PrepNow Tutor - Zachary V.
Zachary holds a BS cum laude in physics with a minor in mathematics from the University of North Texas. Throughout his studies, he focused on astrophysics with a primary interest in studying black holes and their surroundings at the center of galaxies. “I consider myself a lifelong learner who easily adapts to the needs of my students,” Zachary says. “I always try to bring a high level of enthusiasm to every session. I am eager to motivate students to hopefully find the same passion for learning as I have!”
Throughout his undergraduate career, Zachary tutored college-level physics and instructed as a lab assistant, helping students acquire hands-on experience. “I have always enjoyed teaching others and watching them grow, which, once I gained the necessary knowledge, led me to my tutoring position at my university,” Zachary reflects. “My proudest moment as a tutor was during a summer course. I had a student come in with no physics experience and minimal math experience, feeling very overwhelmed and underprepared, intending to drop the course. After talking it through with them, we worked together almost daily, nailing down the fundamental math needed, as well as how to apply it in this physics course. In the end, the student earned a high B in the course!”
Zachary most frequently tutored Mechanics (Physics 1), Electricity & Magnetism (Physics 2), Acoustics, and Astronomy. “Due to physics's deep roots in math, many students also came for help with their algebra, geometry, and calculus skills,” Zachary explains. “I also assisted students with the writing of their lab reports, ensuring they have proper format, grammatical and language use, and data analysis.”
As a student, Zachary enjoyed a straight-to-the-point approach, where some of the more technical work is reserved for later to solidify the fundamentals. “Now, as a tutor, I provide students with this approach, focusing on nailing down the fundamentals with examples, practice problems, and asking questions to the student to ensure any confusion they may have is addressed and not left behind.” Zachary’s style of tutoring is to provide students with a friendly yet engaging environment where they do not feel as if perfection is a must. “Mistakes are part of learning. Thus, I embrace them and use them as a tool to help students grow.”
In high school and college, Zachary participated in both marching and concert style bands, where he played the Euphonium. Outside of his college courses, he was a member of the rock climbing club. He continues to enjoy climbing and playing a wide variety of video games. “I performed a solo in a piece of music written for Rosa Parks, in the same concert hall in Washington, D.C. that she herself sat and listened to the piece for the first time in!”
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