Aryana O'Neill

Biography

Hi! I’m Aryana O’Neill, and I’m passionate about helping students grow into confident learners—because I was once in their shoes. I grew up struggling with reading, writing, and history, and it wasn’t until a thoughtful sixth-grade teacher made learning feel safe and welcoming that things began to click. That experience inspired my desire to become the kind of tutor who makes learning accessible, fun, and tailored to each student’s style.

I was born in Tahoe and moved to Arizona in 2009, where my academic journey took off at Veritas Preparatory Academy—a classical learning school that emphasized critical thinking without technology. It was there I learned the value of pure academic exploration through handwritten essays, Socratic seminars, and in-depth history discussions. I later moved to Los Gatos, CA, and graduated from San Diego State University in May 2025 with a B.S. in Marketing (Integrated Marketing Communications) and a minor in Sports and Society.

I’ve tutored high school English privately for over a year and a half, supporting a student for whom English was a second language. He entered tutoring unsure of his abilities, and over time, I watched his confidence grow as he excelled in AP Literature and was accepted into a college program. That experience reinforced my belief that every student has great potential—they just need someone to see it and nurture it.

My tutoring approach is relationship-first. I aim to be a friendly, approachable presence—someone who feels more like a supportive sibling than an intimidating adult. I always start sessions by checking in about life and building trust. From there, I breakdown complex ideas into easy, digestible steps. I’m especially skilled in helping students organize essays and simplify overwhelming writing assignments into manageable formats they can use forever.

Outside of tutoring, I love everything sports—especially European football and Formula 1. I’m also a runner (currently training for a possible half-marathon), and I love to travel and explore new cultures whenever I can.

What else to know: I believe tutoring is about more than just improving grades. It’s about helping students find their voice, trust their intellect, and reframe the way they see themselves. That’s the kind of transformation I live for.