Award-Winning Tutors from University of Chicago

I graduated from Augustana University with my Bachelor's Degree in English Literature and Religion/Philosophy in 2019. I then completed my Masters in Humanities from the University of Chicago in 2020 and Masters in English Literature from University of St. Thomas in 2025. I was an English, Social Studies, and Spanish I was an English/History Instructor at a 1:1 school for middle school and high school students with learning differences. I was previously a college advisor for a nonprofit organization that assists college students from low-income backgrounds. I love encouraging students to develop their own writing and feel confident in their written communication skills! I am also eager to expand my teaching skills into more English Literature to share my passion for and knowledge the power of reading. My ultimate goal is to become an English Literature professor and I'm so grateful to grow as an educator with Varsity Tutors! I look forward to meeting and working with you!

Academia has always been an important aspect of my life. I have always taken my studies pretty seriously, but I took a greater interest in them during high school. I attended a private school where I was given the opportunity to discover a large range of topics I had never thought about pursuing, such as engineering and biomedical sciences. In college, I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics, while minoring in Arabic and gaining a certificate in Middle Eastern and North African studies. During this period, I started tutoring at my school's academic success center. I truly enjoy helping students understand the content necessary to succeed in their academic endeavors, but I also offer my students study and organization tips that will carry over to various aspects of their lives. Currently, I am pursuing my Master's degree in Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Chicago, which I commute to from Milwaukee.

I'm passionate about learning. I was fortunate to have great teachers at the University of Chicago in my graduate education, and at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in my undergraduate education.I try to relate whatever subject I am tutoring to the real world. Learning is a lot easier and fun if students see the relevance to their lives. I am a very patient person, and I believe that making mistakes is often when the most learning occurs. Specific to ACT tutoring, I use a variety of books, including The Complete Guide to ACT Reading and the Ultimate Guide to the Math ACT.Outside of tutoring, I am the director of counseling services at an agency that serves the homeless, where I spend most of my time training and teaching staff and clients. I believe service to others is one of the highest callings, and want to pay my success forward. For fun, I like to read, play soccer, chill out with a good movie or Netflix, and spend time with my son.

As a driven and accomplished individual with a passion for education, I am thrilled to offer my services as a tutor on this platform. As a graduate of the University of Chicago and a current Columbia Law student, I bring a wealth of academic experience and knowledge to the table. My expertise lies in guiding students through the LSAT and the GRE, two crucial exams that can pave the way to their dream graduate schools, just as they have for me. I am dedicated to empowering aspiring scholars and look forward to helping them achieve their academic ambitions.

I currently work as a Teaching Assistant at a public school in Chicago through the University of Chicago's Neighborhood School Program. I also volunteer with Maroon Tutor Match, a UChicago organization that matches low-income middle and high students with college tutors. Before starting college, I led SAT groups at The Learning Lodge in East Lyme, Connecticut.

I'm a recent graduate from Hobart College where I double majored in political science and philosophy.I'm an aspiring academic in Political Science and I hope to soon be off to grad-school!Academically, I'm Interested in Political Theory and Philosophy. I took classes in many different departments in college, and can help with subjects all over the humanities.In my spare time I love all things sports and binge watching documentaries and podcasts.I'm looking forward to working with new students and helping them achieve!

During high school I found that I really enjoyed chemistry. This pushed me to pursue and obtain multiple degrees in chemistry. I obtained my Bachelor's and Master's degree from the University of Idaho. While I was an undergraduate I was lucky enough to conduct research on the synthesis of new organic molecules for use in pharmaceutical research. During my Master's degree I conducted research for two years on main group and early transition metal polymerization catalysts. The title of my Master's thesis is "Synthesis and Reactivity of Bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)aluminum Complexes". I then moved to the midwest and spent time in Iowa City and Chicago during my Ph.D. studies. I was awarded a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Chicago and the title of my dissertation is "Understanding Structure/Reactivity Trends in Palladium(II) Polymerization Catalysts containing Heterocyclic Donor Ligands". The time I spent doing my doctoral research allowed me to pursue the love I have for the synthesis of organic molecules and also explore the reactivity of transition metal complexes that incorporate these molecules. I gained a desire to understand how chemistry works on a fundamental, mechanistic level. It is this focus on the details that allows me to look at chemical reactions and help others to understand how they work. I have been a tutor, teaching assistant for both lectures and laboratories, and a professor during my career as a chemist. I tutored students in general chemistry and organic chemistry as an undergraduate. As both a graduate student and professor I taught both organic chemistry lectures and labs and helped students in one-on-one meetings as well as review sessions. I am a tutor for middle school and high school science. I am able to tutor multiple areas of chemistry including high school and college chemistry and organic chemistry. My favorite subject is chemistry with a particular love for organic chemistry. I feel like I was born to put molecules together, especially carbon-carbon bonds, and I think of chemistry as really just molecular Legos that I am fortunate enough to spent my days working with. I love synthesizing new molecules but I am challenged intellectually on a daily basis to find and understand the applications for the chemistry I develop in the areas of industrial green chemistry and clinical chemistry. I believe the work I do has made me a patient person who has learned to explain the chemistry I pursue to a broad audience. This has shaped my teaching philosophy as I have grown more mature in my understanding of the chemical sciences. I am patient and search for multiple explanations of the subject material. I am aware that I am an expert in chemistry but if the person I am helping has not gained a better understanding of chemistry after working with me then I have not been successful. I am hands on with regards to leading by example and showing someone how I would solve a problem. I may not be able to impart the same love I have for chemistry in a particular student but if they see how much I enjoy the material I hope I will inspire them to continue to try and master the subject themselves. I am a big believer in having interests and hobbies outside of my work in chemistry. When I was growing up, I lived in many different places in the United States so I love traveling within the US as well as the world. My travels often inspire new thoughts and solutions for problems I might be encountering at work. By getting away for an issue I find that an answer can appear in my thoughts when I am distracted and not focused on the roadblocks that often appear in my work. I am often accused of "thinking about molecules" when I am supposed to be relaxing if I look distracted. Some of my best ideas have come to me when wondering around a plaza in Mexico or Spain. At home, I enjoy watching Manchester United, riding my bike, running, listening to my very eclectic music collection and gardening when the weather cooperates. I believe I am a very inquisitive person and so I am open to learning new things and going to new places for experiences that I have not had before.

From my experience teaching math to a range of students, from middle school through college, I know that it does not come easily to everyone. However, I firmly believe that everyone has the capability for mathematical reasoning. Everyone has their own strengths and challenges, and my job as a tutor begins with identifying these. I like to have students work through problems while I guide them and make suggestions, so that I can get a sense of what they understand and what they don't. Then we can build on their knowledge and break down the challenging parts of the problem into smaller, more manageable chunks. I hold a bachelor's degree from UChicago and a doctorate from MIT, both in mathematics. I am available to tutor Latin, physics, and all levels of math. Outside of academics, I am an avid tournament chess player, and I enjoy running and cycling.

Human life is messy and complicated and challenging and very, very beautiful. Whatever its specific focus is at a given time, I think studying philosophy can and should ultimately serve developing the courage and capacity to embrace this beautiful mess. It's a privilege to be able to help people take this task on. I have been doing that for 8 years at the University level and am excited to do so now through online tutoring.

I am a Computer Science Master's student at DePaul with a BS in Environmental Science from the University of Chicago.

As a Ph.D. student in Computational and Applied Mathematics at the University of Chicago, with a Bachelor's in Mathematics from MIT, I am passionate about making mathematics accessible and engaging for all learners. My experience as a teaching assistant for calculus courses has honed my ability to design effective problem sets and lead dynamic recitations, while also providing personalized support through office hours and one-on-one tutoring. I specialize in subjects such as Algebra I & II, AP Calculus, Differential Equations, and Linear Algebra. I strive to create a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and exploring concepts. My teaching philosophy centers on patience, encouragement, and tailored lessons that align with each student's unique goals and learning style. I am dedicated to helping students build both their mathematical skills and their confidence, ensuring they can tackle challenges with a sense of accomplishment.

Hello! My name is Sara, and I am a passionate and positive person who loves helping others learn and grow. With a background in sociology, psychology, and public policy, I bring a unique perspective to my tutoring sessions. I have extensive experience working with diverse groups and have an understanding of different learning styles and needs. As a multilingual individual, I can offer tutoring in multiple languages, making it easier for students to grasp concepts in their native language. My goal is to create a supportive and encouraging environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and exploring new ideas. Whether you're looking to improve your grades, prepare for exams, or develop new skills, I'm here to help you succeed. Let's work together to achieve your academic goals with confidence and positivity!

I am multi-media artist and educator working at intersections of audio documentary, performance, and media literacy. I have worked with middle and high school students in a variety of settings and contexts, teaching visual and performing arts, journalism, politics, and art history in classrooms, museums and other non-profit organizations, and in community-based mentorships in New York, Chicago, and Vienna. Through these experiences, I have developed a diverse skill set to address challenges to individual learning and growth.Dedicated to supporting differences in learning styles and abilities among individual students, as well as differences in life experiences and cultural identities, I have experience working with students from a wide variety of backgrounds, including students speaking and writing in English as a second or foreign language. I am particularly passionate about working with students on writing, and helping them develop as critical readers and listeners. I love sharing resources with students, and helping them expand and deepen their interests.As a 2014-2015 Fulbright Fellow I participated in the Masters in Critical Studies program at the Academy of Fine Arts, Vienna. I received a BA from the University of Chicago in Visual Arts and Anthropology in 2012.

Over 10 years of university-level tutoring and teaching experience in the sciences. I got my academic training through Carnegie Mellon University and The University of Chicago. I've been a professor for the past five years and LOVE helping individual students in office hours and group instruction. In addition to teaching in the sciences, I am best in my academic coaching for young adults. I provide guided frameworks and a lot of structure to those I coach and teach. I hope you're ready to really learn and grow!

I have a deep passion for teaching and learning, and few things bring me more personal fulfillment than witnessing students grow, overcome challenges, and reach their goalsknowing I played a meaningful role in that journey is incredibly rewarding. My experience working with students began in high school, and over the past 15+ years, I've had the opportunity to tutor learners of all ages and backgrounds. This journey has taught me that consistent, open communication is key to understanding students' needs and adapting my teaching style to best support their success. I hold a bachelor's degree in Geophysics from the University of So Paulo, a master's in Physical Sciences from the University of Chicago, and a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from The Ohio State University. Throughout my academic journey, I've worked as a private tutor, contracted instructor, and teaching assistant (TA). These roles have given me extensive experience teaching a wide range of students across diverse learning environments and settings. I tutor in languages (Spanish, English, and Portuguese), mathematics, and sciences (physics and chemistry) at all levels. I find joy in teaching each subject for different reasons. Language tutoring allows for a uniquely personal connectionthrough conversation and cultural exchange, I learn as much from my students as they do from me. In contrast, teaching math and science is thrilling for the opportunity to spark curiosity and excitement in students, helping them unlock new ways of understanding the world. Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with friends, playing video games, reading, and immersing myself in the artsespecially through visits to museums and galleries.

I graduated from the University of Chicago with a triple major in sociology, music, and media arts. I enjoy explaining the nuances of a text based question, whether it involves reading or math, and I am excited to share this passion with others. Throughout my studies, I achieved the status of National Merit Scholar via my PSAT score of 1480/1520, as well as an SAT score of 1580/1600 (a perfect 800 in math). I have also received a perfect score of 5 in classes such as AP Calculus AB, AP US History, and AP Biology. Over the past year, I have worked with middle and high school students on ISEE and SAT test prep in both group and individual settings. I thoroughly enjoy working to fulfill their educational goals, and I look forward to seeing their scores improve over time as a result of our collective dedication. I believe in delving deeply into core concepts to understand the fundamentals of a problem, which I believe is essential to academic growth. I'm looking forward to working with you!

I am a graduate of Tufts University, where I received a BA in International Relations, and of the University of Chicago, where I received a MA in the Humanities. My passion lies in helping to break down complicated issues in the social sciences and humanities so that students can develop a passion for learning!

I graduated magna cum laude from the University of Chicago with B.A.s in economics and philosophy. I have extensive experience tutoring students of all ages as I have worked at Kumon with kids aged 6-15, taught financial literacy at a high school (14-18), tutored in the SAT, and tutored college students (18-20). I specialize in tutoring in the SAT as I have extensive test prep experience and test taking strategies. I believe that practice makes perfect and my method includes doing practice problems and learning concepts and strategies along the way if students have problems in specific areas. Outside of academics, I enjoy powerlifting, exercising, and cooking. I'm passionate about education and love working with students.

I'm a recent MA graduate from the University of Chicago with a concentration in History. I can help with History, English, Reading, and Writing, specifically with helping edit and write essays. My time in higher education has left me with a passion for furthering the educational goals of students. I believe tutoring is a great way to help students be more enthusiastic and confident about specific subject areas.Currently, during weekdays, I'm working in downtown Chicago as a paralegal for a major international law firm. Weekends are the only times I can commit to tutoring.In my free time, I enjoy watching sports, cooking, traveling, and photography.

I am the President of a startup company and through that experience I have learned the importance of how to clearly convey concepts and new ideas. Using these skills and what I learned from my studies at University of Chicago's MBA program I look forward to helping you achieve your academic goals.

I have over ten years education experience working with all age groups around the globe. I started working in the Cincinnati Public Schools at the middle school and high school levels teaching English and Math. I then went on to teach four years in the Peace Corps living and working in the Federated States of Micronesia and Jordan. This included teaching at public and private universities.Back in the United States I have taught GRE and LSAT prep classes for individual students preparing for graduate school. I graduated with a masters degree from the University of Chicago. Since then I have been an instructor teaching MBA students at New Mexico State University. I am comfortable teaching a wide variety of subjects and look forward to the opportunity of working with many students to come

My name is Sydney Jones and I'm a second year at the University of Chicago. In my free time, I compete on the women's varsity soccer team and am involved in a Political Consulting group on campus. I am double majoring in Political Science and Psychology and plan to attend law school. I am very outgoing and I have tutored since I was a junior in high school, making me a very approachable and qualified tutor. In addition to tutoring, I have also worked as a Counselor in Training at my community's summer camp, babysat and nannied, and have vast experience volunteering at my local elementary as well as middle schools. Being fresh out of high school, I understand and have accurate knowledge of the current curriculum. Additionally, having gone through it less than two years ago, I am well versed in the college admissions process and understand what it takes to get into a top tier school. My absolute favorite subject to tutor is math, but I enjoy helping in every subject possible.

I currently attend the University of Chicago, where I major in Political Science and Biology. When I'm not spending hours reading Nietzsche, I'm doing improv comedy and graphic design. I'm currently pursuing a career in advertising/consulting, and in my spare time I eat mini tacos and watch Louis CK stand-up comedy.

I know what college professors expect because I've been one for many years. I'm not just an Ivy League grad, but an Ivy League professor too. Early retirement gives me the opportunity to use my experience to continue to help students improve.Reduce the frustrations and anxiety you feel about tests and writing with an experienced person like me to guide you. Learning should be enjoyable and I am good at patiently building on your strengths while helping you identify and overcome weaknesses. With a good tutor you can find both success and pleasure even in the most frustrating of academic situations.My students always say I'm one of the most approachable and easygoing professors they've ever had, as well as one of the best, so don't be shy about contacting me! I'm waiting to hear from you.

I have worked in Education and as a tutor since 2014. I received my Bachelor's in Psychology from the University of Chicago in 2016 and am currently in the process of receiving my Master's in Social Work and MBA from the University of Chicago.I have experience tutoring in a number of subjects including Standardized testing (ACT/SAT/GRE), English, Math, Psychology, ESL and general Elementary and Middle school education.I structure my session around the needs of each student. I think it's important to get to know each student's learning style in order for us to have the most productive sessions. I ask for lots of feedback from students to determine what they feel is working and what isn't in our sessions.I think the best way to learn is through practice. I typically use class time to present a lesson plan, practice problems on the lesson, and talk through the solutions to determine areas of strength and areas of improvement. I typically provide some homework problems to allow students a chance to try concepts on their own to strengthen their understanding.Positivity is key! We are all learning and should celebrate the victories and be kind to ourselves when we get an answer incorrect. I tend to be energetic and a little goofy which keeps students motivated through sessions.

I am currently a student at the University of Chicago (UChicago), a "Top 10" research institution. I have decided to double major in English and Public Policy with a focus in Journalism. I have tutored students previously, especially in college essay writing. Students that have been under my wing of guidance have gone to prestigious universities such as Harvard, Stanford, UChicago, MIT, Columbia, and more. Though I am most passionate about fortifying my clients' writing abilities by providing constructive feedback on their college essays, I also enjoy helping students with AICE AS Level/AP Language and History related subjects. In my opinion, it is in these fields of learning that we learn to properly analyze and digest information, which is crucial for success on final exams and beyond. I unapologetically believe that broadening knowledge emboldens individuals to achieve their goals.

I graduated from the Bronx High School of Science and am a current student at the University of Chicago, majoring in mathematics with a minor in visual art. Throughout high school, I tutored both on a volunteer and private basis. I love tutoring because of the ability to help students understand difficult concepts they're struggling with, and I enjoy trying to find different ways to break down ideas. My favorite subjects to tutor are calculus, chemistry, and physics, although I tutor other types of math as well. I am a very patient tutor who tries to understand exactly where the student is struggling and how they can improve. Outside of the classroom, you can often find me baking or drawing!

My name is Debra and I have an MA in Anthropology from the University of Chicago. I really like engaging with the humanities and hope to help students improve their understanding of history, the social science, writing, and grammar.

I am a book author and cultural anthropologist with college classroom teaching experience in the social sciences. I have helped academics and college and graduate students with essays, theses and papers with a focus on bringing out their strongest ideas and making their writing accessible and clear to the reader. I have experience working with people whose first language is not English and recently helped turn papers that had been rejected for publication into articles published in the best journals in their field.I enjoy empowering students to do their best work by breaking down the work of writing into achievable steps. It's exciting to help them discover and bring to light the ideas that are often buried in their notes and thoughts.

Applied knowledge is wisdom. One exam doesn't determine your future. You can always perform better next time or find a field that aligns with your strengths

I'm a current third year biology major on the pre-med track at the University of Chicago. I attended Stuyvesant High School in New York City and am incredibly excited to be a part of Varsity Tutors!As a current student who grew up attending multiple test prep institutions, I've had the privilege of receiving outside help and assistance on my schoolwork subjects. Now, I'm ready to continue my academic journey by spreading my knowledge to students who are in the same position that I was in just a few years ago.

I'm a freshman at the University of Chicago studying Fundamentals and Political Science with a 3.9 GPA. I earned a 36 on ACT Reading and a 35 on ACT English, and I specialize in reading comprehension, writing, grammar, and humanities subjects. I began tutoring in high school and founded an after-school tutoring program to support younger students academically. Through that experience, I learned how to break down complex material, adapt to different learning styles, and help students build confidence alongside skills. As a tutor, I focus on teaching students how to thinkhow to read closely, organize ideas clearly, and approach challenging material with confidence. My goal is to make learning feel accessible and empowering, not intimidating.

Hi! My name is Davis Cook, and I am an undergraduate student at the University of Chicago, where I study English Language and Literature. I am extremely passionate about literature and the English language, and both of these devices' ability to increase our understanding of others and of ourselves. I'd love to talk with you about these ideas, and to give you individualized attention that will help you in your journey towards reaching a profound and gratifying understanding of English as well!

Sharing a love of math, science, and the natural world has always come naturally. Tutoring gives me the chance to help students not only excel academically, but also experience the clarity, confidence, and curiosity that come from truly understanding a subject. Whether we're working through calculus, chemistry, or physics, (or something else) my goal is for students to walk away feeling empowered ready to earn top grades and think critically in any classroom. I'm currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago, with a B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from Texas A&M University. My background spans both research and teaching, including authoring peer-reviewed papers in materials science and chemical ecology, as well as mentoring peers and younger students in STEM fields. I tutor a wide range of subjects across math, chemistry, and physicsat levels from foundational to advanced. I especially enjoy tutoring physics and chemistry because they help students connect abstract concepts to the real world, sparking the kind of "aha" moments that last. My tutoring style is grounded in building strong conceptual understanding first, then reinforcing it with practice problems and open-ended thinking. I aim to create a learning space where students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and ultimately developing both mastery and confidence. When I'm not tutoring or doing research, you'll probably find me outside: running, biking, swimming, or lifting weights. I feel most like myself when I'm in nature and around the people I care about. Lately, I've also been working on becoming a better piano player (slowly but surely!).

I can think of no better honor than to assist future leaders with figuring out how to make their dreams come true. It is also a great responsibility to assure that what informs our dreams adheres to high standards and we refuse to compromise them.

I am a graduate of the University of Chicago where I received my undergraduate degree in political science. Right after graduation, I worked as an academic and test prep tutor as well as admissions consultant in Hong Kong. For the past two years, I worked with a number of students to help prepare them for college in the United States.Even though I tutor a wide range of subjects, I enjoy teaching English and standardized test preparation the most. I love helping my students find beauty in the English language in addition to helping them achieve their college goals. I also love working with students on their college essays because that's when I feel I get to know my students the best, as we talk through dreams, aspirations, and life experiences. I view education as a skill; education is not around to help us learn specific things, but rather education teaches us how to learn.Outside the classroom, I'm a well-traveled certified SCUBA diver who enjoys spending time kayaking and weightlifting. I also played ice hockey through college and performed as a classical pianist on campus and in Europe. When I'm not feeling so active, I can be found knitting, crocheting, reading, writing, and daydreaming about where I want to travel to next. I'm working on becoming a true Renaissance woman.

Hi! I'm Dylan and I'm a rising junior at the University of Chicago. I'm planning on double majoring in Statistics and Economics with a specialization in Business. I have tutored since my freshman year of high school and have lots of experience helping others with schoolwork. Don't hesitate to reach out, I love helping others to reach their goals, especially in the classroom!

I am a lifelong learner with an academic background in language and literature, and, before that, in mathematics. I pride myself on having strong problem-solving skills, a can-do attitude, and the ability to share what I know with others.Beyond being just a good test-taker, a tutor must also be able to articulate robust reasons for favoring a specific approach to finding the answer or solution to a problem. A good instructor can make these reasons intelligible and abstract from them lessons that students can then apply independently. Since there are usually at least two ways of finding the right answer to a multiple-choice problem, it is important to be able to provide in-depth, theoretical solutions for those who want to go into the nitty-gritty, but also to solve problems using surface strategies for excluding wrong answers for students who, for instance, are more interested in 'surviving' the quantitative section rather than 'acing' it. Different students are likely to want different outcomes from their tests, and these goals and expectations should be determined in advance.As a tutor, I want to share my passion for problem-solving with others and foster an open, positive attitude about standardized tests. Attitude is very important a student who is open and confident about being able to solve the problem, even if not initially exactly sure how, might be closer to the right answer than one who actually knows how, but who has to first overcome a threshold of intimidation before being able to start thinking about the question itself. Part of the tutor's job is to make the tests less daunting and more approachable. I will give students not just the information they need to solve a problem, but also the confidence that they can dependably answer others like it in the future. Minimizing students' bafflement in encounters with math or complicated verbal reasoning questions, and replacing it with a spirit of 'you got this' is part of a successful tutoring experience.I see no better tool for intellectual exploration than guided conversation. Learning is best framed as dialogue, not as a one way-communication. A conversation can help students identify their strengths and weaknesses, and find out how to direct their efforts to improve. Self-knowledge equates with self-reliance, and a proficient test-taker is ultimately an independent thinker who can recognize the applicability of strategies that she has learned beforehand, and apply them without needing input or confirmation from a tutor.Like the teachers who have inspired me to internalize the critical mindset and quick response needed to become a proficient test-taker, I am confident that I have a good body of knowledge to impart, and welcome the opportunity to provide others with the kind of guidance which I myself have benefitted from.

I graduated from the University of Chicago in 2014. I majored in philosophy and was also a pre-medical student, and am currently applying to medical school. I tutored throughout high school for several hours a week, and when I became a senior I supervised other tutors as president of the National Honor Society. Throughout college I was involved in the Emergency Medical Services as a first responder. I've taken many different courses in many different areas, from computer science to Japanese. I believe it's important to have a solid education in today's world, and as a tutor I emphasize the importance of being prepared for tests. I want to make sure the students themselves can rehearse what they have learned, and that they themselves feel confident in what they are learning. In my spare time, I love learning languages, in particular, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish, French and Hindi. I also am an anime lover.

Few things are harder to dislodge than the hazy, ill-begotten philosophical certitudes of an adolescent. I was fifteen years old, and as unsure as I was about politics, or international affairs, or the best way to impress a girl, I held on to one belief unshakably: free will is an illusion. In a world that could be ultimately reduced to the cue-ball ricochets of atoms and the ironclad logic of cause and effect, nothing was accidental. Everything was preordained. To suggest otherwise was to peddle in a self-congratulatory myth, a myth that gratuitously comforted the successful and the prosperous, and that unfairly multiplied the degradations of the poor.Peter, my dad's best friend, is a Londoner, a psychiatrist, and a hugely successful scholar. He is a brilliant man. He is also kind, gracious and gentle. Since the early nineties, he has made frequent visits to the states, staying at my parent's house as often as his schedule allowed. When I was growing up, Peter would always give a hearing to my latest idiosyncratic notions. Inevitably, our discussions turned to the subject of free will. And Peter would listen, and question, and probe. He would locate a seam in my belief system, a loose thread that I hadn't quite considered or secured. And gently, he would pull. What followed was a gradual unraveling of my certitude, an opening up to the mysteries of freedom and moral responsibility and choice. I wouldn't say I have a firmer grasp of those concepts today than I did when I was fifteen. But my understanding has become infinitely more nuanced, more variegated, and more rich.Why am I telling this story? Is it to demonstrate that young minds can in fact be cured of their philosophical errors? Possibly. But mainly, I wanted to illustrate an example of what I consider to be the ideal form of mentorship. Peter didn't command, or cajole, or coerce. He didn't dictate or declare from on high. Instead, he treated me like an intellectual equal, even though, of course, I was far from matching him wit for wit.His is an example that I keep before me today whenever I have a lesson to teach, or a concept to explain, or a problem to collaboratively solve. I believe that teaching, in its ideal form, is a meeting of the minds. It works best when the teacher and the student are engaged in a shared enterprise, a partnership. When I teach, I like to think that my student and I are, however briefly, occupying the same mind-space. Being successful requires a sympathetic understanding of the student's faculty to understand. You have to know where a student is coming from to help them get where they're going.I received my bachelor's in English from Macalester College, and my Master's in political science from The University of Chicago. I plan to pursue a PhD in political science starting next fall, in the hope of eventually becoming a professor. I love politics, which is, after all, nothing more or less than the space or arena where we contest basic moral values. I love writing, and philosophy, and I'm fairly good at math. I love art and music and movies and make sure to spare some time for a good TV show once in a while. I'm plenty mature, but I have to admit I have a soft spot for cartoons. Learning and teaching are my lifelong passions, and it is this passion that I hope to impart to my students; I want to infect my students with the intellectual enthusiasm that has brought so many rewards to my own life.