Making Commuting More Effective

Hala Jaber

Staff Writer

To all of my commuters out there, I’d like to make a bold statement: commuting to college is an art. It is an art defined by many things, but at its core, skill, patience, and creativity can separate the good from the bad. That’s not to say that commuting can be either good or bad; rather, how one practices the art determines how effective it is. Got a morning routine that gets you to class on time? Effective. Putting aside time after classes for socializing and events? Effective. Leaving campus so late that homework is pushed aside and rushed the next morning? Not disastrous, but certainly less effective. This balancing act of managing time, coursework, and a social life is what us commuters are known for. Every school day is like a painting in progress—how one organizes their responsibilities and time determines whether the finished painting feels rushed or refined. For us, success often depends on how well we use the moments around our classes. As such, finding productive spaces like the Academic Support Center can transform those moments into opportunities for growth instead of stress. When we embrace these resources, the art of commuting becomes both manageable and genuinely rewarding. As a commuter who is also a tutor, believe me, I know.

My route through the Academic Support Center didn’t start with me being a tutor. In fact, I first came to the center for help with Chemistry. As a Biotechnology major, many chemistry courses must be taken, the first of which is most often started the first semester of freshman year. I like to think of that semester as my first “attempt” at being a college student. Isn’t it true? And for all of us—in that first semester, we’re all trying out different brushstrokes hoping to create the perfect picture. For us commuters especially, juggling classes, social time, travel, and outside responsibilities can make that picture harder to paint, often leading us to choose convenience over intention. I found myself doing what was easiest rather than what was most effective, squeezing Chemistry into my schedule only when it felt convenient, and by the end of the semester, it showed.

After my first “attempt” at college, I realized that I needed structure, support, and a better use of my time, leading me to seek the resources available at the Academic Support Center. Scheduling appointments was incredibly convenient, with tutors available at times that actually work for a commuter schedule. What stood out to me the most was the quality of one-on-one tutoring. Each tutor took the time to explain material in a way I could truly understand. Even group reviews provided a space for productive studying and joyful camaraderie with other classmates. I didn’t just leave with a task crossed off my to-do list; I left with confidence and knowledge I could carry forward into the rest of my classes.

Now, as a tutor myself, I can reflect on my role in supporting my peers’ learning through the unique perspective I bring as a commuter student at Assumption. As a tutor, I’ve been enjoying my run-in’s with fellow commuters and being able to assist you all with assignments! I tutor Writing and Theology, both of which I minor in, and being able to help students cross a hefty task off their to-do list before heading home is one of the most rewarding parts of my role. Knowing that a commuter can leave campus feeling accomplished—and then actually rest once they get home—makes those appointments feel especially meaningful. Some of my favorite moments, though, come from the casual chit-chat in between, like comparing commute times and guessing how tomorrow’s weather might affect the drive in (fun fact: I’m always secretly hoping for a snow day :)).

What makes the Academic Support Center so special is that this care and attention is shared by every tutor who works there. As a center, we strive to meet students where they are, adapting to individual schedules, learning styles, and needs. For commuters especially, tutoring can be a simple yet powerful addition to your next semester, helping you refine your brushstrokes, making every “attempt” as effective as it can be, thus creating a college experience that is uniquely your own. Come visit us this semester! Add tutoring to your routine! I promise, you won’t be disappointed with the finished piece.