Q & A with Honors Student Austin Tugade
Recently, South students Austin Tugade and Musa Abdi were named to the All-Washington Academic Team. Tugade and Abdi will join the rest of the outstanding students who were selected for this exclusive company on March 24th, where they will be honored with a luncheon at South Puget Sound Community College.
Members of the All-Washington Team are chosen from the state’s community and technical colleges. These students are chosen not just for their outstanding achievements in the classroom, but also in their communities.
Tugade is an active student on campus as a member of Phi Theta Kappa (Honor Society), the RST Academy and as an officer in Women In STEM. A former math tutor, Tugade plans on doing some academic volunteer work this spring at the University of Washington. Despite his busy schedule. Tugade maintains 3.99 G.P.A. (accumulative).
He plans on riding this momentum of academic success when he reaches his goal of earning a Ph.D. in Geology.
In addition to being named to the All-Washington Academic team, Tugade was also named to the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team, as a bronze scholar.
We sat down with Tugade for some questions and would like to share his candid answers.
South: What does being a part of the All-Washington Academic Team mean to you?
Tugade: The fact that people are recognizing my achievements and help me to reach my goals validates all of my hard work. I feel like I’m on the right path because there are people willing to support me.
South: What do you think is the key to your academic success?
Tugade: It’s important to manage your time and know your limitations. No matter how busy things can be, I find time to play or rest.
South: How has South helped get to where you are today?
Tugade: South has so many resources ready for you. This college provides all the support you need for whatever you want to do.
South: How do you prepare for tests?
Tugade: I approach everything I learn like there is a test tomorrow – Ruben Murcia (biology instructor) always says that. I just keep up with everything, so when there is a big test, I don’t panic. I just brush up on things I have forgotten.
Congratulations, Austin and Musa!