A Bay Area native, I grew up in Santa Clara and attended St. Francis High School in Mountain View. I then attended the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, where I earned my BSc in geography and sustainable development. My majors involved a very interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving that allowed me to explore environmental sustainability and social justice through a scientific lens, while developing and incorporating strong reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. I also developed a newfound but strong interest in research and education. 

At university, I participated in high-level water polo and held multiple roles in societies, from copy and content editing for an undergraduate science journal to running social media accounts for a film festival. While very enjoyable, balancing all of these had a steep learning curve and forced me to quickly adapt, using study skills and time management in new ways. I believe that learning such skills early-on is a massive advantage in school and beyond, helping young people stay well-rounded and focused.

I have significant experience in coaching water polo and swimming, and I have worked with beginner and intermediate players to develop fundamental skills and strong mindsets for success. As a coach and mentor in these settings, I gained an appreciation for working one-on- one to break down new concepts or skills to a level where each person understood and felt comfortable asking questions and making mistakes with the ultimate objective of improving and eventually excelling. In tutoring, I use similar methods to instill each of my tutees with the confidence and skills to be successful in both academics and standardized testing.

Standardized tests seem like a massive and scary undertaking. But with strategy, practice, and confidence-building, they are entirely manageable. I remember how challenging and stressful this time-period was in high school, so I prepare my students with learning and test-taking strategies to achieve their goals and support their general wellbeing during this crucial step in their education. I think every person learns in a unique way, so personal, one-on-one tutoring really allows students to engage with material in a way that best suits them. This also allows me, as their tutor, to structure and adapt their learning to their specific needs while maintaining my enthusiasm and efficiency. My goal as a tutor is to work with my students to promote their strengths while developing skills and confidence where they may have difficulty to ultimately achieve their goals—both academic and beyond.

Aside from tutoring, I love spending my time hiking, reading, watching sports and spending as much time as I can in the water, whether in pools, doing sea-swims in Scotland, or at the beach here in California.