PrepNow Tutor - Samantha S.
Samantha loves all things plants and science. She holds a BS in genomics and molecular genetics from Michigan State University; she graduated summa cum laude (she had a perfect GPA, in fact) and also was bestowed with high honors from the school’s honor college. Upon graduating, she began working as a scientist at Ball Horticultural Company for the cell biology team. She loves that her days are spent literally stopping to smell (and study) the flowers.
Samantha also counts herself lucky to have become enamored of education as she pursued her degrees. Indeed, as she was busy working toward her high-school degree in 2018, Samantha took her first paying, professional job as a tutor, working with students from ages 3-15 on English, reading comprehension, and math; regarding math, she worked with students in practically all areas, from arithmetic to calculus. Later, as a university student, she worked as an undergraduate learning assistant in the following classes: chemistry, cell biology, and molecular biology. Now, having established herself as a biologist, Samantha is excited to get back to her other love, teaching and tutoring.
Samantha’s tutoring philosophy is founded in three ideals: providing access, instructing demonstratively, and understanding student goals. First, Samantha is a firm advocate for all students having access to effective instruction. She says, “I believe every student should have the opportunity to learn, and no matter the circumstances, every student can be motivated and inspired to learn.” This belief encourages Samantha to take a very demonstrative style, modeling the application of knowledge, not simply the memorization of information. Ultimately, this style of teaching is not rigid, as Samantha must pair it with an understanding of the individual goals and needs of her students. To wit, she uses a friendly approach and an empathic ear to allow students to help guide her and themselves toward achievable goals.
Outside of work, Samantha has no shortage of interests. In high school and college, she was interested in music, playing drums for both her high school band and for Michigan State University. She has also played the saxophone for almost half her life and recently (understandably) has discovered that she really enjoys attending live concerts. She also loves creatures of all types; she has an adorable cat named Piper, and she grew up with dogs, cats, chickens, bunnies, and even snakes all in her childhood household. Finally, Samantha is a big horticulturalist at home, too, admitting, “You will often find me bringing plants from work home to my apartment. It has practically turned into a jungle!”
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