Andrew

Certified Tutor

I graduated from college in May 2011 with a degree in astrophysics. I will be tutoring students in math, physics, and ACT/SAT prep.

I want to tutor because, as a math and science student, I get a real thrill out of understanding new concepts, and I want my students to experience that joy for themselves. Moreover, when I teach students a certain concept, to some extent I am reliving the process of learning that concept myself, both by explaining the concept in new ways and by seeing students wrestle with and eventually grasp the concept for themselves. For me, teaching is a way of "living vicariously" through students by experiencing the joy of learning once more.

As a tutor, I teach every concept that a student is struggling to learn very thoroughly. I give a lot of examples. I break problems down into carefully thought-out steps. Because I studied physics and math myself, I can anticipate certain roadblocks a student may encounter and will be able to steer a student in the right direction should he or she initially misinterpret a certain principle. Having tutored high school students in math and science for a number of years, I know how to help students get past what can initially appear to be daunting conceptual barriers.

Last, but not least, I know what it's like to struggle. I am not a math and science genius who breezed through college to get his astrophysics degree. I had to work very hard for my grades, especially during my freshman year. I can empathize with students who strain to get through their courses and am better equipped to help them because of my struggle.

I am honored that I have been given the opportunity to work with Varsity Tutors, and I look forward to meeting and working with new students as they begin another school year.