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Andrew Puharic is pictured in front of the PSC Math Lab. A PSC alum, Puharic used the math lab as a student pursuing an associate degree in pre-engineering. He is now a tutor in the math lab and helps other students.
When Andrew Puharic moved to Pensacola in March 2020, the former plumber planned to purchase investment property to develop and resell.
However, COVID-19 had different plans.
“The pandemic hit, and the global housing market went crazy,” recalled Puharic, a Pensacola State Math Lab tutor who instead enrolled in the College in fall 2020.
“I was a pre-engineering major, and I started with one class the first semester, two my second semester, and then three classes during the third semester,” he said.
A Tampa native, Puharic admitted he was nervous about enrolling in college ─ because all the courses were online, and he hadn’t been in a classroom in over 10 years.
“I took the PERT test and was placed in Developmental Math II. Initially, I was a little disappointed I scored so low, but it turned out to be the best thing that could have happened,” Puharic said. “The developmental class helped me rebuild my foundation in math. I didn’t realize everything that I had forgotten.”
Since then, Puharic has earned stellar grades in most college math courses – no lower than a 93 grade point average until he enrolled in Calculus where he earned Bs.
In May 2023, he graduated with an associate degree and is on track to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of West Florida in Spring 2026. He wants to eventually work for a startup firm doing “something new and exciting.”
Puharic also shares his formula for success with other students as a Math Lab tutor – a position he started in fall 2023.
“Because I have been where they are, I can relate to the students who come to the math lab for help. I know what it’s like to be ‘the student who needs help.’ I have been in their shoes,” he said.
Michael Sabroski, Pensacola campus Math Lab Supervisor, remembers Puharic as a student and said his progress highlights the transformative effect of a Pensacola State education.
“Starting in Developmental Math, he worked his way up to advanced courses like Calculus and Differential Equations. His dedication and strong grasp of math were impressive, leading to his role as a math tutor in the Math Lab, where he continues to work as he pursues a mechanical engineering degree at UWF.”
Puharic tutors about 15 to 20 students daily during the fall and spring semesters and says it’s always a great feeling when a student understands or masters a concept.
“Those students who consistently show up always show improvement,” said Puharic, who encourages students to ask questions in class and use the math lab.
“It is a free resource at the College and available in person or online. Use it. We’re here to help.”
Located in Building 1, Room 111, the Pensacola campus math lab is open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday. It is closed on Saturday. Details: (850) 484-2003.
The Milton Campus Math Lab is in Building 4100, Room 4104. It is open noon-6 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. Details: (850) 484-4403.
The Warrington and South Santa Rosa Center math labs are closed for the summer.