Kelly Tan

My curiosity and desire to understand the intricacies of the world have always been distinctive parts of my life. I vividly recall specific moments of exploration in my childhood, such as the awe I felt from looking at living cells through a microscope for the first time, or the fascination of learning the mysteries of open problems in mathematics.

Growing up in the Bay Area, I attended Los Altos High School, where I first started tutoring. I often spent my afternoons tutoring students in various math and science subjects, and I found gratification in witnessing them excel in their courses and exams. Transitioning to UC Berkeley for my bachelor’s degree in molecular biology and bioengineering, I not only continued my role as a mentor in one-on-one settings, but also took on leadership roles, co-leading a student-run bioengineering course and co-founding a university-level origami folding and design class. With my long term goal of wanting to become a researcher, I’ve found strong connections between teaching and the field of research: both involve an eagerness to learn and share knowledge with others, with a hope that the knowledge you imparted will help others succeed.

Through my academic career, I’ve developed essential organizational and self-discipline skills that I share with my students at AJ Tutoring. Since each student has their preferred study styles, individual goals, and motivations, I vary the forms or teaching I use (including media and visual aids, verbal lectures, leading questions, and real-world examples) to find the strategies that work best for my student. I appreciate the nuanced approach of one-on-one tutoring as it allows the flexibility to listen to my students and tailor each session to meet their specific needs.

In my free time, you can catch me dancing at studios around the Bay, creating origami designs, capturing landscapes through my camera lens, or playing various instruments!