Elizabeth: Westminster tutor

Certified Tutor

As an undergraduate senior at the University of Pittsburgh majoring in Biology and minoring in Neuroscience and Chemistry, I have a deep understanding of STEM-related topics, however, I also believe in the importance of a well-rounded education. In addition to my scientific and mathematic studies, I have taken various non-STEM courses in areas such as writing, composition, literature, anthropology, sociology, philosophy, and the arts. This diverse academic background is advantageous for me as a tutor, as I have experience in many fields and can pull from multiple perspectives when tutoring. As a current student, I am a valuable asset to other students because I can easily connect with them and bring a fresh understanding of the material.

In addition to being a current student, I also have experience as a tutor. In recent years, I was employed by the University of Pittsburgh to tutor student-athletes in subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, and Algebra. In this position, I was responsible for attending regular weekly appointments with students either 1-on-1 or in small groups. This experience taught me the importance of flexibility when tutoring, as I had to tailor my tutoring strategies to meet the unique needs of each student. Through assessing personal learning styles, I have learned how to cater to individual students by adjusting my explanations and use of resources. I am a visual learner, so I find drawing up diagrams, graphs, and charts to be extremely helpful. Some students I have worked with in the past have been more auditory learners, so I utilized story-telling and analogies to help them better understand the material. Once a student unlocks their learning strengths, it makes a world of difference, and I am equipped to help them do so.

As a student, I know there is no better feeling than when the material finally "clicks" and everything falls into place. It is this sense of achievement and clarity that I want to help others experience. I want to be a tutor because I want to actively work with students and guide them to where they feel this level of confidence and security that comes from mastering the material. As a tutor, I also believe in fostering an environment where students are not only engaged but also excited to learn. I have always had a great passion for learning, and I aim to inspire that same curiosity and enthusiasm in others by making the learning process interactive and the material more relatable. Being able to watch a student grow their education with passion and excitement is extremely rewarding and I strive to help each student reach academic success.