Christopher Lawerence is an international student from Kingston, Jamica who is an aspiring Aerospace Engineer. A graduating senior from the College of Engineering, Lawrence spent all four years in Miami exploring all aspects of his future career, including teaching.
The Camner Center for Academic Resources offers free tutoring for students in a variety of subjects from business to biology. Lawrence took on the challenge tutoring his peers in tough subjects like calculus and physics. Through his time, he has learned a lot about patience and mentorship.
“I’ve learned to help others who are seeing something for the first time, that I’ve seen 100, without missing steps.” he adds.
One of the benefits of working as a tutor for the Camner Center is getting to help fellow students. Peer to peer tutoring allows for students to relate to one another through a shared experience, but also learn from one another.
“Working as a tutor not only helps other people understand the content but helps reenforce it for himself,” said Lawerence.
The sense of pride a student feels after finally grasping a content is all worth it to Lawerence and made him stick around the Camner Center as a tutor for three years.
Along with tutoring, Christopher is an active student within the College of Engineering. He is a member of UMaker, which provides students a safe space to create, invent, and learn, focusing on 3D printing and other manufacturing equipment. April 2024, he was recognized for his academics and leadership within the College of Engineering and received the ‘Outstanding Junior Award.’ Lawrence credits his professors for a lot of his academic achievements stating, “My professors within [the college of engineering] are really easy to talk to. They have guided me through the academic side of things.”
Lawrence has made a lot of memories through his time at UM but one in particular is his dedication to the weekly movie in the Cosford Cinema. The Cinematic Arts Commission (CAC), partners with Cosford Cinema to show free movies for students twice a week all semester long. Lawerence has gone every week since his freshman year to enjoy the atmosphere, “it's not super exciting but its chill and relaxing. I really enjoy going.” CAC movie nights were a staple through Lawerence's college career as a night to rest and reset before another busy week.
One thing Christopher Lawrence will miss about Miami is the public transit, something he did not experience back home. With a metro stop just across the street from the heart of campus, he has been able to hop on and explore all different parts of the city.
Without intending to, Christopher left a lasting impression on students through tutoring and beyond. He certainly made the most of his university experience, building connections and gaining skills that will bring him great success through his career.
