Get to Know ACE Tutor Sam Kimzey
Tutors are an essential part of every college community. Their goal is to help their fellow students excel. There are many names on the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) tutor roster, and Bluefield College senior Sam Kimzey is one of them.
A History and Christian Studies major from Blacksburg, Virginia, Kimzey came to Bluefield College because it was close to home and family. As the oldest of eight kids, Kimzey did not want to go too far from home. His other reasons for choosing Bluefield College include that his duel enrollment credits transferred and he was a recipient of the Presidential Scholarship.
Kimzey became a tutor because tutoring is a requirement as a recipient of the Presidential Scholarship. He views tutoring as a form of teaching, which he enjoys. His favorite part of tutoring is being a resource to both students and professors.
“Tutoring is a form of teaching, and I enjoy teaching,” Kimzey said.
“I enjoy seeing [fellow students] succeed, and knowing that I contributed or helped in that,” Kimzey said.
Kimzey’s tips for getting the most out of tutoring sessions are to be punctual, be respectful of the tutor’s time, communicate professionally, and take responsibility for your work. He added that you should be proactive so that when you come to a tutoring session you have a foundation to build on.
Kimzey said essays are the most common assignment he helps students with. Specifically, he said many of the students who come to him need help finding and using good sources, and help figuring out how to cite them correctly. The other common problem Kimzey helps with as a tutor is figuring out what to take notes on for studying. Kimzey said this is especially true for history classes which often have short answer and essay tests rather than multiple choice.
Kimzey said his favorite place to study is in the library, but he also enjoys reading and studying outside.
“If I’m here on the weekends, I go into classrooms when there are no classes and I’ll study there. Or write papers there,” he said.
“I like to hangout and spend time with my family when I can,” he said.
To those considering becoming a tutor, Kimzey said to focus on your strengths. Tutor for classes and subjects that you enjoy. Talk to your professors and advisor, because they can help you figure out which classes you would be a good tutor for. Kimzey also suggested that students thinking about becoming a tutor talk to Wayne Pelts, assistant director of the ACE, to see what openings there are.
This semester Kimzey is tutoring for World Civilizations I and the Biblical Perspectives sections taught by Dr. Tracey Stout and Dr. Shawn White.
In his spare time, Kimzey also enjoys reading, playing the piano, singing in choir, watching movies, and playing frisbee.
For more information about tutoring and available tutors, email Pelts at wpelts@bluefield.edu