Jessica Lu

Biography

I enjoy working with students individually because everyone learns at their own pace and in their own way. I believe one-on-one tutoring creates an ideal environment for students to ask questions, explore new concepts, and build confidence. My own experiences as a student, both helping my peers and learning from them, have shown me how rewarding a collaborative learning environment can be. I hope to share that experience with younger students and help them feel more confident in their academic journeys.

I grew up in the East Bay and am excited to be back in the Bay Area as a master’s student in Stanford’s Materials Science and Engineering department. I graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2026 with a degree in mechanical engineering, where I developed a love for problem-solving and learning. Throughout my undergraduate and graduate studies, I’ve seen the value of attending office hours with professors and teaching assistants to gain a deeper understanding of course material in a more personalized setting. These experiences have taught me that while everyone learns differently, patience, perseverance, and a willingness to ask questions are essential to success.

I’m excited to tutor precalculus and physics. As an aspiring engineer, I know that a strong foundation in these subjects is essential to understanding the fascinating and complex concepts I encounter in my own studies. One of my favorite parts of physics is discovering how the concepts I learn apply to the real world and inspire new questions about how the world around us works. I enjoy helping students make these connections and see the relevance of what they’re learning.

My experience working with students includes serving as an afterschool instructor for a culinary enrichment program at local elementary schools and working as a private swim instructor for several years before college. During undergrad, I volunteered as a STEM instructor at an all-girls afterschool program and hosted Girl Scouts for discovery days through my campus’s Society of Women Engineers. Across these experiences, I’ve had the privilege of watching students’ eyes light up when a concept finally clicks and seeing their confidence grow.

I believe effective one-on-one tutoring means adapting to each student’s learning style and making the process enjoyable. My goal is to create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, working through challenges, and developing skills that will serve them throughout their academic careers.

Outside of tutoring, I enjoy exploring my creative side. I’ve recently taken up sewing, and combining it with thrifting has been one of my favorite discoveries. I also love hiking, camping, scuba diving, and pretty much any activity that gets me outdoors.