Passionate in teaching Math, CS, Econ to students

Surya S.

I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Economics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where I maintain a 4.0 GPA. My academic background is heavily rooted in mathematics, statistics, and analytical problem-solving, supported by coursework in data structures, discrete mathematics, and statistical analysis. I also scored a 1560 on the SAT, placing me in the 99th percentile, which gives me a strong foundation in standardized test strategy, particularly in math and problem-solving sections.

My teaching experience comes from mentoring middle school students through a structured peer-learning program, where I worked one-on-one with students across a range of ability levels. I helped students strengthen their fundamentals in math and logical reasoning, often focusing on identifying specific gaps in understanding and rebuilding concepts from first principles. This experience was not in a formal classroom, but rather individualized sessions, which allowed me to adapt my approach to each student’s pace and learning style. In addition, I helped design a system to better match students with tutors, which gave me insight into how different learners require different teaching strategies.

In my sessions, I focus on clarity and structure. I break down complex problems into smaller, intuitive steps and emphasize understanding patterns rather than memorizing solutions. I also prioritize building confidence, especially for students who may feel intimidated by standardized tests or advanced coursework. My goal is not just to help students arrive at the correct answer, but to ensure they understand the reasoning process well enough to apply it independently in new situations.