I am a graduate of the University of Massachusetts - Boston. I received my Bachelor of Arts in English. Since graduation I have worked in education as a paraprofessional in an alternative learning program for at-risk high school students, and have taught English Language Arts as a licensed English teacher for grades 8-12. I am passionate about literature and the value that one can take from a story, poem, or play. In my experience I have found it helpful to make real world, modern day connections between the student and the work of literature that they are reading, to both help them understand that work and to enjoy and appreciate the value of the particular work. These connections might include comparing the work that a student is struggling with to their own interests, such as their favorite genre of music, movies, or television, to help them better understand and relate to what they are reading and/or writing about. I have also helped students prepare for the ELA portion of standardized tests such as the SAT and MCAS and have experience with college essay writing and editing. I am a strong believer that education opens doors for individuals. The most challenging or disinterested student often needs help jumping through the many hoops and over the many hurdles of education. At times, even students that are academically inclined, get stuck and need a little help to further inspire, advance, and enrich their education. In order to jump through these hoops and over these hurdles of education, students should understand why they are studying a particular thing, what its value is, and how it is relevant to them. The best way to do this is to make what they are learning fun, so that the work they are doing seems less like a task or chore. I try to make learning both relate-able and fun for all of my students. In my spare time I enjoy listening to music, watching movies, relaxing in the outdoors, and laughing with friends and family.