All of
Brena’s current tutoring subjects are listed at the left. You
can read more about
Brena’s qualifications in specific subjects below.
Discrete Math
Discrete math is my favorite. It is problem solving and logic manipulation and the basis of computer programming. My bachelor's is in math, and I aced that class and enjoyed helping my peers through it. Most other math concepts are introduced as discrete concepts and possibly extrapolated to infinite or continuous cases. As infants, our introduction to math was the counting numbers. Similarly, discrete mathematics is the foundation of the really cool stuff.
Elementary (K-6th)
While I do not have extensive of experience with this age bracket, I am qualified to tutor a varied array of topics, which is important when helping younger kids. My little sister is considerably younger than me, and I helped out at her K-8 school while she went there. Through that school, I assistant managed a summer camp which included students from 2nd to 8th grade. We looked at the history of fiber arts while learning how to felt, dye, spin, and weave, then we played with different jewelry techniques, played with ceramics, and took regular trips to the YMCA swimming pool. I think kids know who they are at a young age, and actually learn to conform more as they get older. I would love to help a spunky little individual.
Linear Algebra
When I was first introduced to matrices, I, like most people I have spoken with, disliked them. It wasn't until I took linear algebra that I saw how beautiful they are. Math is not powerful and influential until we start looking at extremes: the size and structure of the galaxies or of atoms, or large groups of people interacting over extended periods of time, or sheets of metal undergoing heat and pressure in a factory, or wind patterns across the globe. Through linear algebra techniques, matrices allow us to collect and manipulate large quantities of data or equations.
I have taken two undergraduate college level courses on linear algebra and tutored in a drop in Math Learning Center for several years where I was able to test and prove my ability to tutor the subject.
Logic
As a math major, I have analyzed logic structures for the sake of proof writing, specifically in Discrete Mathematics. I have also taken Critical Reasoning, which provided a linguistic side of logic unrelated to math theorems, propositions, corollaries, axioms, etc., but which did still include discussion of modus ponens, podus tollens, etc. I am eager to discuss logic with an interested student.
MATLAB
I do not actively use MATLAB on a daily basis, but I enjoyed the interactiveness of the program and language. I would be willing to offer a discounted rate for MATLAB study sessions because, I confess, it would be as much a refresher for me as a valuable learning experience for you.
Theatre
I have always done theater. I joke that I was on stage before I was born because my mom was pregnant with me during production of Our Town (the costumer hated her). I continued to act throughout school, participating in Destination Imagination (DI) and community theater whenever I could fit them in. I have helped lead a YMCA acting troupe from Pueblo, focusing on values, morals, and fun, and acted and assisted with the 4-H Spotlight Drama Club several years running. I've acted in the Pueblo Ghost Walk, a historical reenactment fundraiser for the Domestic Violence Awareness Task Force, and I've acted for CIT, the Crisis Intervention Team, training police officers on how to handle unusual individuals tactfully. I also have numerous screen credits with local commercials and documentaries, as well as extras work in student films and independent films.