Spring 2025 Tutor-A-Thon Highlights: A Tutor’s Journey
- Visions
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Written/Images by Alessandro Villarreal; Interview by Alex Ortiz
With the semester finally over, students may relax, take summer classes, work —or maybe even retake a class they failed. To avoid falling behind, those hoping to finish their semesters worry-free should consider visiting the academic support offices that participate in every Tutor-A-Thon and remain open throughout Spring and Fall.
As part of this semester’s Tutor-A-Thon, on Monday, April 14, student mentors, tutors, and college staff alike prepared in the Gym to receive anyone needing any help —be it information about scholarships, internships, and programs, like the upcoming STEM summer program or tutoring in any subject, like Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, or English.
Students were encouraged to register at the entrance, where they also received a raffle ticket —with drawings held every hour. While the number of students at once wasn't as expected, this helped give those who did attend a closer and more personalized tutoring experience and allowed them to network properly with everyone.
The Academic Support Center had a table with keychains, water, snacks, and pens, so students who stopped by for information could also grab something to eat. Starting at 4 p.m., the tables in the Panther's Den across from the gym had even more snacks and drinks for everyone. Students could grab a slice of pizza, cookies, chips, or soda before heading back to the tutoring tables.
But it wasn’t all academics. The STEM Scholar Academy table a corner set up just for fun, offering coloring pages, crayons, and even bubble wrap for students to pop. These small things gave everyone a chance to relax, talk, and enjoy the moment without the pressure of finals looming over them. I’ll be honest—I spent more time at that table than I probably should have, just enjoying the quiet vibe for a while.
Staff drawing the winner EOF Tutor Tania Aquino Ortega, one of the of the hourly raffle hourly raffle winners
With raffle prizes like speakers and themed cups, the tension was palpable for those who stayed for the hourly drawings. One highlight came when the crowd began chanting for a redraw after a winner couldn’t be found — only for the student to rush out of the bathroom just as they were counting down. One student even walked away with a pair of brand-new headphones.
Whether they came for tutoring, free food, or just to unwind, the Tutor-A-Thon had something for everyone. And behind it all were the mentors and tutors who helped make it happen. To get a better idea of what that looks like from the inside, I spoke with a student tutor from TRIO STEM & HS about their role and experience.
Brigitte Valladares is a biology major whose path through PCCC has been anything but ordinary. In her first semester, she was, in her own words, “super introverted,” going straight home after class—until an advisor from Bridges to Baccalaureate (B2B) told her, “Get out of your bubble.”
After joining the B2B program, participating in the Systemic Challenge, and tutoring biology students through Zoom, she was invited to join SSS-STEM as a peer tutor—a role she embraced fully: “I wanted to build something—myself, my connections,” she said. “From that turning point forward, I began helping others do the same.”
Once Brigitte joined SSS-STEM as a tutor, she began connecting with students in ways that felt both impactful and personal. “Every student has a different learning style,” she explained, describing her sessions as mini collaborations where she adjusted her approach until things clicked. Even over Zoom, she felt the excitement when students returned saying, “I passed my test!”
Those moments became the most rewarding part of the job. “It made me feel good to know I was making an impact,” she said. Tutoring, for her, wasn’t just about academics—it was about motivation and reminding students they weren’t alone.
Her experience with SSS-STEM went beyond tutoring. She recalled field trips, wellness expos, and academic events that helped her build connections. From a Rutgers medical school tour to Physics Day at Six Flags, each tied back to something real in her studies—and in her personal growth.
“I feel safe, I feel warm, I feel invited when I walk into the SSS-STEM room,” she said. It’s become a space where she supports others and feels supported herself. “We’re all in the same boat, even if we’re in different majors.”
For any student considering tutoring, research, or programs like B2B and SSS-STEM, Brigitte had one clear message: “Do it.” What started as a push to get out of her bubble became the reason she now walks confidently across campus, helping others—and herself—move forward.
These are the programs that support students on their academic journey and participated in the Spring 2025 Tutor-A-Thon:
STEM Scholar Academy – Peer Mentors & STEM Summer Program (UPCOMING!)
TRIO-SSS: Student Support Services (CLASSIC / ESL / STEM & Health Sciences) – Tutoring & More
EOF: Educational Opportunity Fund – Peer Tutoring & Scholarships
ASC: Academic Support Center – ELS & Developmental English
