Kanika Thakur

Biography

After completing my BS in Computer Science in 2 years from the University of California, Santa Cruz, I moved back to San Jose, where I was born and raised. Currently, I am pursuing a Master’s degree in Natural Language Processing (NLP). Throughout my academic journey, I’ve learned how important it is to build a strong foundation in core subjects, and that is my philosophy for tutoring: focusing on strengthening fundamental topics while also guiding students toward higher-level problem-solving.

My tutoring experience started at Kumon, where I tutored middle school students in Math and English. Later, I worked with elementary students in after-school programs, helping them with reading, writing, and homework. At UC Santa Cruz, I was also a grader and tutor for a Data Structures and Algorithms course. I held review sessions to help students prepare for exams and graded coursework. These experiences were enriching, especially when students gained confidence and reached those moments when a concept finally clicked.

As a tutor, I believe every student has unique strengths and challenges, and I tailor these one-on-one sessions to their specific needs. My tutoring strategy centers on utilizing planning tools, calendars, and practice tests to help students stay organized and track their progress. I enjoy supporting students through standardized test preparation, where I focus not only on content but also on pacing, building confidence, and developing effective strategies to reduce test anxiety.

Outside of tutoring, my hobbies include baking, hiking, and spending time with my cat, Nikki. Most importantly, I strive to create a supportive and welcoming space where students feel comfortable learning, asking questions, and developing the skills they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.