Courtney: Riverdale tutor

Certified Tutor

I am a graduate from Oregon State University. I obtained my Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, focusing more towards fluid mechanics, as well as a Minor in Business and Entrepreneurship. After graduation I was presented with an opportunity to open my own business, following in my father's footsteps, doing minor graphic design and large format printing producing various products such as stickers, apparel, vehicle wraps, and small signage. It was an opportunity I could not pass up, even though it went away from using my degree. However, my long term goals are to expand my business in to manufacturing and R & D and incorporate my engineering degree into my entrepreneur venture.
During my earlier years of college I tutored for four and half years in a few subjects including, math, some science, and writing, but I was most passionate with mathematics. Math has always been fun and exciting for me. I love how equations can be manipulated and solved to reach a solution or multiple solutions. I have a passion for solving puzzles and I look at math problems as a puzzle, finding the pieces needed to complete it. Being able to help students break down the barriers they face and watch them get excited about learning and doing problems, gaining the confidence they need to be successful in their work, is an amazing and rewarding experience. When I am approached with a new student, I try to figure out where they are having issues and break the problem or content down to the basics. Re-iterate steps and knowledge they have learned or seen previously and build back up to the problem/content they are struggling with. During the steps to try to find methods or concepts they connect with to learn what works best for them and build on that. Finding the "AH HA" moment is essential in building a bond with my student and discovering techniques to use that work for them. Going back to the basics and building a foundation is key to connecting with my students and filling in the gaps and providing more tools for their toolbox to be confident and successful as they move through their path of education.