Erica

Certified Tutor

I earned my B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies (with a double minor in Human Resource Development and Communication) from Northeastern Illinois University in May 2014. I am currently pursuing an MA in Human Resource Development from the same school. During my undergraduate coursework, I worked in the Center for Academic Writing as a peer tutor for students taking the writing intensive course required for degree completion. I tutored traditional college students as well as older adult college students. Many of the learners I had the opportunity to empower were ESL/ELL students. I am available to tutor in subjects related to writing and essay writing, such as composition, grammar and mechanics, and editing. I am able to help you with public speaking: preparing a speech, preparing yourself to deliver the speech, tips and trick for grabbing your audience's attention, when and how to engage your audience, and closing effectively. I base my tutoring style on a philosophy that communication (written and verbal) is key in our ability to productively engage in the world around us. It is my goal to empower learners with the ability to communicate effectively, by helping them to "find the story" and communicate it in a way that makes sense to others. I enjoy showing others how putting the story down in writing can be started using words and building upon them until they become a flow of organized thoughts and ideas. One of my greatest abilities is to help others conquer their fear of writing papers by showing them ways to organize the key concepts involved in effective essay writing and public speaking. Last, but not least, I can help you organize your study materials for coursework and exams and offer tips for effective study methods, based on your preferred learning style. In addition to tutoring and taking graduate classes, I am the treasurer and a board member for a small non-profit organization. My family and I grow many of our own organic produce in the spring through fall months in raised garden beds we built in our backyard. I love to explore the city for new restaurants and local businesses, so walk and take public transportation whenever I can.