Ribi Olal is a rising second year student at Nova Scotia Community College. She is studying for her Business Administration diploma. Ribi first encountered SAM in MindTap in her Computer Applications course during her first year.
How I use Cengage Read, the mobile app (4:45)
An eReader app built for busy students who are always on the move; read, listen and take notes on your smartphone or tablet, wherever you are and whenever you have time.
Success Story (1:09)
Nova Scotia Community College student & Cengage Student Ambassador Sharon Ribi Olal shares the top three reasons why she loves SAM in MindTap.
Work Smarter with SAM in MindTap (2:06)
SAM in MindTap has many tools to help you excel at the full Microsoft Office suite. Student Ambassador Sharon Ribi Olal shares two tips on how to use it to your advantage – setting your computer settings to match those in SAM and using multiple attempts to practice with SAM projects.
More Tips to Work Smarter with SAM in MindTap (2:32)
Student Ambassador Sharon Ribi Olal is back to share two more tips for using SAM in MindTap: how to download and correct mistakes based on the summary report, and how to use the Progress app to check your marks and focus your study.
What led you to the Business Administration diploma program?
I came to Nova Scotia Community College and the Business Administration program in order to pursue my dream job. I want to start my own business. After working for two years in the field of graphic design, I knew I wanted to start my own business but that I needed more technology skills and business know-how.
What has been your favourite course so far?
Marketing has been my favourite course so far. I got to create a Shopify store as an assignment and enjoyed it so much. I had full creative authority over the project – from product, pricing, branding, and overall aesthetic of my store.
Your least favourite?
Business math – I overthink and make word problems more complicated!
What do you do outside of studying and working?
I watch a lot of animation and cartoons—everything from The Pink Panther to Naruto! I also enjoy reading and nature photography. I occasionally do some karaoke. Jazz music is my favourite!
Why are you excited to be a student ambassador?
I love interacting with people! I volunteered with NSCC’s International Student Ambassador program and loved it. It allowed me to meet people from all walks of life and create valuable connections. I look forward to hearing other people’s perspectives on their learning journey(s) and helping in whatever way I can!
What is one thing you’d love to share with post-secondary students across Canada?
I consider myself a life-long learner. Learning is infinite and personal. It’s not always going to be easy, but the journey is what makes it worthwhile. Just as you would elsewhere in life, go at your own pace and you’ll enjoy it more.
What do you wish you’d known before your started your program?
The only thing I wish I knew before taking on my course is that there would be a lot of dressing up involved. Thank heavens for thrift shops!
What do you wish more instructors knew about students today?
I wish more instructors realized and accepted that students express themselves differently. Giving students the option to choose their preferred media to demonstrate they have met the learning objectives creates a more wholesome and inclusive learning experience.
Why SAM in MindTap?
I like that MindTap allows for learning in a flexible way. It caters to students who may not be able to physically be in school or students looking to take a short course to improve their skills. It’s a great way to break the monotony of in-class lectures. I can access my lesson anywhere, anytime. And my assignments would be graded immediately. MindTap has been a great tool in helping me manage my study and personal time. I was able to volunteer for a few weeks toward the end of the semester because of the extra time I had!
Watch this video to learn about MindTap’s study tools like listening to the textbook, digital flashcards, and the eBook highlighter and how the mobile app allows you to study from anywhere.
