Experience Summary
I have studied Spanish for almost ten years in an academic setting, including a semester abroad in Madrid, Spain. While abroad, I worked as an English tutor with native Spanish-speaking students after receiving training on teaching English as a second language. My love for the language led me to pursue a minor in Spanish. While at USC, I tutored student-athletes for two years in Spanish language. I took a medical Spanish course in my postgraduate studies and continue to use Spanish on a near-daily basis when interacting with patients at work.
Teaching Style
I believe that non-native speakers like myself bring a uniqueness to the learning of Spanish language. I once was in the students' shoes trying to make sense of this "foreign" language. I had to improvise and develop learning hints and cues - a process that native speakers, by definition, may not have ever experienced. I still remain passionate about finding new ways to help students remember and master difficult concepts. I have learned how to level with almost every learning type imaginable, and I have been able to find common ground to best stimulate a productive learning environment. I enjoy taking time to really get to know students, and have found it is much easier to guide learning processes (such as memorization) when I can use aids that the student can relate to. I believe in structured plans for tutorial sessions, but I also strongly believe in flexibility. A session plan should be a guide, but the true direction of the session depends on where each student is at. I have found that goal setting at the beginning of my time with a student (with periodic check-ins during the course of our time together) is very important - for myself as a tutor and for the student. Writing down or voicing aloud goals adds direction, purpose, and commitment to a tutorial session. With patience, an open mind, and myself as your cheerleader, learning Spanish could be more than just making the grade - it might actually be fun!
My Hobbies
Reading, playing soccer, Netflix, and spending time with family and friends!