Gretchen Neff Lambert recalls her first exam at MIT, Introduction to Solid-State Chemistry (3.091), taken in the fall of 1980. She scored 49 out of 100, an experience she describes as soul-crushing. The moment that changed her outlook came when her teaching assistant, Leszek Pawlowicz, Ph D '87, returned the paper with a big smile and said he expected to see her double her score on the next quiz.
Lambert took the message to heart. Studying at MIT was far different from studying in high school, but she earned a 100 on the next quiz and graduated with grades strong enough to get her into grad school. In her view, it took only an initial kick in the seat of the pants followed by a kind hand helping her back up.
Decades later, Lambert reconnected with Pawlowicz, who replied with a charming note. She said it felt good to tell him how much his encouragement had meant to her. Her story underscores how a good TA can have a lasting impact on a student's path.
The piece is part of MIT Technology Review's alumni profiles, which readers can explore further online.
Source: MIT Technology Review · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing