James Sekigahama

Biography

I am a Bay Area native, born and raised in the East Bay. I grew up in the small suburban town of Newark, California, where I found joy in the simple acts of riding bikes and climbing trees. My journey eventually took me to UC San Diego, where I completed my bachelor’s degree in biology and enjoyed courses in both biology and chemistry.

In college, I spent time as a volunteer tutor to a high school biology class. I volunteered at a charter school that taught underprivileged children who were the first college-bound students in their families. In my position, I was able to help students prepare for college on an academic level while mentoring them on the various aspects of college life. During this time, I also volunteered as a tutor for the city of San Diego as part of a free tutoring service open to all residents. In both of these positions, I developed the skills needed to connect with students and explain the material in ways that made sense to them. I found that not every student learns through the same method, and to teach effectively I must adapt my teaching style to the student’s needs. After finishing college, I worked in various laboratory and research jobs and taught English to students in China via a virtual classroom.

Tutoring is a unique process for each student. I believe in personalizing the program to fit the student’s goals and learning style. I provide students with the tools they need to continue learning outside of our sessions. Learning is a balance between comfort and challenge, where the students begin to build confidence in the learning process. We can amaze ourselves with what is possible with consistent effort and patience. I aim to create a supportive atmosphere in sessions that encourages and challenges my students.

Aside from tutoring, I enjoy travelling, hiking, and playing fetch with my dog.