The TLC (Teaching and Learning Center) is an important resource offered by Blue Mountain Christian University for students who need a helping hand with their academic pursuits. It is a resource I personally found invaluable.
Everyone must go through a learning process; however, it’s one thing to learn how to live, and it’s another to learn how to get through college. Everyone learns differently. Perhaps someone has a learning disability, trouble focusing, or simply difficulty doing homework. Every student has struggled a time or two when it comes to college.
I never had much of a hard time in high school. I made decent grades and I didn’t think about it too much; I just did what I had to do because it was what needed to be done. However, coming to college was a different story. I came to Blue Mountain Christian University with the mindset of a high school student. I arrived thinking that it was going to be the same…but it wasn’t. The first few weeks were just fine, until I fell behind. I became increasingly overwhelmed and avoided doing my work most of the time. During this time I felt worthless, blockheaded, and depressed. I believed I couldn’t succeed and that I wouldn’t make it in college.
One afternoon, someone suggested I go to the TLC. I met Dr. Teague there, and at the time I had no idea that she would be a significant person in my life. She helped me through a lot, and I was encouraged. She suggested many tutors to help me, uplifted my spirits when I felt like giving up, and helped me to better succeed. Like me, many students have found the TLC to be their place of learning.
Today I spoke with Amanda Baker, a former tutor at the TLC. I asked her what the TLC meant to her, and she said, “As a future teacher, working at the TLC has helped me use the gifts that God gave in ways I never imagined…Being able to help my peers in that way is an amazing experience to have.”
The TLC was a comfort. I felt accepted in a calm and safe environment. I felt focused and like I could accomplish anything, even though initially I did not believe I would succeed. I am very thankful to be able to attend a college where it’s ok to ask for help, it’s ok to feel weak in your education and it’s ok to struggle. The TLC made learning possible, and I hope other students discover that their struggle is not their downfall.
The TLC is located on the second floor of the Admin building in Room 25. Its hours are Monday-Thursday 8:00am -3:30pm and Friday 8:00am – 12:30pm. (Note: the TLC is closed from 10:00-10:30 during chapel.)
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