Students enrolled in Anatomy & Physiology 237 and 238 at Schoolcraft College are no strangers to the thoroughness and intensity of the coursework. Between complex terminology, detailed lab work and cumulative exams, the classes demand focus and persistence. Helping many of those students navigate the challenge is Lauren Frederick, a Peer Assisted Learner (PAL) who was recently named Student Employee of the Month.
Frederick began working as a PAL last semester, stepping into a role that blends academic support with peer mentorship. As a PAL, she attends anatomy and physiology labs then hosts interactive study sessions outside of class. These sessions are designed to reinforce key concepts, clarify difficult material and provide students with a collaborative space to ask questions and review content in a low-pressure setting.
Unlike a traditional tutoring role, Frederick’s sessions are highly interactive. Rather than following a strict script or relying heavily on prepared notes, she explains concepts in real time, adapting to the specific questions and needs of the students who attend. This approach has significantly strengthened her communication skills. Over time, she has become more confident speaking in front of groups and more comfortable breaking down complicated biological processes into clear, understandable explanations.
The experience has also sharpened her ability to think quickly and critically. Anatomy and physiology often require students to understand how multiple systems interact and questions do not always follow a predictable pattern. By guiding discussions and responding to students’ concerns on the spot, Frederick has developed the ability to explain complex ideas without relying on constant reference to textbooks or slides. The role has strengthened not only her public speaking abilities but also her mastery of the material itself.
What Frederick enjoys most about working at Schoolcraft is the opportunity to help fellow students succeed. She has a genuine passion for teaching and finds fulfillment in watching others gain confidence in their understanding. Few moments are more rewarding than seeing a student’s expression shift from confusion to clarity during a session. When students share that her explanations helped concepts finally “click,” it reinforces the value of the work she does.
She also appreciates the trust students place in her. Creating an environment where classmates feel comfortable asking questions is no small task, particularly in demanding science courses where students may hesitate to admit uncertainty. Frederick’s approachable demeanor and commitment to clarity have helped foster a supportive atmosphere where students feel safe engaging with challenging material.
Balancing the responsibilities of a PAL with her own academic workload requires discipline and careful organization. Frederick relies on structured time management to stay on top of both commitments. She creates designated blocks in her schedule for session preparation and separate blocks for her own coursework. Because much of her preparation and studying must be completed outside of regular class hours, the role has strengthened her ability to prioritize tasks and manage her time intentionally.
This structure has proven beneficial beyond the job itself. By maintaining clear boundaries between work responsibilities and personal academic goals, Frederick ensures that neither area is neglected. The demands of the position have encouraged her to plan ahead, remain organized, and stay consistent, skills that will continue to serve her well in future academic and professional pursuits.
Frederick believes communication is at the core of being an effective student employee. Whether interacting with students or coordinating with faculty, clarity and responsiveness are essential. Since PAL sessions are held outside regular class times, scheduling can be challenging. Students have varying commitments, making it impossible to accommodate everyone. To address this, Frederick remains accessible through messaging and increases session availability during exam weeks, when demand is highest. Her willingness to be flexible has allowed more students to benefit from the support she provides.
Being named Student Employee of the Month is a meaningful recognition of her dedication and effort. The award reflects not only her reliability and professionalism but also the tangible impact she has had on her peers. For Frederick, the honor serves as an affirmation that her work is making a difference in the academic journeys of others.
At the same time, she remains humble about the recognition, acknowledging that many student employees across campus contribute significantly to the Schoolcraft community. Frederick’s perspective highlights the collaborative spirit that defines Schoolcraft and her approach to the role.
Through her commitment to peer support, strong communication skills, and thoughtful time management, Lauren Frederick has become a valuable resource for anatomy and physiology students. Her recognition as Student Employee of the Month highlights the important role student leaders play in fostering academic success and building a supportive campus environment.
