PrepNow Tutor - Tia G.
A well-rounded individual skilled in discipline and work ethic, Tia holds a BS magna cum laude in bioengineering from Rice University. A recent college graduate, Tia is now a student at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. “I plan to continue my research work in oncology, and I hope to gain practical experience that can help me choose what I want to specialize in,” Tia shares.
Tia’s first job in high school was as a math and reading tutor for students from elementary to high school, and she continued this work until college. Moreover, while at Rice University, Tia served as a teaching assistant for biology, advanced math, coding, and engineering classes. She also tutored privately and at a learning center, coaching students on SAT/ACT/ISEE/AP prep and general academics; this included English, history, science, and math up to calculus. Additionally, Tia also mentored high school students in essay writing and the college application process.
“My mom is a teacher, and my grandfather used to be an English and history professor, so teaching runs in the family,” Tia reflects. “As a result, I grew up with my mom tutoring me at home, and I wanted to continue our family pattern.” Tia’s proudest moment as a tutor was when she worked with an ACT prep student and was able to share her own test-taking experiences with dyslexia and anxiety. “Mentoring is more than just teaching,” Tia explains. “It's also emotional support and guidance, so I was proud to give her some resources that helped her improve her score the next time she tested.”
Tia’s teaching style is very adaptable. “Working with students of all ages, and volunteering in various fields, I understand the importance of adapting on the fly,” Tia says. “I am always prepared for tutoring sessions with a plan, but there's also always room to dive deeper into weaker areas that come up. I welcome questions and think that students making mistakes is the best way to learn.” As a tutor, Tia values communication above all else. “If something is hard or not making sense, or you didn't have time to complete your homework, or you're stressed about something that happened at school, these are always things we can talk about,” she says. “There is no judgment, and I truly enjoy working with students not just on their grades but also on their mindset.”
During her time at Rice University, Tia was recognized for her research endeavors, publications, and pending patents in biophysics and medical technology. She won the Research Excellence Grand Prize Award from the Rice Engineering Alumni and the Distinction in Research and Creative Work from the Rice Department of Bioengineering. She was awarded the Outstanding Service to Bioengineering from the Rice Department of Bioengineering and was on the President's Honor Roll consistently and accepted into the Academic Fellows.
In high school, Tia competed in taekwondo, swim, cycling, violin, and dance. In college, she danced competitively for two years.
These days, Tia loves to attend yoga and pilates classes, weight lift at the gym, volunteer, bake, write, play the guitar, and read fantasy novels. “I like watching Formula 1, and I've been a Ferrari fan for quite some time.”
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