I had to wait for the term to begin to see what it was really like. 

Signed the placement Contract

Portion of Service Learning contract

During the first week of classes I arranged to meet with Dr. Brunt to sign the Placement Contract which is an official document enlisting the duties, set of tasks with their deadlines, goals, expectations and the end product of the placement. Dr. Brunt and I filled out the application form in her office and signed it. It was then submitted to Dr. Persaud in CTLB03 class during the second week of classes. When I looked at the contract, I felt really excited to complete the placement and looked forward to enter the lab and start applying what was required of me. It did not seem like a lot and I felt I could handle the workload and balance it with my other courses with ease. All that remained was to put that lab coat on and get rolling. Above is just a picture of the placement contract's front page. The entire placement contract can be accessed through the following link. Original copy of Placement Contract.