Asking for support

Where do you go to ask for help?

Return to the main experiences page Belonging and "Imposter Syndrome" Curriculum and Proficiency Demos


"The most helpful so far was [joining] the Computer Action Team. That was a great group of people who I felt like if [I had] any problems in [my] classes, [I could] ask any of [them]. And I [made] a couple of good friends there who I still talk to to this day, who I reach out to for support."

--CS Student of Color


What university support did you find helpful?

“The tutor program in the CS lounge. When I [ had to repeat] 162, like I got an A in exams but freaked out in a demo. Demos I couldn’t pass. Demo day [...] traumatized me. So then I really took advantage of the tutor program in the engineering building on the ground floor. [...]Then the 162, 163 classes had TAs. They were helpful, too.”

--CS Student

"I just happened to fall in with a group of peers who were very, very helpful for getting through PSU. And have also been helpful on a professional level afterwards. I got both of the jobs that I have been in from peers. I just kind of walked into [the CS Lounge] and just started making friends and started talking with people and it really just went from there."

-- CS Student

Many students we spoke to emphasized the importance of making friends to their success. It can be challenging to reach out, but is ultimately worth it.

It can be helpful to speak to an advisor.

"The Post-Bach advisor at the time was fantastic, was absolutely amazing, helped me kind of get everything set up, [...]and walked me through what classes I would need to take [...] to graduate. And I felt supported and, frankly, I probably should have reached out to her more about that."

--CS Student

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