By Emmett Steele | 3rd year Journalism student
When a semester approaches its end, most students find themselves with their noses buried in their books, deep in study. However, Paralegal student and Study Skills tutor Olivia Barontseff finds herself teaching others how to study.
Olivia’s journey as a student at Mohawk began when she realized she wanted to follow a different path than the one that she had in university. “After completing my criminology degree from Wilfrid Laurier University, I realized that law school was not the right path for me,” says Olivia. “I started doing research on other careers in law besides becoming a lawyer. Once I discovered the paralegal path, I realized it was the perfect fit for me.”
Having decided on a new path, Olivia began the search for the paralegal program that was right for her – a search that led her to Mohawk College. “I chose Mohawk because I know people who had attended Mohawk for other programs, and they all loved the atmosphere and the campus,” says Olivia. “After such a good university experience, I know how important it is to love the school that you are at as well as the program that you are in, and I have not been disappointed. “
While it may not always be easy, Olivia believes the hard work in the paralegal program is worthwhile. “Be prepared to work hard, but also be prepared to find your passion,” says Olivia. “Anyone who is interested in this career will find the right path for them in the paralegal program at Mohawk. The resources available to support students at Mohawk are unparalleled; there is always someone to help you or to find you someone who can.”
As a Study Skills Tutor, OIivia knows a lot about the support available for students. She works with the Learning Support Centre at Mohawk, where she helps students brush up on their study skills and learn the most effective ways to retain information.
“I chose to apply for and join the LSC team because I was feeling very disconnected from Mohawk during online learning,” says Olivia. “When I got the email about the LSC hiring for this semester, I thought it would be a great way to feel more connected to Mohawk and a great way to earn income in a more flexible way that accommodated my needs as a student”
Just as Olivia has come to love her time in the paralegal program, she’s come to love her time with the LSC as well. “The most enjoyable part of being a tutor so far has been realizing that the work that we do reaches a lot of students and really does help them,” says Olivia. “The LSC is a super welcoming, inclusive environment with staff that will work with you to make sure you get exactly what you need out of the experience.”
Olivia wants students who may be hesitant to visit the LSC to know that it’s a judgement-free zone, where everyone is welcome. “I know that there can be a perceived stigma around asking for help or getting advice, but there is no such thing at the LSC,” says Olivia. “Every student that comes to see us is perfectly capable and amazingly unique and smart, they are just interested in taking their learning to the next level!”
