Amy Kennedy

I began tutoring AP Calculus during one summer in high school and have since enjoyed the many formal and informal opportunities I have had to help others master academic material. I am drawn towards teaching and mentoring because I enjoy lifting others up, staying positive, and celebrating achievements. Whether through diagrams, example problems, or mini lectures, I enjoy conveying information while also conveying my own passion for subject material. I especially enjoy watching others see their own potential and gain confidence in their abilities as they discover their own academic interests. I hope my passions for the natural sciences, Spanish, and mentoring inspire my students on their own academic paths.

I was born and raised in the Bay Area, where I first developed my interests in the natural sciences. I often wondered about various natural processes and spent time observing the behavior of insects, birds, and other wildlife in my backyard. My interest in the sciences led me to complete my bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences at Cornell University, where I spent the majority of my undergrad doing biology research on animal cognition and behaviors. The element of discovery and making sense of the world are what I enjoy the most about science and biology. As a part of a summer research position, I had the opportunity to mentor two high school students in a research project, and I have since developed an interest in teaching. During my undergrad, I also studied abroad in Sevilla, Spain, where I completed a semester entirely in Spanish, as a kind of culmination of my Spanish studies. My dedication to Spanish over the years allowed me to more fully experience the Spanish culture and connect with people across the globe.

Throughout my academic career, I have gained valuable academic study skills in time management and test prep that I hope to pass on to my students. My approach in tutoring involves conveying my own passion and having patience. In addition, during experiences teaching friends and family, I learned the importance of discovering one’s optimal learning style. Videos, texts, and diagrams may all convey the same information but may not be equally as useful to learning! I believe that keeping this in mind is very important for customizing study skills to be most effective.

Outside of academics, I enjoy running outside, traveling, and making art that is inspired by natural flora and fauna.