My passion for science began in sixth grade. I had a phenomenal teacher who opened my eyes up to how to apply science to the world around me and changed my perspective on school. Instead of thinking about biology as “the study of life,” I came to see it as “the study of things about me.” Memorizing facts and terminology can be extremely difficult but understanding both the flow and logic behind biology and chemistry and their relevance to our lives makes the material not only easier, but also more fun. I later fostered this love of learning at UC Santa Cruz where I received a BS in Biology. My fondest memories at UCSC, where earned a bachelor’s degree in biology, were holding tutoring and study sessions in chemistry, biology, and physics. I enjoyed seeing my friends and peers succeed, and I found myself motivated to help others around me excel. After I graduated from UCSC, my first job was tutoring at a wonderful small tutoring company in San Francisco. I was there for 7 months before I moved up to Seattle. I loved every minute of it. I taught AP Chem, AP Biology, academic chemistry, academic biology, K-8 English and Math, and study skills. I loved bonding with and seeing my students grow. I loved seeing that look of understanding and amazement as things finally clicked into place. I was so proud to get to know them as students but also as such wonderful and interesting people.

I first began teaching when I was 16. (Unofficially I have been teaching/tutoring others for 11 years.) I started my own table tennis coaching business and taught senior citizens how to play in private and group lessons for over two years. I also taught table tennis and other sports to kids at summer camp. I loved helping people learn and watching them improve, and these experiences led me to begin tutoring in college. In all my teaching experiences, I have learned to put myself in the position of my student and to really listen, not only to what the student is saying, but also to how the student feels about what we are doing. If some