Experience Summary
My experience as a non-traditional student has payed huge dividends not only for me, but for those I've helped during my time as a T.A. and tutor. Ten years after I finished high school I decided to begin my collegiate career. The process of learning, re-learning and brushing up on the hard sciences and mathematics has proved to provide a good background from which to explain and help others in those areas. My pursuit (and recent success) of becoming a student doctor has also allowed me to become a well rounded tutor. The experience of studying for the MCAT served to enable me to learn techniques and methods for success in stressful testing situations but also to truly absorb material, versus the temporary ability to recall information.
Teaching Style
Perhaps stemming from my time as the owner of a successful construction company, I've found that I learn best when I'm provided mental imagery, which often means the employment of analogies and metaphors. Cell biology became simplified when viewed as the textile manufacture and the subsequent distribution and utilization of the products. Due to being a non-traditional student I've also realized that patience is imperative. I've felt like instructors have given up on me in the past, only to keep forging ahead either by myself or with the aid of a tutor and eventually master whatever material was at hand. Also, my experience in the past few years in the E.R. has allowed me to become adept in dealing with and defusing difficult situations.