Featured Student 2019
Name: Zeila Medina
Major: Education
Why did you choose Linfield?
I chose Linfield because it was the most financially affordable school for me, but it also had a great Education program. I like that they are able to give me the one-on-one experience within the classroom.
What do you plan to pursue after Linfield?
I will be getting an ESOL endorsement to teach Spanish speaking students, but I also want to get a masters so that I can teach in a special education classroom. That is my dream goal. I want to be the person that can make a difference and can make students feel like they belong.
What activities do you participate in on campus?
I’m in a sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, where I am the Activities Director. For my major, I am involved in KDP which is the National Honor Society. I also work with the First Generation program for mentors and mentoring which is really exciting to be a part of. I would say I am pretty active on campus and try to find areas in which I can help.
Why did you choose to register with Learning Support Services?
I met with LSS and staff members gave me information about how I could get evaluated through the Student Health Center. I found out my freshman year at Linfield that I experienced forms of dyslexia and started using supports.
What has been your experience working with LSS within the office?
It has been good and pretty simple. The staff has shown me how to use the online steps so that professors are notified. I have also found them to be really flexible with testing such as when a professor changes an exam time.
What has been your experience communicating with professors about using accommodations?
It has been great. It depends on the class and environment how I handle that conversation. Some professors already know me and know I have a disability so I just speak up, but depending on the environment and who is around me, I tend to stay after class. The professors get emails from LSS beforehand so they knew ahead of time. It is a conversation between us and they don’t know about my disabilities but just that I need the support.
What strategies do you use to help you meet your academic goals?
I use a planner to keep track of everything. Depending on the class I am taking, I also use tutoring. I find tutoring helpful because I get to work with a student who has already taken the class and can ask them about specific strategies.
What advice would you give students who are thinking about working with LSS?
It can be hard to ask for help especially when you are a first-year student as you don’t want to feel like you are behind. I would encourage you make the connection because they (LSS) are there to support you.
-Zeila Medina
2021 Update: Congrats to Zeila Class of 2021
Do you want to be our next featured student?
Learning Support is always looking to promote members of our learning community. Please feel free to reach out to LSS if you want to share your experience or if you know someone that we should profile.
Learning Support Services
Melrose Hall 020
lss@linfield.edu
503-883-2562