Teaching & Mentorship
As a Teaching Assistant at the University of Washington, I've had the privilege of guiding hundreds of students through their journey in computer science. Each quarter brought new challenges, growth opportunities, and the chance to create spaces where struggling feels safe and asking questions feels welcome.
Click on each card to read my reflection on that quarter's experience.
CSE 123 - Intro to Programming III
First quarter as a TA, teaching Java fundamentals.
Reflection: My first quarter as a TA was both exciting and humbling. I quickly learned that explaining concepts I took for granted required breaking down my thinking into digestible steps.
Student feedback helped me develop strategies for explaining abstract concepts using real-world analogies, which became a foundation for my teaching style.
CSE 373 - Data Structures & Algorithms
First quarter teaching DSA for non-majors.
Reflection: This course is often used to prepare students for technical interviews, especially during peak recruiting season. I focused on equitable education to support students with varying skill levels. Some arrived with years of coding experience, while others were writing their first program. My role as a TA was to meet each student where they were and help them grow, regardless of their starting point.
CSE 373 - Data Structures & Algorithms
First quarter as a lead TA on the infrastructure team.
Reflection: My first quarter as a lead TA gave me a unique perspective on the academic process. Designing exams and grading rubrics helped me see the other side of the classroom, giving me a clearer understanding of how course structure, assessment, and learning objectives fit together. This insight connected to my other classes, allowing me to appreciate the full picture of the education pipeline.
At the same time, I had to put myself in the students’ shoes, anticipating where they might struggle and how to guide them effectively.
CSE 373 - Data Structures & Algorithms
First quarter leading a guest lecture to 100+ students.
Reflection: Taking on additional responsibilities as a TA allowed me to engage deeply with the course content and support students more effectively. Becoming very familiar with the material gave me confidence to create new resources, including assignment guides, and to lead a guest lecture.
Focussing on enhancing the course reinforced my view of teaching as a collaborative and iterative process, highlighting how thoughtfully designed guidance can amplify learning.
