I see these students come into the program needing help with their English language skills; then go on and flourish from that and continue on in the Faculty of Mathematics, and to be a part of this process is very rewarding.
You’re the program coordinator and advisor for the Math/BASE (formerly ELAS) program. What makes this program special to you?
I really like the high interest and high quality of students that are coming into this program. These are bright students, who just need some extra bit of help with their communication skills. I also enjoy interacting with students from different countries and learning about other cultures.
What is your favorite thing about working at University of Waterloo?
I started working at the university in 1988, when we had just started using computers. Things have changed so much since then, now everything is done electronically and there isn’t as much paper trail involved. It is quite amazing to see how much things have changed. The technology is always changing and we’re always improving and I really enjoy seeing this.
Also, it is the people I work and interact with that make working here a pleasure. My time at Waterloo has flown by, and it doesn’t seem so long ago that I had my first day at this university.
What would be your advice to prospective students?
University is a totally different structure from high school. I like to think of it as a job. When you work somewhere, you are accountable for your work and no one reminds you to do it. Same way, in university you have to get up and go to classes and keep up with your courses. You are accountable for your work and your grades. And if you think of it that way, you will succeed.
I am an artist. I took up painting only a few years ago and I think of my artwork as time for myself - which I enjoy.
Contact Judy Reidt.