Suzan H. Sandik '98, an undergraduate sociology concentrator who worked as a TF for Science A-22: "Chance, Necessity and Order" last semester, also said she was able to earn the trust of her students.

"I did know a lot of the people taking the class, but it didn't interfere with the class dynamic. Our section was really awesome and everything treated each other with respect," she says.

Sandik, who took Science A-22 her first year, says she enjoyed teaching a discipline different from the one she studies.

Science A-22 involves quantum physics, cosmology and biological order, according to Sandik.

"Exploring different parts of thinking patterns is really crucial to the liberal arts education," she says.

A Two-Way Street

Sandik, like many undergraduate TFs, says teaching also gave her the opportunity to learn.

"It was a great opportunity to be on the other side of the table because I gained a lot of respect for my peers, my classmates," Sandik says.

Like Sandik, Walfish also found his TF job rewarding.

"What's cool is that...you have the chance to try to make sure that a group of students--namely the students in your section--can understand the material, and I think that's especially important in an introductory science course where students are often discouraged," Walfish says.

Most undergraduate TFs interviewed said their understanding of the demands of undergraduate life at Harvard actually enhanced their teaching skills.

Mueller says he enjoyed teaching Chemistry 10 because he could empathize with his students, who were not much behind him in their study of chemistry.

"It was nice to be able to interact with the students, especially because they were learning a subject which I had taken only several years before, so I knew where they were coming from more than some of the graduate students TFs," he says.

"I think the real advantage is for students because [undergraduate TFs] are much more approachable. You see them in the dining hall. I've had students come knock on my door or call me well after midnight," Yagan says.

Many students said that being an undergraduate TF involves a great deal of effort and commitment.