A good TA: priceless
These are images of quizzes I took in 3.091, Introduction to Solid-State Chemistry, in the fall of 1980. One is my very first exam at MIT, and getting 49 out of 100 was a soul-crushing experience. I can still picture the TA, Leszek Pawlowicz, PhD ’87, returning my paper. He had a big smile on…
In the fall of 1980, the author took their first exam in Introduction to Solid-State Chemistry at MIT. They scored an abysmal 49 out of 100, an experience that left them feeling disheartened. The Teaching Assistant responsible for providing guidance and feedback on the paper was Leszek Pawlowicz, PhD ’87. Despite the initial setback, Leszek had a warm smile and delivered a message that would change the author's trajectory forever.
He confidently predicted that the author would double their score on the next quiz. Surprisingly, the author not only heeded the advice but managed to secure a perfect score on the subsequent quiz, ultimately graduating with commendable academic achievements that opened doors to a promising graduate school career. The impact of Leszek's early encouragement proved to be invaluable, instilling in the author a newfound determination to succeed.
Years later, the author sought out Leszek and expressed their gratitude for the guidance that had shaped their academic journey. The author's heartfelt response to Leszek's note reinforced the profound and lasting influence a dedicated Teaching Assistant can have on a student's life. The story serves as a testament to the invaluable role that a good Teaching Assistant plays in fostering growth, motivation, and success among students.
Written by urgent.news from MIT Technology Review's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
