Angela Umayam

Biography

As the oldest of three siblings, I was always the one helping with schoolwork, projects, and everyday problem-solving at home. That role naturally extended outward, and I started using what I had learned to help others, including students on paths similar to mine. Teaching has always felt like a natural extension of who I am, whether that’s academics or coaching my siblings in volleyball and basketball growing up.

I was born and raised in San Jose and studied biopsychology at UC Santa Barbara, where I had a heavy STEM course load in biology, chemistry, and math. That rigor taught me how to break down dense material into manageable pieces, a skill that I bring directly into tutoring. I’ve grown to love these subjects through the challenge of mastering them myself, and I’ve found students respond best when they see someone who’s worked through the same struggles; it makes the material feel that much more approachable.

Throughout college, I was a peer mentor and learning assistant for an introduction to biology course. As a peer mentor, I guided younger students on schedule planning, organization, and time management, helping them build habits that made their coursework feel more manageable. As a learning assistant, I supported students with course content and helped coordinate tutoring sessions for classmates who needed extra help. Both roles taught me how to read what an individual student actually needs, versus what they might think they need, and to adjust my approach accordingly.

I personalize every session by first identifying how a student learns best, then calibrating how much guidance versus independence they need. My goal is for students to leave each meeting feeling capable and confident that they can tackle problems both inside and outside the classroom.

Outside of tutoring, you can find me trying new matcha spots, playing pickleball with my siblings, watching Niners games, going to pop or R&B concerts, and staying active through yoga, strength training, and outdoor walks.