Julie

Certified Tutor

I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Creative Writing from the University of San Diego in 2014. During my time at USD, I tutored for three years at the University of San Diego Writing Center. There I worked with a wide variety of students, primarily in essay writing for literature courses but also in creative writing and a handful of other subjects. I also spent a lot of time tutoring English as a Second Language (ESL) students, and I have my Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification. My favorite strategy for working with a student on either their writing or their critical reading skills is reading aloud. Since English is primarily a spoken language, I strongly believe that you can improve your understanding of literature and your ability to write by hearing the words on the page, instead of just seeing them.

I am most passionate about helping students because I have been so fortunate to have teachers and professors who cared about my own learning enough to make me want to learn for my own sake, not just for a grade. The best qualities a student can have are the willingness to work hard and a love of learning, because this will follow them through their whole life - even after school is over.

I tutor English and Literature, including essay writing and grammar and mechanics, as well as SAT prep and college essays. I really enjoy working with students on their college application essays because the typical essay questions require a student to write about their passions and what means the most to them. In these sessions, I have the opportunity to get to know my student at a personal level and help them to use their writing skills for the practical purpose of getting into the college or university of their choice.

When I'm not tutoring, I enjoy reading a variety of fiction and nonfiction novels, looking for great places to hike, and playing with my dog, Lily.