My passion for teaching and tutoring first took root at Tomahawk Scout Reservation, where I taught Boy Scouts how to camp, climb, and survive in the wilderness. It was the joy of seeing young people overcome their anxiety mixed with the realization that I was pretty good at my job that inspired me to apply those teaching skills to the Adult Education Center. There, I taught English as a second language to community members of all ages.

After I graduated from college with degrees in English and Spanish, I left the country with a mission from the Peace Corps. For two years I lived in a small mountain village teaching high school students in Indonesia. The students and I practiced Basic English skills during the day, debate and rhetoric skills after school hours, and life skills through volunteering throughout the community. Our village debate team, though vastly underfunded, managed to defeat the city schools and win a regional tournament. Our students were recognized for their ability to construct arguments, rebuttal by thinking quickly and critically, and use proper English. When not working with the high school students, I tutored elementary and middle school students four times per week.

Through these experiences I've learned that the most important aspect of any teacher-student relationship is respect. I respect all my students as people who want to learn, but just don't know the correct path. As a lifelong learner and a person passionate about many subjects, I often find myself in the same situation. It is with humbleness and respect that both the student and teacher can move forward and learn.

If giving respect and being respected is the most important aspect of the teacher-student relationship, the second most important is being prepared. I endeavor to use my time with clients effectively. Of course, the flexibility to alter lesson plans to the student's particular learning style is pivotal, but that is no excuse for not having a lesson plan and material prepared. My new clients can expect to receive a call from me before our first session to discuss specific goals and expectations. Together, we will achieve whatever those goals are.