Biography

My passion for teaching started with the math teacher I had for four years starting in seventh grade, after I moved from Boston to Tennessee. I had always loved math, but the system he developed over the previous 50 years of teaching allowed me to excel and inspired me to think about how important the presentation of material was. I would spend every Wednesday evening talking to him for hours about his philosophy and methods of teaching.

Working with him ultimately led to me winning four high school math competitions and attending Northwestern University, where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. His guidance and mentorship during my formative years played a pivotal role in shaping my mathematical abilities and igniting my passion for the subject. At Northwestern, I embraced every opportunity to deepen my understanding of mathematics, enrolling in as many math courses as my schedule would allow.

Throughout my undergraduate studies, I immersed myself in the major branches of pure mathematics. Each course offered a new perspective and challenged me to think critically and abstractly about complex concepts. My coursework not only honed my problem-solving skills but also instilled a profound appreciation for the beauty and elegance inherent in mathematical structures and theories.

While in college, I started what has now turned into 7 years of tutoring math students. Every minute of tutoring I enjoy, and I learn just as much from my students as they do from me. My goal is to develop my students’ approaches to make them more independent and confident in their work both during tutoring and in the classroom. Additionally, I work to support students to be able to evaluate their work and know it makes sense beyond the individual steps.

Outside of AJ, I love to learn more math, and I receive my own tutoring in learning to sing opera. The complexity and emotional depth of opera captivate me, and through dedicated vocal training, I am developing my voice to appreciate and perform this timeless art form. When I am relaxing, you can catch me writing music or quietly knitting. The repetitive motions of knitting offer a calming escape from the busyness of daily life.