Biography

I was born, raised, and educated in the Sierra foothills of California, and I received my degree from the University of Santa Cruz, California, in computer science and game design. Throughout my educational career, I appreciated my passionate, enthusiastic teachers who made learning fun and worthwhile. However, I learned that sheer passion and enthusiasm are not always enough, and even a favorite subject can come with its anxieties and struggles. Thus, we also need to develop discipline: throughout life, it is good to know how to get things done, even when you do not want to.

My passion for math began in high school when my friends inspired me to take AP Calculus. It was the first math class in which I felt truly fascinated by the subject and its complexities, and it stretched my mind in ways I hadn’t experienced before. I began tutoring calculus during my time in college, and I learned quickly how to navigate giving various kinds of explanations and adapting to my students’ learning styles. Each person is different, so it’s important to approach teaching in a way that makes sense for them. 

As a tutor, I find it intriguing how students new to precalculus and calculus interact with the subject, as it tells me a lot about their character, personality, and thought process. I am fascinated with how people work and believe that anyone can learn anything they desire if they set their mind to it, so my tutoring approach and philosophy is to “share and grow”. I get to know my students and their aspirations so that I know how to approach material and to motivate each student. I also believe it is important for students not only to go through the material by rote, but also to understand the ‘why’ behind what they are learning. Ultimately, my motto is to study smart, not hard.

Aside from tutoring, I have a deep passion for electronic music production, beat boxing, and sound healing; I enjoy rock climbing, tennis, and chess; and I practice meditation, read tarot, and perform reiki.