I attended Whitman College and majored in Race and Ethnic Studies with a focus on African-American Literature. It was important for me to make learning relevant and tangible, blending an interest in literature and cultural studies, for not just myself but for those in my life. In this spirit of meaningful learning, I approach supporting my students. I have held a variety of roles that allowed me the pleasure of supporting the academic and creative interests of young adults and adults alike. As a Media Instructor with the Gulf South Youth Action Corps, I used various forms of media (magazines, commercials, movies, and books) to discuss the importance of disaster preparedness, literacy, and resourcefulness. Additionally, as an ACT Instructor with Kaplan Test Prep, I facilitated two classes of high school juniors who were passionate about reaching their dreams, but just needed a bit of guidance on how best to tackle the pressures of mastering key concepts while giving their all on test day. While my experience with junior and high school students has been varied, my work regarding adults centers around professional and career development, having facilitated a number of group and one-one-one trainings on developing eye-catching resumes and cover letters along with identifying and cultivating marketable skills to stay competitive in the workplace. Moreover, on a personal note, as a pre-teen I assisted my father in his studies to obtain his GED. In this sense, my student's self-evident belief that knowledge will empower them and their pursuit of that knowledge through Varsity Tutors hits very close to home and makes me even more so invested in their success.