Every other week we spotlight an OMSCS TA, so you can get to know who's behind the screen. Here are four questions for Vijayalakshmi Parthiban, who TAs CS 6200: Introduction to Operating Systems.
What do you do professionally?
I used to work for railroads and airline sector before. My focus at present has been to complete OMSCS and TA CS6200.
Why do you TA for OMSCS?
I have prior experience working in the systems field and I believe I can make good use of it by sharing my knowledge and expertise in this field with the students of OMSCS. Being a TA helps me relearn the subject and stay abreast of the technological improvements in systems field. Associate Professor Ada Gavriolovska's continued encouragement and support helped me learn, sustain, and return every semester. The CS6200 TA team is a great mix of talent, skill, and expertise, so it is a delight to work with this team. Last but not the least, I aspire to be a teacher in the future, and this provides a platform for me to develop student interactions and better my teaching skills.
What's your advice for future students in OMSCS?
Put in your best efforts, and reach out if you need help. Make good use of the support tools such as Piazza and Slack forums to share and enhance your knowledge on a subject. Don’t give up on occasional failures; in the grand scheme of things they have very little impact.If you can, please give back to the OMSCS community by TAing and offering support and tips for new students to succeed in the program. Share your opinions and thoughts about the course with the teaching team. The feedback given in CIOS greatly help us to improve and correct our mistakes.
What's your favorite memory from your time in or working with OMSCS so far?
The first time I got a "thank a teacher" certificate for TAing CS6200. It was nice to know that the small things I did made a positive difference in a student's knowledge quest. Plus, it helped show off to family and friends.
