By Lana Hy
Copy Editor
While most upperclassmen choose to assist teachers in a classroom setting, seniors Phyu Aung, Tiffany Camacho, Tiffany Co, Grace DeSilva, Karen Duong, Maya He, Carlisle Vinuya, and Kami Vo decide to help district librarian, Eileen Chi, in operating Gabrielino High School’s library.
“Instead of just sitting in a classroom and grading papers, you can interact with others in a library which is [something I enjoy],” commented Aung.
As library helpers, some of their daily tasks include checking out books, organizing shelves, helping students with printing their homework, and decorating the library.
“Initially, I chose to become a [library assistant] because I like how quiet and calm the library is,” shared DeSilva.
The tasks the students are given in the library also give them an opportunity to see how a library functions and helps give them an insight on what jobs to pursue in the future. The library assistants can apply skills they developed from working in the library to the careers they are interested in.
“When checking out books to people, we have to be caring and professional,” explained He. “I feel that it’s important for me to master those traits, since I plan to become a nurse.”
Although the student library assistants agree that their duties become repetitive, they consider their job as a rewarding learning experience.
“By alphabetizing books, I improved my organization skills,” Camacho proudly stated.
In addition to learning clerical tasks of the library, it has also improved their communication skills because library helpers are constantly helping other students out and answering questions they have regarding the library.
“I am a [library assistant] during sixth period, so there’s always a bunch of students coming into the library,” shared Co. “Since I assist many students, it’s very easy for me to start up a conversation with others when they need help using the computer to print. This gives me a chance to talk to people I don’t know that well.”
The helpers are also able to learn how to utilize the library checkout system and enhance cognitive skills such as counting money.
“At times, it can be difficult figuring out how much change to give someone when they are paying for the pages they print out, especially when they pay with dollar bills or a bunch of pennies,” said Vinuya with a chuckle.
Aside from learning new skills at the library, the students noted that the best part is getting to work alongside Chi.
“Mrs. Chi would check up on us and ask about our day,” said Duong with a smile. “Her caring personality is actually why I wanted to help in the library.”
Even though the seniors have only helped out for two months so far, they have enjoyed their experience as student library assistants.
“Signing up to be a library TA is one of the best decisions I’ve made in high school,” shared Vo.
