I graduated from UC Davis with a double emphasis in literature and creative writing, and I’m grateful for the opportunity I had to pursue my interests in both reading and writing. I have loved to read from a young age, and that interest increased even more when I learned how to do close readings of novels in the eighth grade. Learning how to do close readings gave me a new perspective on literature and taught me that one novel could produce many interpretations. The techniques I learned later on in my path, such as using peer reviewed sources, exposed me to other people’s interpretations of literary works and enhanced my critical thinking skills.

Having been on the other side of the tutoring and teaching table, I know that the knowledge provided by the tutor is invaluable. In my senior year of college, I found so much support during my professor’s office hours when I was taking her Canterbury Tales class. Even though I had enjoyed reading the Canterbury Tales during my sophomore year, the one-on-one support that I received during my professor’s office hours helped me shape my interpretation of each story. Utilizing the professor’s feedback on my essays trained me to look at my writing with fresh eyes, and that helped me whenever I needed to complete peer review assignments in other English classes. 

I always enjoyed reading my peers’ ideas and giving them feedback on their work during peer review assignments. After each such assignment, I wondered what it would be like to help other students and pass on the advice that I had learned. My experiences led me to work as a community instructor, which gave me the opportunity to work with adults with moderate to mild intellectual disabilities and helped me realize my passion for one-on-one work. 

I carry that passion now into my tutoring practice. I enjoy helping students navigate the ins and outs of writing and critical reading, develop their voice in their writing, and develop an appreciation for what literature can teach.

Outside of tutoring, I enjoy reading. Some of my favorite genres are contemporary fiction, young adult novels, self-help books, and more. I also enjoy spending time with my family and playing games like Scrabble with them.