Mia Sheneman
Learning by Teaching
Learning isn’t a one-size-fits-all, everyone has an optimal method in how they learn. Some do so through repetition, others respond well to visual aids, while others build their memory through solitary study. But an oft overlooked yet highly effective method of learning is teaching in and of itself! And it’s through this method that Mia Sheneman has built her biological expertise, by helping others build their own skills in turn.
In high school, Sheneman was deeply invested in pursuing a career in healthcare, but was having trouble outside of her biology classes. “I decided to focus my energy in that direction,” she describes, “and eventually that work got me to the point where I could also tackle other subjects.” She is a first generation student, a path where these skills can be particularly tricky to learn without a generational roadmap leading the way. But in blazing a trail of her own Sheneman realized that this wasn’t a matter of intelligence or legacy, it was simply one of exploration. As she transferred from SLCC to the U, she realized that if she could find her way, surely she could help others do the same.
This realization would lead her to seek out chances to teach others, to share the paths that had helped her succeed. Many opportunities reared their heads and she took all she could get, from the leadership of the Pre-Med Club, Transfer Student Mentorship and of course, the LA program. While initially she had just wanted more practice in public speaking, explaining concepts to others, she quickly found that there was far more value here than simply shattering one’s shell. By breaking down an organic chemistry concept for her students, she was revisiting and reinforcing her own knowledge of the subject. Better still, she was discovering new ways that her students were coming to a similar understanding, picking up valuable teaching skills. She’d cracked the code, discovered that expertise needs to be accessible to be valuable, and sought out any potential avenue to help others share this discovery.
Building these skills will be critical for her future, as they directly translate into the field of medicine. “One of the reasons I love teaching so much is because I view doctors as teachers,” Sheneman explains. “Medicine is complex, so this opportunity allows me to learn how to break down difficult concepts in a way that makes sense to others. I believe this will be an important skill as a physician, helping patients better understand their care.”
It doesn’t matter if you’re explaining the mathematical concept of derivatives or the importance of letting a broken bone heal. Helping others understand within a framework that fits their perspective and experiences is key, it’s one of the greatest skills we can teach and learn. And thanks to her experiences in the LA program, Sheneman is continually refining her skills and preparing for her future in medicine.
Story by Michael Jacobsen
Read more about Mia in this recent student profile from the School of Biological Sciences