I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I started this job. Before this, I was a circulation technician at a public library, which was a much different environment. Coming to an environment where I would be the sole person in the library seemed a little daunting at first, but also exciting. I was ready for a change and this job really provides that. I went from having my schedule laid out for me by the hour, to creating my own schedule and working on what I want when I want. I have a lot more flexibility now and the ability to be as creative as I want. I have always wanted to be an instruction librarian, and I’m excited to see what I end up doing in this role. When I was a child, I would take all the books I owned, lay them out in the living room, and try to make my parents check them out. As for why I wanted to be an instruction librarian specifically, I just remember all the positive experiences I had during my undergraduate time and how helpful our instruction librarian was. Once I realized that librarianship was the path I wanted to take, I knew that instruction was what I ultimately wanted to end up doing.
My first impression of South College came from all the times I’d driven by the school while on the highway. I always thought the school looked important, especially considering how visible it is from I-40. When I had my in-person interview, I was impressed with how professional the building looked. The school doesn’t necessarily have the typical college feel to it, but most of the students are preparing for various careers within the healthcare field, and that’s exactly what being in this building is like. It feels very appropriate for what these students are here for while still offering a lot of fun activities for them. The school feels different to a typical college, but I like the fact that the students are learning hands-on in mock doctor’s offices, sonography labs, and exam rooms rather than being strictly in a classroom setting.
One notable experience I’ve had so far is when I was proctoring a student’s TEAS assessment. She had emailed me the previous day because she was having difficulty creating her account, so I suggested she come in early so we could get it taken care of. Another student was taking the test that morning who also needed help with her account, which meant I was helping them both simultaneously. Once the student who emailed me finished her test she started to leave, but then turned around and came back to thank me for being so kind and patient because she understands that it can be overwhelming at times. It meant so much to me that she stopped and came back just to thank me for being kind. I’ve noticed the students here are very grateful for the help they are given and do not take anything for granted. They are excited to be here and appreciate all the resources available to them. Their excitement makes me happy to come to work and I get to help people succeed, which means a great deal to me. I can help students access databases, teach them how to conduct successful searches, give out laptops if they need one, participate in an online chat service to be more accessible for students, and so much more. The main task I want in any profession I have is helping others, and I certainly get to do that in my Instruction Librarian career with South College.
Taking a test can be a very daunting situation. Whether you’re thinking you’re prepared and didn’t need to study or thinking you’re underprepared and don’t know where to start, don’t worry. Listed below are various test taking tips and strategies that you can start implementing to become a better test taker and lower testing anxiety.
Along with these tips, please refer to the library’s How to Study guide, which contains links to various resources that you can use to improve your study habits.