Success

Eric Ferguson

We recently interviewed Ramon Gaanderse, Executive Director of Arizona Transportation Builders Association, and UA alumnus who utilized SALT Center services. We asked him to reflect on his college experience and his involvement with our program.

Q) WHAT STANDS OUT ABOUT YOUR UA/SALT CENTER EXPERIENCE?

A) The extra support that I received from the SALT Center. My Strategic Learning Specialist guided me by providing skills, like how to prioritize my workload and how to communicate my needs. I was really impressed by the support of the SALT Center by former University President, Peter Likins. To this day, when I see him (which is often), I thank him for that. He knows me and laughs it off, but his support of the SALT Center and his understanding of my learning disability meant and still means a lot to me. The other thing that stands out is the tutors - they were not always graduate students, but students who were actually taking the class with me, or had taken it recently. They kept the information I was learning fresh and relevant.

Q) HOW WERE YOU ENGAGED AT THE SALT CENTER AND ON CAMPUS WHEN YOU WERE A STUDENT?

A) I made sure I went to my weekly appointment with my Strategic Learning Specialist, and used the tutoring provided by the SALT Center. I tried Greek Life, but it wasn’t for me. When I first got to the UA, I was a Media Arts major, and I quickly went to the student union and volunteered my time for the student radio. I started by joining two guys and talked sports. After becoming familiar with the board and studio, I got my own show and played reggae music. This helped me learn more and understand the media side of things outside of the classroom.

Q) IN WHAT WAYS DID YOU EXCEL HERE? WHAT CHALLENGED YOU?

A) Communication was one area that was both challenging and rewarding for me. Sometimes, I wasn’t sure if I was on the same page as the professors, so I would discuss it with my Strategic Learning Specialist. We would talk through the problem, and they would give me advice on how to better communicate with my professors.

THANK YOU!

Thank you, Alumni! Your giving has increased over 200% in the last three years. We appreciate your continued support. Visit salt.arizona.edu to explore giving opportunities that will benefit the SALT Center.

STAY CONNECTED

CALLING ALL ALUMNI! WE WOULD LOVE TO CATCH UP WITH YOU. HERE’S A LIST OF WAYS TO STAY IN TOUCH WITH THE SALT CENTER:

Interested in sharing your SALT Center story, or filling us in on what’s happened since graduation? Contact Eric Fergason: Phone (520) 626-8736 | Email fergason@email.arizona.edu

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