Elena Read

Biography

I have always enjoyed the process of learning, and doing creative and technical projects. When I was a kid growing up in sunny Southern California, I loved books about natural history just as much as I loved a good story. No one was surprised when I graduated from Smith College in 2015 with as many credits in science as in literature. But even though I’m always excited to share my passion for niche biology topics, the reason I originally became a tutor isn’t because I had always had a great time in school; I know what it’s like to feel so stressed that the words of an assignment start to blur, or to not be able sleep the night before a big test. I’ve been there too! That’s why my favorite part of my work is collaborating with my students, building confidence and breaking down impossible-seeming topics until things finally “click”.

I have now been tutoring and teaching for almost a decade, first in Brooklyn, then in Los Angles, and now in the Bay Area. I love working big picture, helping build lifelong organizational skills, and strategizing on how to make my student’s career goals a reality. It’s my goal to help my students feel empowered to put their best foot forward in their SAT and ACT performance, and help them craft the thoughtful personal statements that make college admissions happen. I’m thrilled to be joining the AJ Tutoring team, and continuing to work one-on-one with students in such a collaborative environment. With the right support, I believe anyone can achieve the grades and test scores to open doors to higher education and personal success.

When I’m not tutoring, I’m an avid naturalist and painter. I love hiking, swimming, and thought-provoking sci-fi novels.