Avery Smith

Being a Teaching Assistant has taught me an enormous amount about myself and about my strengths and weaknesses as a leader. I have served as a UTA for a Horse Management and Training class and am currently acting as a UTA for a Poultry Processing and Products class. In each of these positions, I helped prepare for labs as well as ensure that all equipment used was cleaned, maintained, and put away. I demonstrated proper techniques and safe operation of equipment, helped professors and other TAs to monitor students, and set an example for other students. One of the most important skills I have gained as an UTA is the ability to postitively influence and earn respect from other students while still being viewed as a peer and undergraduate. Considering that I will frequently encounter older or more experienced workers, this is a skill that I believe to be invaluable in the workplace.