MATT RUDIN—W '16—MGMT 100 (Leadership and Communication in Groups)
Street: What’s the most awkward situation you’ve had with a student while being a TA?
Matt Rudin: As a sophomore I [was a TA for] a senior who had a job lined up at Boston Consulting Group. Teaching her how to give a business presentation was an exercise in futility.
Street: Have any of your students bribed you for grades?
MR: Not yet. But Lea, Rio, Will, Nad, Jeff, Skyler, Olivia, Gerald, Hersh and Nicole—get thinking. Your grade depends on it!
Street: Is there really no such thing as a dumb question?
MR: What a dumb question. Of course there is.
Street:What do you do when you see your students in a non–class room setting?
PELE COLLINS—SEAS '17—MEAM 101 (Introduction to Mechanical Design)
Street: Have you ever been a TA for someone you’ve had sexual relations with?
Pele Collins: Never in my own section. I have tried my best to keep this going as a rule of sorts. I have with someone in another section of the class though. Made it far easier to avoid her.
Street: Have any of your students bribed you for grades?
PC: I feel like this happens the reverse way with me more. They always think I will let them into SAE parties because I’m their TA.
Street: What’s the most awkward situation you’ve had with a student while being a TA?
PC: I had to TA the next morning after a massive night out freshmen year. I did my best to hold myself together.
MR: I intently make eye contact and see how the student reacts.
LAYAN AL–AIDAROUS—SAS '16—ECON 002 (Introductory Economics: Macro)
Street: Are there any fun perks to being a TA?
Layan Al–Aidarous: People definitely think you’re a lot smarter than you actually are, which is a perk. But also getting paid is pretty high on that list.
Street: What do you do when you see your students in a non–class room setting?
LA: Wave and say, 'hi' and then proceed to avoid, avoid, avoid. I’m sure the feeling’s mutual though. If I see my professor or TA conducting human activities like “getting ice cream at Capo,” it’s like watching an alien landing. Both terrifying and perplexing.
MOLLY REAM—SAS '16—COGS 001 (Introduction to Cognitive Sciences)
Street: What’s it like being a TA? Do you have to be formal and professional?
Molly Ream: We are supposed to be very formal and serious, but I’m bad at giving off that vibe. I need to work on being more intimidating so I’m taken seriously. Maybe I should stop bringing doughnuts to class or throw a chair when nobody is participating or something.
Street: What’s the dumbest question you’ve been asked?
MR: “Do you know where the Wawa is?”
Street: Why should we take your class?
MR: I bring food.
