Award-Winning Tutors from Duke University

I graduated from Princeton University in May 2015 with my Bachelor's in Biology. In May 2016, I graduated from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University with a Masters in management Studies. My education background is extremely diverse and promotes strong critical thinking and problem solving skills in various contexts.I began tutoring while a student at Princeton University. There, I tutored underclassmen while on campus as well as high school and middle school students from my hometown. I thoroughly enjoy tutoring individuals of all ages.At Princeton, I took two math courses, four Spanish courses, and a variety of science courses.My Masters degree program was all-encompassing and included courses on accounting, financial analysis, and corporate strategy.

I have been tutoring Spanish for over 15 years, from Beginner through Advanced, including AP and college-level. I am patient, reliable, and good at simplifying and explaining complex ideas. I love teaching and helping people to learn. I graduated with a degree in Spanish from Duke University and also hold a master's in International Relations from NYU.

I am a Computer Science major at Duke University passionate about encouraging others who are learning CS so that they may come to understand the powerful, real-world impact that programming can have. As someone who has a strong background in tutoring, including, but not limited to, the chemistry tutoring club I co-founded in high school and my current involvement in the Duke Music Tutors organization, I am confident in my ability to tutor in a way that is focused, individualized, and memorable.

My name is Anjali! I am a senior at Duke University studying global health and biology on the pre-medicine track. I take mostly stem classes at Duke, including biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry. In high school, I particularly enjoyed taking classes like AP Chemistry, AP biology, AP psychology, anatomy and physiology, and I received an AP scholar with distinction award as a result. With this focus in primarily STEM classes, I am able to help with a range of science based subjects but specialize in organic chemistry a little more than the others. I have experience instructing at Mathnasium, being able to help with a range of math levels from elementary math to high school level math. Because of my time there, I know how important a good understanding of any material depends on an instructor's ability to convey and I want to be able to help others just as my favorite professors have helped me. In terms of teaching, I like to introduce the subject of interest in a broad way with more conceptualization before focusing on certain problems that are good for comprehension. I think problem solving and understanding one's train of thought is one of the most beneficial ways to succeed in science and math so step by step problem solving is something I like to spend time on. However, my method can easily be adjusted to fit a students individual needs. I also tend to tutor with my Ipad, so it is easy for me to teach in a visual manner. I want to be able to help my students as much as possible, so any additional suggestions or resources can easily be implemented. I would also love to assist any high schoolers with the college application process and writing essays, as it is something I like to do! I am easy to reach and will try my hardest to provide the fastest responses. Feel free to contact me with any questions or for a lesson!

My teaching philosophy is centered on making learning personalized, engaging, and confidence-building. I believe every student learns differently, so I adapt my approach to their individual needs while encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and independent problem-solving. I graduated from Duke University with a degree in Cultural Anthropology and obtaining a Master's of International Affairs at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs.

I'm a senior at Duke University double-majoring in English and Political Science. My favorite classes tend to be English and Social Studies classes, and I enjoy the unique perspectives that each student brings to the topics that they're studying. I decided to join Varsity Tutors because I've always been passionate about helping my peers keep up with their classes. Two of my siblings have ADHD, and I know that many people are better suited to alternate learning approaches rather than the education styles that are popular in most classrooms. I try to be empathetic and creative when listening to students' difficulties with their material, and I strive to be their partner in finding solutions to fill the gaps in their understanding.

I have tutored many people in the past - from elementary school kids to Duke University athletes. I really enjoy the challenge of helping students understand material that was previously foreign to them. I am highly dedicated, make my own lessons and try to make learning as fun as possible.

I received my B.S. in Biology from Rhodes College, my M.S. in Biology from Alabama in Birmingham, and a PhD in Anatomy and Physiology from Duke University. My teaching over the last few years has focused on Histology (MicroAnatomy) and Physiology. Teaching modern histology and physiology requires a strong understanding of cell and molecular biology, and I incorporate these areas into my current teaching. I have also taught Genetics, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, and Introductory Biology. During my 25 years at the University of Puget Sound, I continually served on our Health Professions Advising Committee, and was chair of this committee for three years. We advised students in all aspects of their applications for professional schools in diverse areas of health care professions, such as medical and dental school, among other professional health-related graduate programs. As chair of the committee I was solely responsible for writing committee letters for all of our students who applied through our committee. As a science educator, I serve my students, and do my utmost to provide them with a modern education in biology. I sincerely love teaching, which for me includes preparation through literature research, and organization and delivery of the best information. I enjoy all aspects of teaching, but most especially the reward of seeing my students learn, and secondarily, my learning of my field and pedagogy, through my efforts as a teacher.

Hello, I am a Duke University graduate with a Bachelors degree in Psychology. I have experience tutoring all levels of Spanish language, all sections of the SAT, as well as algebra, pre algebra, geometry, and pre-calculus! I love kids & I have a very flexible schedule and a lot of patience! Let me help you :)

I have found purpose in tutoring for as long as I can remember. It's meaningful to partner with others to solve problems together. I believe in providing trauma informed and customized learning sessions for diverse students.

I recently graduated from Duke University with a BA in Public Policy. I am in New York City studying acting, and I want to bring the same energy, enthusiasm and compassion that is required on stage to my students. I have experience tutoring for the SATs, and I have had significant experience serving as a mentor to younger students, particularly in the university setting. I love coaching and helping students discover their intellectual passions. Most importantly, I am thrilled by the prospect of helping a student set concrete goals and progress towards actualizing them in an academic realm. But above all I want to work with students to help them develop strategies that are personally effective and furthermore that link their passions with their education.

I am a 2021 graduate from Duke University where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, with Distinction. At Duke, I also minored in Global Health and Chemistry and was a recipient of the Benjamin N. Duke full-ride scholarship based on leadership, service, and academics. I will be attending Yale Medical School as a member of the entering class of 2022. Having recently navigated the medical school application process with many interviews and acceptances, I have begun helping others with their essay writing and application prep. I come from a large Caribbean family and I love learning about other cultures while sharing my own. I enjoy teaching and have worked with everyone from Kindergarteners to middle and high school students to college students and even older adults! My primary teaching experience and interests are all elementary and middle school subjects, biology (through college level), beginner Spanish, essay writing, and test prep/study skills. I have also been an art educator for K-10 and adults!

As a graduate of Duke University with a B.S. in Biology, I knew I wanted to pursue academia. I continued my studies with a M.S. in Marine Biology at Nova Southeastern University, where I solidified my passion for research and teaching others. Now I'm hoping to help my students get as excited about learning as I always have been! My most recent teaching experience has been with a local marine biology summer camp, where I do my best to get the kids stoked about biology, ecology, environmental science, and conservation. While I feel most passionate about marine biology, I am also qualified to tutor a variety of different subjects. I have taken the SAT 11 different times, and feel very confident teaching standardized test subjects! For me, tutoring is about breaking down difficult subjects into bite-sized pieces for my students to understand. My motto is "baby steps," and I love finding new and personalized ways to make learning fun for my students. Outside of academia I can be found exercising, singing, playing the ukulele, lounging on the beach, or finding new and exciting ways to annoy my cat Mozart.

I am a recent graduate of Duke University, with a Master of Science degree in Global Health. I spent the six previous years working for Novartis as a Head of Communications in the Vaccines and Diagnostics division. I joined Novartis after completing my undergraduate degree with honors in English language and literature from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California.I can help both students and professionals with all ranges of English writing and reading skills, including grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension and retention, English as a second language, essay writing and editing, higher level literature analysis, thesis writing and editing, business writing, and presentation and public speaking skills.I have taught and tutored students from elementary school through the graduate and professional levels. I have served as a professor's assistant in British Literature and Dramatic Arts classes, and have conducted caregiver classes on the Picture-Exchange Communication System for children with speech disorders.I have also tutored on the tools needed to becoming an exceptional student, including organizational skills, memorization and mnemonic devices, study-to-the-test techniques, responsible speed reading, and time management.My philosophy toward tutoring hinges on two primary goals: 1) to tutor in a way that not only meets the student's academic goals in the near-term, but also imparts a methodology that will carry the student toward future and continued success, and 2) to foster self-motivation in a student by making English fun!I love sharing my passion for language and literature with others, especially in helping overcome the "fear of the blank page" and other anxieties. Its never too late to learn to write well, to enjoy reading, or to apply these important skills to achieve your academic and professional goals.Personally, I love the time to enjoy a good book, but I also love traveling, attempting challenging recipes, kayaking, hiking, and taking my dog Cali to the beach.

An appreciation of education is a prerequisite for any great tutor, and I believe that I have this appreciation. As a student at Duke University, I recognize that it is my teachers and tutors who played vital roles in my academic achievement. I would love to have the opportunity to help other students the same way my teachers and tutors did for me.One of my strengths that contributes to my success as a tutor is my ability to work with all kinds of people. Growing up in Portland, Oregon and going to college in Durham, North Carolina, I have not only been exposed to a diversity of people, but I have also had the chance to work as part of a team in many different settings. From helping my peers with problem sets in my biochemistry class to conducting spelling and geography bees as a volunteer with the North South Foundation, I have had many opportunities to work with others in an academic setting.Perhaps it is these previous experiences that most significantly contribute to my ability to be an effective tutor. I currently volunteer as a tutor with America Reads & Counts in Durham (ARAC), and through this program, I work with students in the Durham community to help them get the most out of their education. I usually help my students with their homework, and my experience as a tutor with ARAC has taught me valuable lessons about communication and empathy that I believe have shaped my ability to be a successful tutor.

I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy with a minor in Education from Duke University and my Elementary Teaching Certification from Johns Hopkins University. My academic interests lie in education policy and educational psychology, the intersection of how we learn and how the systems around us shape that learning. I nurtured my passion for classroom teaching while teaching fourth grade in Baltimore from 2020 to 2022, first virtually during the height of the pandemic and then in person. My students were curious, hilarious, and resilient, and they taught me that learning works best when it feels meaningful and joyful. Before teaching, I tutored in high school and college, worked in Duke's Identity and Diversity Lab studying how children make meaning of human differences, and worked as a full-time nanny, caring for twin infant boys. I enjoy tutoring many subjects, most notably English, Social Studies, and History. I love helping students see the patterns that connect the past to the present, and gain confidence putting their own ideas into words. My approach is structured but flexible: I set clear goals, then create space for curiosity, creativity, and discovery. Outside of tutoring, I love exploring new restaurants, reading fiction, and traveling to visit my family and friends.

I'm a first-year medical student and recent graduate from Duke University, where I studied Global Health Determinants, Behaviors, and Interventions. From running a piano program at a nonprofit children's theatre to private tutoring in math, science, and standardized test prep, I enjoy helping my students become confident and self-sufficient learners!

I am a graduate of Duke University with a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering and Economics. I started tutoring in high school, working with Spanish-speaking ESL students in their native language as volunteer service. Due to my exceptional academic performance, family friends and members of my local church would often ask me to tutor their children, a request I would grant as much as my schedule allowed. My professional experience with tutoring only began in college, when I was hired as a teaching assistant for the Duke TIP summer program. After graduation, I worked for an international test prep company for two years. In addition to teaching classes on the SAT, ACT, and SAT II Subject Tests, I also provided private tutoring services in high school-level math, statistics, and physics.

I am a rising sophomore at Duke University. My dream is to become a doctor someday, so I am currently on the pre-med track and taking several chemistry and biology courses. Although my current focus is in science, I have a passion for history and culture. This past summer I participated in a study abroad program in Costa Rica, where I had the privilege of meeting and speaking with people from several different backgrounds, such as an indigenous tribe and the "ancianos" from a senior living home. Because this invaluable experience, I am continuing my studies in Spanish language and culture. Because I graduated high school only a year ago, the subjects that I was taught are still fresh in my mind, especially AP courses. I am very familiar with the AP curriculum, as I have taken 10 AP classes over the course of high school, and spent a fair amount of time preparing and learning strategies for taking the tests. I enjoy learning and teaching a broad range of subjects, but I have the most experience tutoring in Algebra, Spanish, and History. My primary concern is to foster a positive environment for the student, so they feel confident in asking me questions and comfortable making mistakes. In my free time, I play badminton, read fiction, serve the community, and go on the occasional hunt for Pokmon.

I am a freshman at Duke University in the Pratt School of Engineering. I plan on majoring in Civil or Environmental Engineering, as well as Economics. While I am qualified to tutor a range of subjects from math and science to ACT prep, I get the most excited when working on improving a student's writing because it is such a beautiful process. Sparking students' curiosity and excitement is the most rewarding part of tutoring, and I make it my mission to achieve that with all students I work with. In my free time, I am involved in a variety of groups on campus such as the triathlon club, FEMMES (a female-oriented STEM tutoring club), and The Chronicle, which is Duke's student newspaper. I also enjoy reading, running and baking all sorts of delicious delicacies.

A professional greatly passionate about learning, education, and teaching. Studied at Duke University and traveled the world! I enjoy helping others learn and achieve their academic goals. I love meeting new people and have a friendly, down-to-earth personality.

My name is Callie, and I recently graduated from Duke University with a major in Biology and a minor in Environmental Policy. I am currently doing research on personalized therapies for glioblastoma brain tumors at the Duke Medical Center, before I continue on to medical school. I love to swim, walk my pug dog, and hang out with family and friends in my free time. I hope I can help you in your studies. I look forward to working with you!

I am a student at Duke University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with Chemistry and German minors. On campus I am involved in the Bilbo lab, which focuses on neuroimmune interactions in abnormal brain development. I am very passionate about helping others enjoy and learn about various fields in STEM.My role as a tutor is to help students navigate any difficulty they may have in the classroom. I strive to help students reach their academic potentials and gain confidence in their ability in the classroom. As a current undergraduate student, I can assist students in finding balance between achieving their academic goals and extracurricular activities. In my free time, I enjoy running, cooking, and cycling.

I would like to begin our work together going over homework problems that cause you difficulty. Togetherwe will determine your level of understanding and then build on that, uncovering any innate-but-hiddenknowledge and skills that you have. In my time as a tenured Associate Professor at Stetson University, Iwas available during 6 weekly office hours, and often more than that when necessary (I never turned astudent away). As a graduate student at Columbia University, my tutoring most often involved pre-medicalstudents who wanted to deepen and polish their chemistry skills. I love this type of one-on-one work withpre-health students because Organic Chemistry is typically the most difficult of the four pre-healthcourses; I count it as an honor to instruct future professional chemists, doctors, veterinarians, physicianassociates, and the like, and to prepare them for an intense exposure to biochemistry and other coursesin their respective professional schools. This is not to say that I only enjoy working with pre-healthstudents; I am happy to work with anyone who needs special help in organic chemistry.

I am committed to each and every one of my tutees! I will teach to the best of my abilities; I will make learning fun, but efficient!

I'm a recent college graduate (and future medical student) who's excited to meet you and help you reach your learning goals.I first became interested in tutoring when I struggled my freshman year at Duke University. Previously unchallenged, I had to work hard to teach myself difficult topics and relied heavily on the free tutoring available at my school to make it through.After that year, I worked in South Carolina at a nonprofit where I designed and taught curriculum for kids ages 5-18 years old and learned a lot about what it takes to be a teacher/tutor. I built and evaluated Reading and Math curricula and helped students develop confidence in a range of subjects from Math to Writing composition.I loved the experience and returned to Duke, where as soon as I finished my science requirements, I applied to be a peer tutor. From there, I gained three years of experience tutoring Organic Chemistry, Physics, and other science topics and proofreading others' essays on the side.I love building others' confidence and helping people master subjects that have given them trouble. I've been there, and I know that having a good tutor to guide you through can make a world of difference.

My name is Sarah and I'm a sophomore at Duke University. I'm pre-med studying psychology with a minor in biology and chemistry. I work in the admissions office as a tour guide and I love getting to know high schoolers interested in the college admissions process!

Hello! My name is Charlie, and I am a student at Duke University studying Economics and Computer Science. I specialize in tutoring high school math (from Algebra through Calculus) and SAT prep. My tutoring style is flexible and low-pressure. I focus on building real understanding, not just memorizing steps. Whether you're preparing for a big exam or just trying to keep up with class, I'll meet you where you are and adjust each session to your pace and learning style. Looking forward to meeting you!

I am a rising sophomore at Duke University and am double majoring in Electrical & Computer Engineering and Computer Science with a minor in Economics. I love problem solving and analyzing situations creatively and enjoy studying the real-world applications that accompany engineering. I mostly tutor math and science courses and hope to illustrate my passion for these subjects to my students.

Through my experiences working with students of all ages, I developed a personalized approach for each individual. Students benefit the most when they hone skills both for the assignment at hand, and for long term success in efficient studying and improved reasoning. I have two years of experience as a full time professional in education, as a middle school teacher and a coordinator for an afterschool program. I tutored students throughout high school and college, in volunteer and private settings. I am a graduate of Duke University with a Bachelor of Arts in Latin American History. I recently received my Juris Doctor degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and began my career as an attorney. I am passionate about continuing my work in education through tutoring. I enjoy tutoring many subjects, particularly History, SAT Reading and Writing, College Essays, and Spanish. I love assisting students in implementing simple but effective changes in their preparation for Standardized Tests that show immediate results. I find this motivates students to continue through struggles in their educational pursuits. When I am not working, I enjoy yoga, running, cooking, traveling and playing the cello.

Hey, my name is Nitin Nagarajan, and I am a rising senior studying biomedical engineering. Orginially from Gadsden, AL, I excelled in many AP classes and the ACT and PSAT in high school. I only took the ACT once and received a 35 in my sophomore year, and became a National Merit Finalist the following year. I also have gotten 5s in APUSH, English Lit and Lang, and have high scores in a number of other AP courses. In college, I have taken several STEM classes, and are quite comfortable with a wide variety of topics.

I am a professional tutor specializing in academic writing and verbal/writing SAT and PSAT prep. I graduated in 2014 from Duke University with a degree in Cultural Anthropology and Theater Studies. My past tutoring experiences include a year with the Duke Athletics Department tutoring undergraduate athletes in anthropology, critical reading, and college-level writing. I have tutored with America Reads/America Counts (ARAC) and co-founded a tutoring program that continues to serve the language education needs of refugee youth in Durham, NC. I’m passionate about not only teaching students the material they need to be successful, but also how to think critically and independently.I start my tutoring sessions with a simple and individualized evaluation—sometimes I will look over students’ past work or practice tests to supplement a discussion about goals for our time together. Once we move on to subject material, my approach is to start with what students already know. When we’re faced with a seemingly impossible essay prompt or test question, we always have piece of knowledge that can help. I help students learn how to use their existing bodies of knowledge to find a way to a solution. We then work on building a toolbox of techniques they can use to handle the kinds of questions and tasks that are particularly challenging for them.I have two big picture goals for my students. First, I want them to leave my sessions feeling heard. I want to address my students’ most pressing questions and concerns, so I strive to create an environment where they’re comfortable articulating them. Second, I want them to walk into their tests or classrooms feeling confident. Even if they won’t know every answer, they'll have strategies and some tricks up their sleeves that will allow them to reach their personal education goals.

I am a rising senior at Duke University who is Pre Med and majoring in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. I was born and raised in Miami FL and went to public school until college (Sunset Elementary, GW Carver Middle and Coral Reef Senior High for those from Miami). I decided to start tutoring because I would not be on this path had I not had good teachers supporting me along the way. For that reason I want to be able to help others achieve their goals without academics being a huge hurdle.I have a broad set of interests but, most of them tend to be on the geekier side. For instance, I love playing video games, Dungeons and Dragons and board games with my friends. I also play tennis and soccer regularly and played soccer with an intramural team last year. Otherwise, I love to read for fun, in addition to the occasional academic article on American or Japanese culture.When I tutor I am always energetic, passionate and try to get my students as excited as I am. I am capable in a variety of fields but in particular l am very interested in language and culture. I am a native Spanish speaker and I have been studying Japanese since I entered college. I hope to be open and easily accessible for all of my students needs whether it be an extra session or a question that I can answer over text.

I'm Rob! I graduated from Duke University in 2016 with a double major in Electrical and Computer Engineering and Economics. I've been a math teacher in the DOE for the last 2 years and have a Master's of Arts in Teaching. I specialize in high school math and test prep for the ACT, SAT, and GRE.As a math teacher for the last 2 years, I've found that students often aren't given enough time in the classroom to fully grasp new concepts before moving on to new material. This often leads to "gaps" in their knowledge, which are hard to fill without providing them with 1-on-1 help. This is how I can benefit my students the most, by providing the the 1-on-1 attention they need. When I start with a new student, I first work to identify the gaps in their knowledge, and then methodically fill in those gaps to help them reach a stronger conceptual understanding.I want to help my students as much as possible. As part of my approach, I like to understand my students' long term academic or professional goals to make sure I'm working with them in a way that's most beneficial to those goals.I live in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. I'm can do remote sessions or in-person. Please contact me if you would like to set up a free 15 minute consultation!

I went to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for college and studied biochemistry. I was interested in the fusion of chemistry and biology because I was lucky enough to have two incredible high school teachers in those subjects. I wanted to understand how cells talk to one another or take on unique identities within the body. These questions led me to study cell biology at Duke University where I earned a Masters in 2017. My experiences in grad school have caused me to value the clear communication of science, a skill I'm always trying to work on.I've left lab, for the time being, to focus on my other passion, rowing. I train full time with the US National Team and love being an elite athlete. I began rowing in college after I grew up swimming and playing other sports. I still love finding science in the real world and explaining it to my teammates or anyone else who will listen.

The very first student whom I tutored received a perfect score on the ACT. That is why I have continued tutoring for the past seven years. Throughout the course of my tutoring, I have had the pleasure of working with a wide variety of students from kindergarten to graduate school.

I am a rising senior at Duke University majoring in Psychology and minoring in English. I first started tutoring when I was 10; I'd explain new words in books to my little sister and help her with cursive, work on times tables with my older brother, and teach the little bit of English I knew to my immigrant parents. I tutored students in my middle school through a counseling program, helped deaf and disabled students develop social and creative skills, and freelance tutored throughout high school, and have tutored Spanish-speaking immigrant families (ages 6-12) in Durham, NC since October 2018. Other teaching experiences include training my dog to go down a slide on command and teaching my 10th-grade precalculus teacher how to hand whistle. Though I tutor a broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about English, Literature, and Writing. I believe reading and writing are not only complex forms of thinking, but avenues for understanding someone else's unique perspective and ways of being in life. I have the most fun helping my students dissect arguments and meaning from texts, especially when it's in Spanish, my native language. When I'm not tutoring, I most likely am listening to music, playing board games with my family, or looking at cat videos online.

I am a graduate of Duke University (class of 2017), where I received my Bachelor of Arts in History and Religious Studies with a minor in Economics. I am also a graduate of Yale University (class of 2019), where I received my Master of Arts in Religious Studies with a focus on ancient history. Since graduation, I have worked in the computer software space and as a tutor for over 6 years (both in person and virtually). I have tutoring experience with all grade levels, including undergraduates, in subjects ranging from english and essay writing to ACT/SAT test prep. I love working with students of all ages and personalizing my teaching style to create the most positive and productive learning environment.

I am a sophomore at Duke University studying computer science and physics. Academically, I am drawn towards disciplines that employ logical problem-solving. I enjoy working with others to discover new intuitive ways of understanding problems.

I graduated Cum Laude from Duke University with a B.A. in Philosophy and a minor in Political Science. I'm currently working towards a J.D. at Columbia Law School. Before joining Varsity Tutors, I tutored the LSAT for a private company, both as a classroom teacher and in one-on-one tutorials. Building off that experience, I will be working for Varsity Tutors, helping people prepare for the LSAT as well as the SAT and the ACT. I have really enjoyed my experience assisting students in test preparation. In my experience, students first approach tests in an ad hoc fashion, and often with a fair bit of trepidation and hesitancy. I find it tremendously satisfying to help students conquer those initial hurdles and gain a feeling of mastery and confidence. I am patient, and I encourage my students to be patient as well. I also help students faceand in so doing, conquertheir fear of failure. We practice not fearing mistakes, but seeing them as opportunities to learn, hone skills, and grow more confident. One of my strongest attributes as a tutor is my ability to break down complex ideas into clear and accessible language. There is nothing more gratifying than working through a difficult concept with a student and know they truly understand it and can put it into practice. In my free time I enjoy reading. Some of my favorite authors are George R. R. Martin (the author A Game of Thrones) and Junot Diaz. I also enjoy spending time with friends, often playing competitive board games, such as The Settlers of Catan.