I first started private tutoring at the age of 16 while attending high school at the Osaka International School in Japan. My father was an educational director at the time and got my “foot in the door” by organizing a few English tutoring lessons with local Japanese primary school students. During my time in Japan, I tutored primarily English for six years. I also worked at various private English schools as an English teacher, as well as both the Osaka International School and Osaka YMCA International School in other capacities. I am currently the site coordinator/director and lead teacher of an out of school care and recreation program at an elementary school that serves at-risk children. Living and teaching abroad in such international and worldly environments exposed me to people from all kinds of socio-economic backgrounds and cultures. It has allowed me to become much more of an understanding and tactful person, and as a result, I feel quite confident when tutoring subjects that I have the most experience with to individuals with various backgrounds. As nerdy as it sounds, I am an ardent student of English literature as I have always been fascinated by profound pieces and works. I am extremely passionate about communicating what I know about English and writing to others. I strive to have a positive impact on my students and aside from the fact that I greatly enjoy teaching, I believe it is one of the best ways to change our world for the good.
I attended the Osaka International School for 12 years and received IB certificates in select subjects. I attended Portland State University for one year before taking two gap years in order to establish my residency in Oregon. For the 2015/2016 school year, I attended Portland Community College and was on the President’s List all three terms with a 4.0 cumulative GPA. I am currently studying English and creative writing at Portland State University where I have a 3.7 cumulative GPA. I was also on the President’s List at Portland State University during my first term back.
I am a firm adherent of the Socratic method. The relationship that forms between teacher and student is absolutely crucial to the development of the student on so many different levels. A dialectical approach creates a cordial environment for the student that makes acquisition of knowledge far more enjoyable and accessible. I try to be fun, relaxed, considerate, and humorous, but I also make sure to listen carefully and be open-minded.
In my spare time, I enjoy reading science-fiction and fantasy to push my mind’s creativity, working on my novel, watching movies, cooking delicious foods, and playing fun strategy board games with friends.