No wonder my TAs were so mediocre

Turns out it's easier than you think to be a TA (teaching assistant). You just have to have taken the course. Well at least that is what was implied in an email from the UBC math department. While I did well in first year math, I assumed a larger math resume was required before imparting ones knowledge onto the next generation of number crunchers. Then again, it is just first year math for biology students so how hard could it be? There really wasn't any mention of previous experience with tutoring students, volunteer experience or anything like that. The only supplemental resource they asked for was my previous year's grade summary. If grades are the major determining factor, I might very well be selected to become a TA (I am considering applying). This would not be great for the students I help because I am an antisocial person who strives on answers rather than explanations. I might know how to do something but it will be some time before I can properly explain it to some one else so that they understand. Also , what if someone comes up with a question I can't answer? Imagine how long that awkward silence could go on for. All my calculus knowledge is perspiring out of me as we speak. But of course there are benefits to a job like this such as the pay and the experience (something like this could help you get hired at UBC for other jobs in the future). While I'm weighing the pros and the cons, I might as well start brushing up on my differentiation and my integration techniques. It also probably won't hurt to develop a thick Chinese accent.