In his role as the University of Maine at Fort Kent’s new Assistant Resident TRiO Tutor (ARTT) program’s tutorial resident assistant, Angel Solis Anguiano prefers using the “see one, do one, teach one” learning model in assisting fellow students with their studies. The hands-on learning model dates to 19th-century surgical training, but Solis finds it still very helpful for all academic disciplines in 2026.
Solis is a second-year nursing student at UMFK, and his role is to connect with students to ensure that they have a positive learning environment, are provided with tutoring assistance where and when they need it – primarily during evenings and on weekends – and to look after students’ personal and social well-being.
The ARTT position Solis holds is new to campus this year and is unique in both its function and its funding. Typically, TRiO-funded positions are only able to serve TRiO students. However, the ARTT position has shared funding – half from TRiO and half from UMFK. And while TRiO students have priority, Solis is available to tutor all students. It is a unique collaboration in providing peer-to-peer counseling.
Solis is, himself, a TRiO student, being the first in his family to seek a college education. The Texas native is bilingual in English and Spanish and has gained prior tutoring experience in high school.
“I first learned about the “see one, do one, teach one” method from one of my high school counselors,” Solis explains. “That early experience gave me the foundation needed for my current position at UMFK. What I like most about using this model is its versatility across all subjects. This model not only makes the student remember the material, but it allows them to genuinely learn and comprehend it.”
Susan M. Dubay is the director of TRiO Student Support Services at UMFK. She supervises Solis in his role as ARTT tutor. She explains the program’s concept.
“The Assistant Resident TRiO Tutor position is a collaboration of TRiO, Student Affairs, and Residential Life. The position is designed for a student who will provide academic tutoring and limited residential support within the campus community. The position is a unique initiative developed at UMFK to holistically support our students within their living and learning environments. The position’s primary goal is to meet students where they are—both academically and personally—by providing meaningful, accessible support that enhances their overall university experience.
“The position is supported by a TRiO grant, which is dedicated to promoting student retention, maintaining good academic standing, and ensuring the successful graduation of TRiO scholars. The role exemplifies an outstanding model of cross-campus collaboration to meet the academic needs of all students, while prioritizing support for TRiO participants who may face additional challenges, such as being income-eligible, first-generation college students, and/or individuals with disabilities,” Dubay adds.
Solis has been pleasantly surprised by the acceptance of the ARTT program. The peer-to-peer learning concept has been well received.
“Students love the program,” Solis proudly exclaims. “So many students feel comfortable asking a peer for assistance understanding an assignment or concept.”
Emily Pelletier, a nursing student from Madawaska, Maine, is a big fan of Solis and the ARTT program.
“I am grateful for the program, as it has helped me to work through some challenges understanding class material. I am a non-traditional nursing student in my freshman/sophomore year. I have been out of school for more than 10 years,” she explained.
“I have taken classes with Angel. I asked him if he could explain a concept that I was not understanding in chemistry class. I didn’t know where to start. Angel walked me through it, and I ended up getting a 100 on my next quiz,” Pelletier added.
Joel Musika, a junior computer system administration student from Malmesbury, Western Cape, South Africa, also sings the praises of the program and of Angel.
“Angel has helped me with my language skills, especially in structuring and organizing essays,” Musika said. “There’s something about getting help from another student, as opposed to a professor, that I find helpful. I think there’s a lessened sense of academic pressure from a student tutor,” he remarked.
Linda Arbelaez of Fort Kent, Maine, is a first-year psychology major. The Guatemalan native said the ARTT program has been a great resource for her.
“I met with Angel to review and complete algebra assignments. Each session has greatly improved my confidence and understanding of the subject. The fact that he is also bilingual has been a tremendous help. Being able to understand complex math concepts in my native language has made a big difference for me,” she said.
For his part, Solis is gaining valuable experience and building a rapport among fellow students. He regularly holds hours in The Lodge, Crocker Hall, and the TRiO office in Powell Hall, but he is accessible for tutoring beyond his posted hours. Given that Solis is a second-year student, he could become a familiar face with ARTT for a few more years. Familiarity and longevity can go a long way toward ensuring a program’s success.
For more information about the University of Maine at Fort Kent, visit the UMFK website.