Meet Our Regulars: Tyler Tinsley
Q: Why do you come to the library?
I’ve created relationships with people who work in the space. The computers are convenient, and there are a lot of places to study and get work done without getting distracted.
Q: How often do you come to the library?
I come just about every day. I come to say hello and find a place to do homework.
Q: What do you like about the library?
There are a lot of resources. If I can’t find what I need, there is always someone who can help.
Q: What are you studying at Piedmont, and what are your future goals?
I am working on a general studies degree right now. My future goal is to be a defense attorney. That would be my way of helping out in my community and a way to speak for others who don’t know how to speak for themselves, especially in the legal system.
Q: What is something you struggled with in the beginning but feel more confident about now?
One thing I struggled with in the beginning was asking for help. I am a very quiet person, but I’m also independent so it’s very hard for me to have to ask for assistance. After meeting the librarians, I felt much more comfortable coming and asking for help and getting different perspectives.
Q: What projects have you worked on?
I had to do an eight-page paper on the book, If Beale Street Could Talk. I had to get the book from the library which was great because it was free. The librarian showed me how to find a book through the book catalog, and then how to locate it on the shelf. Once I wrote the paper, one of the librarians showed me where to go to find scholarly articles in EBSCO and how to cite my sources using the citation guides the library creates.
Q: What advice do you have for other students?
I think the key to success is to not isolate yourself. When I first got to PVCC, I isolated myself and didn’t really get to know other people which negatively affected me more than it benefited me. Because of that, I did a lot of unnecessary work. If I had just asked for help, it would have saved me a lot of time. I found that the more outspoken I became I found staff members and peers were on the same page as me and wanting to make sure that I am successful in this world called life.