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Technical Writer with Years of Python and Excel Experience
Alys B.

4.9 (239 ratings)

589 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $40
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About Alys

Bio

Hi, I'm Alys. In high school, I was named a National Merit finalist, regularly placed in mathematics competitions, and won an award for my German skills. I graduated cum laude from Marquette University with a major in journalism and a minor in German, while taking a number of computer science courses on the side. I’ve since become a technical writer and tutor, and I've realized one of the things I enjoy most is helping others with their writing, computer, and math skills.

The majority of...

Hi, I'm Alys. In high school, I was named a National Merit finalist, regularly placed in mathematics competitions, and won an award for my German skills. I graduated cum laude from Marquette University with a major in journalism and a minor in German, while taking a number of computer science courses on the side. I’ve since become a technical writer and tutor, and I've realized one of the things I enjoy most is helping others with their writing, computer, and math skills.

The majority of my experience is teaching adults, but I've taught students of all ages writing and programming in Java and Python. I've also helped students use Microsoft Excel, browse the internet, and improve their grammar and vocabulary. Finally, I've taught small classes and answer questions from new Python users online several times a week

My overall approach is to first assess what a student needs to learn and use that information to tailor whatever prepared materials I’m working with. It’s much more important to me that your tutoring session is valuable to you than merely getting through a lesson plan. As I answer your immediate questions, I share the principles to help you gain a deeper understanding. While I’m happy to explain (or re-explain) as necessary, I try to maximize the amount of time you work on your own. That being said, I'm flexible—if asking me questions for the entire session is what you need, I'm happy to do that.

I've used Excel across multiple jobs and courses, so I know its ins and outs. I've seen it used and abused, so I can guide you to a good solution, not just one that technically works. I've taught people how to enter their first formula and helped coworkers unsnarl huge spreadsheets in Excel.

Python has always been my favorite programming language. I’ve used it for a variety of tasks: aggregating data, building websites, and automating tasks. It's cool to see so many people new to programming using Python to try something totally new.

I have an appreciation for and experience with all kinds of English —

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Education

Marquette University
Journailsm

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $40
  • Rate details: I charge half the rate for cancellations. If I traveled in person or did additional prep work, I'll charge the full amount. I'm sometimes available to work at a reduced rate for students with.
  • Lesson cancellation: 6 hours notice required

  • No background check

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

ACT English

ACT English

I scored a 32 on my ACT English test, and I further refined my English skills throughout college and my career as a technical writer. I've also tutored students in a variety of areas of English, including ESL, writing, literacy, and grammar.
C#

C#

I am a long-time developer comfortable with C# and .NET development, particularly for cross-platform game development. I have used both .NET's built-in libraries and open source libraries like Json.NET. I also have deep familiarity with object-oriented programming and design from Java and Python and from studying object-oriented design in college.
Computer Programming

Computer Programming

I've programmed in one way or another for the past decade, including for work, school, and personal use in the areas of data analysis, web development, developer tools, and game development. I have experience in shell scripting (Bash), scripting languages (Python), special-purpose languages (VBA, SQL, and Xpath), compiled languages (C#, Java, and C), functional programming (Clojure and Fennel), and logic programming (Prolog).
Computer Science

Computer Science

I studied algorithms, data structures, object-oriented design, and computer hardware in college. Post college, I've also taught myself the basics of parsing, grammars, and functional programming. Finally, I have experience programming in a variety of paradigms from functional to logic to object-oriented.
CSS

CSS

I have used CSS for a number of projects, both directly and through tools that embed it. Projects have included overhauling the CSS for the frontend of a player for a tech conference, creating a selection UI, and designing web pages from scratch. I am familiar with advanced CSS concepts like Flexbox and Grid and have used frameworks like Bulma and Bootstrap.
English

English

My writing expertise covers creative writing, journalism, and technical writing. I've tutored adults on writing and literacy for the past several years and participated in writing workshops with fellow creative writers. I won the Gerald Buldak award for writing and my essays were used as examples for other students.
Linux

Linux

I have experience running Linux on both personal machines and administering Linux servers to host various applications. The vast majority of my experience is with Ubuntu-based systems, but I have dabbled with Debian, OpenSUSE, Arch, and Manjaro.
Macintosh

Macintosh

My personal computer has been a Mac for the past eight years. Between customizing it and programming on it, I've learned a lot about its inner workings. I've also experimented on the hardware side, including fixing my MacBook and building a Hackintosh.
Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365

I've used Word and Excel in a variety of professional and academic contexts on Windows and macOS for over 15 years, including tutoring, creating structures for large documents, and helping fix issues. I've also used Outlook for nearly 10 years and OneNote for over five years. I am comfortable with PowerPoint. Lastly, I've also worked with Word and Excel macros and tools that generate Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files, so I have some familiarity with the technical aspects of Microsoft 365.
Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Excel

I've used Excel across multiple jobs and courses, so I know its ins and outs. I've seen it used and abused, so I can guide you to a good solution, not just one that technically works. In terms of tutoring, I've taught people how to enter their first formula and helped coworkers unsnarl huge spreadsheets.
Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows

I've tutored multiple students in the use of Microsoft Windows over the past three years. I've also documented it as part of my technical writing, which mostly was for software that ran on Windows. Finally, I've used Windows extensively as both a student and at work.
Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word

I've used Word for school and work for over a decade, so I know its ins and outs. I've used it for everything from one-page resumes to posters to book-length manuals, and taught a variety of students, who ranged from total beginners to professionals.
Python

Python

Python has always been my favorite programming language, and it's served me well as I've used it to aggregate data, build websites, and automate tasks over the past six years for both work and school. It's cool to see so many people new to programming using it to try something totally new.
SQL

SQL

I've used SQL for the past few years. As a technical writer, I’ve used my SQL skills to help manage the large amounts of documentation created by our team of more than 100 writers. I’ve created reports to ensure we quickly respond to customer feedback, catch mistakes in release notes before they’re published, and measure the quality of our documentation.
ACT Reading
Algebra 1
Elementary Math
Grammar
HTML
Java
Literature
Microsoft PowerPoint
Prealgebra
Proofreading
R
Reading
Writing
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Ratings and Reviews

Rating

4.9 (239 ratings)
5 star
(221)
4 star
(12)
3 star
(2)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(4)

Reviews

Knowledgeable and patient tutor.

Alys understands very cleary what information I need and explains everything in a way that expands my understanding. Alys is very knowledgeable and obviously has the experience to give guidance.

David, 57 lessons with Alys

Alys is nice and so helpful

Alys helps me while I am facing some difficulties with R program, each time I learn some new things from Alys, I appreciate your help and work with me Thank you so much.

Khuloud, 12 lessons with Alys

Very helpful

Alys was very helpful and patient setting up CV2 (python application) on the computer. Would recommend Alys to students that need help with coding in python. Thank you!

Philip, 1 lesson with Alys

First Session

For our initial session we reviewed the course and devised a plan so I will successfully complete my course. I'm hopeful and relieved to have help because I was struggling on my own. Very excited to get started!

Angela, 8 lessons with Alys

Knowledgeable and patient and thorough tutor

She quickly analyzed the solution code that was struggling to understand. Broke it into small parts and explained them to me patiently and thoroughly. I asked the same question several times until I really understood and she was very patient!

Sandy, 1 lesson with Alys

Fantastic Python Tutor

Alys spent an intensive week with me - 2 sessions a day for 90 min each. I was cramming for an assessment exam. Alys taught me all the Python basics and enabled me to successfully complete the exam. Alys is bright and patient. A very good listener.

Karl, 33 lessons with Alys

Knowledgable, patient & easy to work with

Alys knows her the subject matter very well. She helped me to understand the assignment I was given and also make a huge progress in no time. She was patient and went through the steps in my pace. I highly recommend Alys.

Nahom, 2 lessons with Alys

One of the best

She has helped me multiple times, and I will always look to her for guidance. She stood with me while I was having a difficult time and got me through it.

Matthew, 6 lessons with Alys

Knowledgeable and patient tutor.

Alys was able to walk me through the basics of C programming language and helped me understand the fundamental syntax. Alys was able to break down the processes so I could see it more clearly. I will definitely use Alys's help again.

David, 2 lessons with Alys

Super quick to identify my problem and help me to correct it!

With my Microsoft Excel project she was able to identify my error right away and make the correcting recommendation. Very pleased. Would suggest to anyone needing help with Excel (2016).

Steve, 1 lesson with Alys
Hourly Rate: $40
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