Dean's Scholar @Columbia University

Steven H.

As a Dean’s List scholar at Columbia University pursuing a B.A. in Financial Economics, rigorous work in intermediate microeconomics, econometrics, and advanced calculus has given me a tool-kit that balances theoretical clarity with data fluency, and a dozen AP scores of 5 testify to my ability to master- and explain- college-level material while still in high school. Bilingual fluency in English and Mandarin lets me bridge ideas across cultures and proficiency levels.

Since early 2023 I have been a “Top Tutor” on Ringle, the Seoul-based platform that pairs native English speakers with Korean students and professionals. In more than 400 one-on-one video sessions I have coached learners aged fourteen to fifty-five through tasks that range from polishing college admissions essays to rehearsing IPO road-show presentations. Each lesson begins with a short diagnostic chat, followed by scaffolded practice, real-time error correction, and a written action plan so the student can track progress between meetings. This blend of Socratic questioning and backward design has earned consistent five-star feedback and an invitation to mentor new tutors.

My experiences, though, go deeper: as valedictorian in high school, I organized peer study circles for AP Economics and Statistics; at Columbia I mentor founders in the Almaworks accelerator on investor-facing communication; and through Key Club International I helped design after-school literacy workshops for middle-grade students. Those classroom, small-group, and individual settings have taught me to modulate tone, pacing, and assessment style to match both age and ambition.

Across every context my goal is the same: to demystify the subject, empower the learner, and leave them with a repeatable framework for independent study. Whether we are reviewing college applications or understanding content, I measure success by the moment the student can teach the concept back to me with confidence.