Tag Archives: Foundations of Accounting

First Impressions of Being a TA

One of the exciting things I’m doing this semester is serving as a TA for ACC 310F – Foundations of Accounting. I have never worked as a TA before so this is a completely new experience for me. So far, I’m really enjoying it. This class is mostly for non-business majors who are getting their first introduction to accounting. There’s something appealing about this for me because of the prospect of winning converts and possibly future MPAs. While that might seem far-fetched, I once was a pre-med major who switched to business after one accounting class. Just one. Conversions do really happen. I saw the light! Well, of course, that’s not the main goal here, but nonetheless, it motivates me to help students understand the basics of accounting.

Even though it may still be early in the semester, I have to say that my favorite part of the job is the office hours. Contrary to what I heard about office hours from my fellow TA friends, I actually had a few students drop by and ask questions. I used to question the need for TAs because I’d never consulted with one. But now that I get to help other students in this capacity, I understand the role TAs play. It’s a rewarding experience to see students understand the material better and express relief that they can ask questions they are afraid to raise in class.

Overall, I would recommend applying for a TA position to anyone interested in helping professors teach. I dream of teaching one day and I have to admit that I’m learning a lot from watching Prof. Verduzco conduct this class. He holds the class’ attention and brings the concepts to life through practical and sometimes even personal applications.

For example, to get the class acquainted with accounting jargon and financial statements, we are playing Lemonade Tycoon. It’s an app that simulates a lemonade stand business, where users get to make decisions to make it profitable. Although I was skeptical about it first, I myself am getting into the whole game. didn’t realize that you can use an app this effectively. 

I once heard it said teaching is the profession that creates all others. There’s so much truth in that. Although I would never dare classify my current position as teaching, nonetheless I’m part of the process and I’d like to think that I can make a difference.

Anyway, I wonder how many lemons we’ll sell next. I can’t wait to see how our business would fare.