I have been an educator for over fifteen years. When I decided to continue my own education later in life, I never intended to become a teacher. However, I fell in love with learning and decided I wanted to teach during my first semester of college. Teaching has been the most rewarding career I've ever had, and I am truly passionate about it. Helping students understand a difficult concept and that "AHA!" moment that I see when they "get it", makes teaching worth it.
I began my post-secondary education at San Mateo Community College and transferred to San Jose State University where I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Biology with a concentration in teaching and a minor in Geology; I also earned my teaching credential in Biology at SJSU. I completed my Master of Science in Biology at the University of Saint Joseph where I also earned a graduate certificate in Emerging Infectious Diseases.
While I was an undergrad, I tutored Math, Science and English to students at school and a homeless shelter in San Mateo, California. Though I've always had a knack for math, I enjoy tutoring science the most. Math seems concrete and science more abstract, and that aspect has always appealed to me; there's so much more to discover.
I've come to realize every student is unique and has different styles of learning and areas in which they need help. For that reason, I think it's important to tailor my approach in helping my students learn on an individual basis. Moreover, every students' needs vary by subject and even subtopics within those classes they are studying. I had over 1500 students cycle through my classroom over the years and I learned a lot about how varied those needs can be.
Outside of work, I've enjoyed hiking, backpacking, playing guitar, and reading. I lived in Yosemite National Park for five years during which time I backpacked hundreds of miles of its trails. I've also done a couple of long-distance hikes of the Pacific Crest Trail, over 750 miles in all.