Tutoring has been an important part of my life since elementary school when I helped kindergartners to read. Once I was in high school, I tutored algebra and pre-algebra over one summer for a math tutoring camp where we worked with students who had failed algebra in the past. When they were allowed individual attention and the chance to take tests when they were ready, many excelled. I also was the only student to tutor after school among teachers. (Since I graduated, the school has created a designated program for high-performing students to do the same.) Now I attend Reed College full time as an English major.
Unsurprisingly, English is my favorite subject to tutor. I have created grammar worksheets for fun in my spare time and enjoy editing essays. I have helped students from various language backgrounds including ESL and strong native speakers. Unlike most English majors, I also love mathematics. By the age of 16, I was in AP Calculus, and feel comfortable teaching all math below what I have taken. Algebra is a strong suit of mine, but I also enjoy trigonometry.
I believe that teaching is about building a comfortable but professional relationship with each student. It is part of my job to come to understand each student and to be able to educate each of them in a personalized manner. Every student is an opportunity to mentor. Education is not only about learning academia but also about developing socially and morally. My goal is to build helpful mentoring relationships with each of my students in order to encourage them to excel in all aspects of young life.