As a Senior studying at the University of Alabama I've had the chance of branching out and experiencing various fields of study. A lot of rudimentary skills I have actually learned through a hands-on process while attempting to help professors. Other skills I've learned through practice and hobbies, such as Spanish (native language), Guitar (a passion of 8 years), or Tennis (another passion). My main concentration of study has been Psychology with a side major of Philosophy, although I've taken classes in C++, Calculus II, French, and American Literature & English Literature.
I've had the pleasure of tutoring various individuals in the past 4 years, mainly students who have struggled with material in the classes that I was taking at the time. For two years, however, I have offered private tutoring lessons with a bottom-up style of learning. My philosophy of teaching consists of the belief that one cannot learn more abstract and complex topics without first mastering the basics. I try to determine where a student has had trouble to begin with, in order to build quickly from that point to the more complex topics.
When it comes to abstract literary topics (i.e. English, Philosophy, Psychology) it is more important to understand concepts than to recite facts. Therefore I find that it is much easier to understand a concept and then attach a name and date to the concept, than it is to do so in reverse.
I always present myself in a professional manner, although I am lighthearted and cheerful. I believe learning should be a process that speaks to the heart as well as the mind, so serious study without interruption is often counterproductive. Every person has the ability to excel in their area of study, as long as they can relate to the material and as long as they exert the effort to succeed.