Sam & Alex Stanley

Class of 2014

By Eric Fergason

The SALT Center employs a team of tutors ranging from undergraduates to retirees. Each tutor represents a diverse community of individuals dedicated to student success. Last week, we posted an article on Regular Tutor, Tomi Obafemi (class of 2014), in which we discussed his experience as a tutor at the SALT Center and the impact it has had on his college career (visit our SALT Center Stories page to read more). This week, we are highlighting Advanced Tutors and sisters, Alex and Sam Stanley. Alex is currently a senior at the UA, majoring in English and Music, and her sister, Sam, is a senior majoring in Communication.

While looking for a job during her sophomore year at the UA, Alex assessed what she had to offer – she realized that her academic record and experience as a tutor in High School would be very marketable. She learned about the SALT Center’s tutoring services through a friend who utilized the program, and thought it would be a great fit.

Based on her friend’s testimonial, the characteristics that made the SALT Center unique compared to other programs on campus were its small student population and personal interactions. “I figured I’d give it a shot!” said Alex. “I think it offers a much friendlier atmosphere, because you can get swallowed up in this giant university, and [the SALT Center] is a place to feel safe and to learn.”

Alex told her twin sister, Sam, about her new job, and Sam started tutoring at the SALT Center the following semester. “I like that the SALT Center is right here [on campus]. It’s different than [other academic support centers] because you get to develop relationships since you see the same people all the time.”

SALT Center tutors undergo a rigorous training regiment to obtain and maintain their tutor certification.  After earning their Regular Tutor certification, Alex and Sam wanted to become Advanced Tutors. In order to move up to this level, they each had to complete 100 hours of tutoring, and create a project that was reviewed by those who have obtained the highest level of certification: the Master Tutors.

While they also participated in campus-wide trainings that included tutors from the THINK TANK and other academic support programs, their training at the SALT Center focused on strategies for students who learn differently. As Alex explained, “We do specialized training [at the SALT Center] because there are some things we deal with that [other support centers] don’t, and vice versa.” Sam added, “You learn a lot about different learning challenges and different strategies. Once you get to the Advanced or Master level, you’re [a much more effective] tutor.”

Advancing though the different levels of tutor certification impacted both Sam and Alex’s personal academic experiences. Sam’s training, coupled with her time in the Writer’s Lab, bolstered her confidence in her own writing ability, “I think it makes me academically stronger because I brush up on what I know every day…I have become a much better writer because of all of that practice.”

Alex’s time in tutoring sessions helped reinforce her skills and broaden her perspective, “The strategies that we teach the students are the same strategies that I use when I write papers, so its really helpful to go over those every day…It definitely reinforces your knowledge, because you can look at [a concept] from 15 different angles”

Sam and Alex share the sentiment that the highlight of their job is the relationships they build with students as they grow. A student may enter a tutoring session with very little understanding of the material, but leave with a feeling of confidence. Sam states that she enjoys her relationships with first-year students most of all: “It’s really cool to see them from day to day, hear how they are doing, and watch them pick their major.”

Sam will continue her education at the UA this fall as a graduate student in the Communication department, and will be advancing to the level of Master Tutor at the end of this semester, “It’s kind of funny, because I’m probably going to be a TA for a lot of the students I tutor.” Alex, a Fulbright Finalist, will be moving to Chile as part of the United Nation’s Open Doors program, where she’ll teach at a K-12 school.  

We are very grateful for Sam and Alex’s contribution to our program, and the value they have provided to our students.  We wish them both the best of luck in all of their future endeavors.  

Interested in learning more about SALT Center Tutoring Services? Visit http://salt.arizona.edu/services/tutoring.

Devin Slack

By Eric Fergason

When Devin Slack was looking at colleges, he knew he needed a school that would give him additional support for his learning challenge. He applied to the University of Arizona because the SALT Center would do just that: “My family and I searched high and low for institutions that provided good academic support, and, after touring two other campuses, I knew that the University of Arizona was 100% the place I wanted to go.”

Reflecting on the transition from high school to college, Devin describes the college experience as one continuous transition: “Having to go above and beyond on assignments, transitioning from general education classes to classes within my major…it all served as a wake up call.” One skill Devin knew he would need to learn quickly in order to manage this transition was time management.  Working with his strategic learning specialist, Devin was able learn strategies to help him manage his course load, using tools like the “Semester at a Glance,” a one-page document outlining all every due date for each class that students can reference throughout the semester.

With his new-found time-management skills, Devin was encouraged and emboldened to get involved with extra-curricular clubs and activities.  His strategic learning specialist recommended that he become a SALT Center Student Ambassador, which would give hime the opportunity to share his experiences with prospective students and families: “Working as a Student Ambassador at the SALT Center has really grown my confidence. It’s great being in a position where people are interested in my opinion.”  Devin is even considering becoming a SALT Center tutor because of that confidence - he believes he can help other student who learn differently navigate the transition to college, just as the SALT Center helped him. 

When he’s not giving tours at the SALT Center, Devin is usually studying.  Majoring in Electrical Engineering, with a Math minor, he has plenty of schoolwork to keep him busy: “I like all of the material - it’s fascinating.  It’s also nice to know there is a job waiting for me; that provides a little security.” While his fields of study might require that he be at the UA for an extra year, it doesn’t bother Devin in the least - “I love it here, so I don't mind taking another year. There is no point in rushing if your having a good time.”

Even though he’s just entering his junior year, Devin is already looking ahead. While the idea of working in a robotics lab after graduation is enticing, he’s also considering continuing his education: “Just recently, I got a letter from a professor asking me if I wanted to turn my Math minor into a major, and he was talking about me going to grad school. I hadn't really thought about it, but I kind of like the sound of ‘Dr. Slack’ - it has a good ring to it.” 

Devin has made quite an impact in his short time at the SALT Center and the UA, and we are so grateful for his willingness to give back to our program as a Student Ambassador.  This intelligent, dedicated, and gracious young man has an incredibly bright future ahead of him, and we can’t wait to see what he does next.

David Peak

By Eric Fergason

In the breezeway of the Patricia A. Bartlett building, David Peak approaches, wearing his customary scarf and sunglasses. You’ll see him in the same spot on Friday mornings, greeting people before “Taste of SALT” presentations, during which David answers questions for prospective students and their families as an ambassador for the SALT Center. We met to reflect on his time at the University of Arizona and his experience with our program.  

When asked what led him to choose the UA during his college search, David recalled several factors: size, support, and ‘The Feeling.’ Because he was raised in a small town, he was already accustomed to Tucson’s small community. He pondered attending another state university, but he believed that their academic support services wouldn’t quite meet his needs. Besides, his brother studied there, and David wanted a different experience: “I kind of wanted to go somewhere that would be my own college.”  

Additionally, his mother, a special education aid, was familiar with the services available at the UA, including the SALT Center, and encouraged David to consider it. He was very impressed: “I did not envision that The SALT Center would have the facilities and setup that it has.”  

One of the biggest factors that led David to choose the UA is what he describes as ‘The Feeling’ -­‐ “It’s the feeling I get when I really want something.” After attending a “Taste of SALT” and the UA presentation in Old Main, David said ‘The Feeling’ struck him: “I looked out the window across the mall…[and the UA] just felt like [the right fit for] me.” 

David is very pleased with his choice; he is studying Creative Writing, and has enjoyed his undergraduate career at the UA. He credits the support he has received at the SALT Center, particularly the tutoring services, with his current success: “I had a stereotypical [and limited] tutoring experience in High School; I didn’t expect so much peer tutoring in so many subjects.” 

With his more demanding classes behind him, David decided to look for a job during his senior year in order to gain experience and a little extra cash: “I was looking into becoming one of the UA ambassadors who walk backwards.” His research for this position reminded him that the SALT Center employed ambassadors, as well. Upon further consideration, David decided to apply, and got the job.   

As an ambassador, David engages with prospective students and families on a weekly basis. He is proud to share his SALT Center experience with future students, and also considers it a great networking opportunity: “I was the consumer, and now, in a way, I’m selling the product.”  

With graduation fast approaching, we are glad to have David greeting families and sharing his experience at our “Taste of SALT” presentations for a few more months. We congratulate him on earning his degree, and we wish him success in all of his future endeavors.

Jennifer Hansen

By Eric Fergason

Jennifer Hansen is a Senior Student Support Specialist at the SALT Center.  We asked her a few questions to get to know her better and to learn more about her experience in this challenging and rewarding role.  

What did you study in college? 

I’m one of those classic students that experimented with different majors.  Also, I was not a traditional student, as I worked my way through college. I was fortunate to be employed by a company that supported continuing education, and I did a variety of side jobs, from writing obituaries, to retail work, to restaurant work, to finally working within a marketing department of a large electronics firm.  I started out as a pre-pharmacy major and landed in the School of Business via an indirect route.  I eventually finished my degree, graduating from the UA with a B.S. in Business Administration, with a major in Marketing. 

Where did you work before you joined the SALT Center as a Senior Student Support Specialist? 

I worked at the SALT Center in several capacities before becoming a Senior Student Support Specialist.  However, prior to working at the SALT Center, I worked in the employment industry as a recruiter and personnel specialist.  I loved this work as it involved helping others and finding their strengths, and making a good match between employer and employee.  For many years, I did extensive volunteer work with military spouses by taking part in support groups, being involved in leadership roles on steering committees, and working to make life better for families with loved ones who were deployed. I have also worked as a freelance writer, and I still earn a bit of money on the side by writing.

How did you learn about the role of Senior Student Support Specialist?

I worked at the SALT Center in a different area supporting students.  I enjoyed the student contact that I had from this role, and had the goal of eventually becoming a Senior Student Support Specialist, so I was happy when the opportunity presented itself.  It is a rewarding and challenging job.

Describe a typical Senior Student Support Specialist appointment - what do you talk about with students? Which learning strategies do you recommend most often? 

No day is the same, and that is something that I thrive on.  I like the fact that one student appointment could focus on time management techniques and the next could be setting up tutoring. Student needs set my agenda and we work from there.  I hope that my students find me supportive and caring.  I want to help students accomplish their goals.

What’s your favorite thing about being a Senior Student Support Specialist?

The best part of the job is forming relationships with students.  It’s gratifying to see students make strides and gain confidence. It’s a privilege to be part of their educational experience.

What’s the most challenging part of your job?

The most challenging part of being a Senior Student Support Specialist is the pace of the day - before you know it, the day is over!  Another thing I have to keep in mind is that each student has his or her own educational experience to claim or “own.”  The SALT Center can provide tools and resources, but ultimately, the student accomplishes their daily academic work.

What affiliations/certifications have you obtained while working at the SALT Center? 

I consider myself a life-long learner.  I am currently working on my Masters degree in Education.  The SALT Center supports professional development, and I enjoyed attending a “Learning & the Brain” conference earlier this year.  I hope to attend more conferences and continue to develop as a professional.

What do you like to do when you’re not at work?

I like to go on hikes at Sabino Canyon.  I also enjoy day-trips (Bisbee is one of my favorite places to visit because of the history and the eclectic, artsy nature of the town). I like being with my family and friends.  I’m good with home improvement tasks and I love tinkering around the house doing rehab projects. I like fixing things and figuring out how things work.  I’ve discovered recently that I am good with tools and not afraid of a challenge.

Jennifer is a tremendous asset to our team. Her warmth, compassion, and encouragement make both students and staff feel at home here at the SALT Center.  We are grateful for her bright smile, her cheerful disposition, and her commitment to students who learn differently. 

Morghan Sonderer

By Jennifer Hansen, Eric Fergason, Hilary Cummins

Coming to The University of Arizona was a logical choice for self-proclaimed "country girl," Morghan Sonderer. Having learned responsibility at a young age while working on her family's ranch, Morghan knew that she would need to take a number of variables into consideration when deciding which University to attend. The academic support offered at the SALT Center, the variety of engagement opportunities at the UA, and being from Southern Arizona all factored into her decision to become a Wildcat.

When asked what stands out about her time at the UA/SALT Center, Morghan says that, "the friendliness, feeling welcome, and feeling like part of the SALT family," have been key to her experience. She added that the SALT Center has given her the opportunity to get to know more people on the UA campus, particularly through the relationships she has built with her tutors: "The tutors are so nice to work with. They care about the student's understanding."

Since the beginning of her academic career at the UA, Morghan has managed to find the time to be involved at the University and throughout the greater community around Tucson.  She is a member of the Pre-Vet Club and the UA Equestrian Team. She works with Enactus, assists with animal and horse rescue groups, volunteers with veterinary clinics, and participates in other events, such as the Tucson Rodeo and El Tour de Tucson. In addition to these organizations, Morghan has volunteered at the Reid Park Zoo and the Pima County Fairgrounds for special events, all while majoring in Animal Science at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, with a specialization in Equine Science, and pursuing a minor in Business Administration.

When asked about her academic accomplishments, Morghan says that she is proud of making the Dean's List, maintaining her high GPA, and being invited to join honor clubs and organizations, like the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.  She mentioned that the SALT Center has helped her achieve the GPA requirements to be admitted to these organizations: "Use of [SALT Center services] helped me with grades and receiving scholarships."

Morghan owns that attaining this level of success has not always been easy: "To some extent, school is challenging." However, after growing up on a ranch, Morghan is used to challenges.  She sees them as an opportunity to dig in and face the hard work head-on.  She stresses that the SALT Center has helped her overcome some of these challenges: "The tutors help with planning ahead and staying on top of things so that I don't procrastinate." 

It is Morghan's passion for her goals, her friends, and her family that earned her the Michelle Combs Award. The award is given in honor of former UA student and SALT Center participant, Michelle Combs, who, Morghan learned, was, "friendly, outgoing, kind, and willing to help others."  The Michelle Combs Award was established last fall and recognizes students who exhibit Michelle's adventurous, energetic, and goal-oriented characteristics. It was given to two students during the 2014 Family Weekend Celebration & Awards Ceremony.  Morghan admitted that being one of the first recipients of this award caught her a bit off-guard, but that she is incredibly humbled by it: "It is an honor. I was honored knowing what the award was…who it represented."

One cannot help but admire Morghan's positive attitude, academic success, and drive to help others.  We are so proud of Morghan, and we know that her ability to turn a challenge into an opportunity will help her achieve all her goals. We can't wait to see what else she will accomplish.

Amanda Grant-Rose

Class of 2003

UA Degree: B.S. in Education/Special Education
Master’s Degrees: University of Pennsylvania, Clinical Social Work & Harvard Graduate School of Education, International Education Policy
Current Residence: Boston, Massachusetts
Employer: Lift Up Africa
Position: Director of Marketing and Programs


Q: How did the SALT Center play a role in your pursuit of two Master’s degrees?

A: The SALT Center helped me identify my learning patterns, and I took that skill set with me throughout my education at UPenn and Harvard. The SALT Center’s support provided me with the reassurance that I could redefine or work through any challenge. Whether through technology, a professor, or taking extra time, I knew there was a way to achieve my goals. The SALT Center gave me the skills to succeed and allowed for self-discovery and reflection.

Q: What words of advice would you like to share with current SALT students?

A: Reflect on the skill set that you are receiving at the SALT Center and know those skills will help you in all aspects of your life. The SALT Center is able to provide the necessary support and experiences for success in any career path. Therefore, take pride in your work and enjoy your experience at the SALT Center.

Nate Ratey

Class of 2005

UA degree: B.A. Journalism
Current Residence: Tucson, AZ
Employer: Citadel Broadcasting
Position: Sports Studio Engineer & Producer

Q: What skills did you acquire while at the SALT Center that you use as a professional?

A: During my time at the SALT Center, I learned how to ask for help and that it’s ok to ask for help. A skill I learned at the SALT Center which has carried over into my professional career is time management. It is critical that I get to work on time and start projects in advance to be able to review my work.

Q: What is your dream job?

A: I am currently working on my elementary education certification at Pima Community College. My goal is to work with students who face similar challenges as I did and inspire them to accomplish their dreams. I will definitely mix sport expressions into my teaching, using such themes as determination and perseverance.

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky

Kevin Fernandez

Class of 2004

UA degree: B.A. Psychology, Minor in Classics
Current Residence: San Francisco, CA
Employer: Merrill Lynch
Position: Financial Advisor

Q: How has the SALT Center played a role in your success as a professional?

The SALT center helped provide me with some unique tools to manage my time, stay organized, and prioritize my tasks so well that they have become automatic in everything I do. Hands on coaching and various other forms of assistance were able to supplement my own efforts. Even though I am a few years removed from graduation, I still quite regularly recall and reuse things I learned through SALT to help me through my average work day such as how to take efficient notes and prioritize my tasks. I had a lot of difficulty with test taking and SALT provided me with incredible accommodations while I learned valuable skills that helped me with testing post-college when such accommodations weren’t available.

Q: What message of advice would you share with incoming SALT Center students?

The SALT center provides you an unbelievable amount of skills-training and assistance. However, the work and effort depends on you. There is no shortage of tools available for everything you need to make it through college and beyond, but it is up to you to seek out what you need, learn and implement. The SALT Center doesn't simply work hard to create the best program in the country just to help you through college. They set you up to learn how to level the playing field for life.