Study Group Leader

A current BSP member who is a Study Group Leader for the BSP Study Groups.

Lorena Alejandra Mercado

Bio 1A Study Group Leader
Why do you tutor for BSP?

When I first entered UC Berkeley I had trouble adjusting to the fast-paced learning style. Attending office hours seemed rather daunting because there were many students around. Having to craft different learning skills was difficult, I want to help other students like myself to understand the difficult content material.

What is your favorite class so far?

My favorite class so far has been NUSTX 10. I really like learning how our food and lifestyle could potentially impact our health. After taking the...

Vrishab Aravind

Chem 3A Study Group Leader
Why do you tutor for BSP?

Since childhood, I have always loved tutoring, finding great joy in helping others understand complex concepts. Being able to give back to the BSP community through tutoring is incredibly fulfilling for me — it's a chance to share my passion for teaching while also supporting a community that has played a significant role in my own growth.

What is your favorite class so far?

My favorite class so far has been Chem 3A. The intricate details of organic chemistry fascinated me, and I found immense...

Rituja Bhowmik

Physics 8A Study Group Leader

Why do you tutor for BSP?

When I joined BSP as a freshman, I struggled with imposter syndrome, adjusting to the academic rigor of introductory STEM classes here at Berkeley, and meeting students who experienced similar life challenges. When I found BSP, I found a community that gives every BSP-er so much support, confidence, and strength to face these challenges together, not alone. I wanted to give back to my BSP community, and create a safe space in Study Group where you feel supported in your learning and not afraid to ask...

Steven-Jethro Chan

Physics 8A Study Group Leader
Why do you tutor for BSP?

I tutor for BSP as a way of expressing my gratitude for all the support and opportunities that BSP has given me. I also look forward to helping students develop a deeper understanding of the material, which I hope will maximize learning and make studying more fun.

What is your favorite class so far?

Bio 1AL and CS61B

Bella Cortez

Chem 1A Study Group Leader
Why do you tutor for BSP?

I tutor for BSP because I want to give back to the BSP community, which has supported me and helped me feel like I have a place I belong at UC Berkeley since my freshman year. I remember how instrumental I found the BSP Chem 1A Study Group in learning and understanding Chem 1A course content, and I want to pay it forward by sharing my excitement and knowledge of the material. The BSP Chem 1A Study Group definitely helped me succeed and feel more confident in my abilities to complete Chem 1A coursework, and I would love to provide the same...

Irene Fernandez

Bio 1AL Study Group Leader
Why do you tutor for BSP?

BSPers are talented, intelligent, and humble individuals. Everyday I seek opportunities to give back to this community and being a study group leader is one of them. In study groups, my goal is to foster a supportive and non-judgmental environment where BSPers feel comfortable asking any and all questions.

What is your favorite class so far?

NUSCTX 160

Carla Fuentes Martinez

Chem 3B Study Group Leader
Why do you tutor for BSP?

I tutor for BSP because I want to help extend the same support to my peers that I received from the program as I progress through my STEM courses. BSP study group has given me a space to ask questions, receive extra support, and meet other people taking the same courses. I ultimately want to help foster the same environment that has helped me.

What is your favorite class so far?

My favorite class that I've taken so far has been Chem 3A! Even though I enjoyed both Chem 3A and Chem 3B, Chem 3A gave me...

Neha Jag

Chem 3A Study Group Leader

Why do you tutor for BSP?

I tutor for BSP because I feel it is a wonderful way to give back to our BSP community and strive to improve student's undergraduate experience here at Cal. After attending high-school in the suburbs, coming to a big city like Berkeley was beyond overwhelming for me and BSP aided me in navigating my way through planning out course schedules, succeeding in weeder classes like Chem1A , and overall finding a community that I could call my safe space. As a previous student in BSP's Chem 1A Study Group, I felt so...

Marine Lyden

MCB 102 Study Group Leader

Why do you tutor for BSP?

Having been homeschooled since the fifth grade, entering UC Berkeley as a pre-medicine student was a completely new experience for me. A university with such incredible opportunities and individuals of diverse backgrounds both fascinated and intimidated me. Joining BSP my freshman year was one of the best decisions I have made to become involved in the UC Berkeley community and connect with others who share similar interests and passions.

The immense growth I’ve experienced...

Mye Makornwattana

Bio 1A Study Group Leader
Why do you tutor for BSP?

I believe that an empowering environment is one of the most important factors to a student’s success and I’m very passionate about fostering that as a fellow minority in STEM. Everyone I’ve met on campus has been very encouraging of me and my goals, and BSP creates a space where that support is easily accessible and readily available — which can often be difficult in such a large campus. I’m very excited and honored to be a part of and contribute to such an uplifting community.

What is your favorite class so far?...