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Lauryn

Certified Tutor

I am a recent graduate of Dartmouth College, where I double majored in Government and African & African American Studies. I tutor a broad range of subjects, including Government, US History, Spanish, Essay Writing, and Standardized Test Preparation (Verbal and Writing). I especially enjoy helping students start and improve their essays, because collaborating with students in the creative process is fun and exhilarating. In the past, I have worked with middle school students in project-based STEM workshops.

At Dartmouth, I completed a Spanish study abroad program in beautiful Puebla, Mexico. Learning Spanish in an immersive environment was challenging at times. On a daily basis, I had interact with my host family, arrange transportation to campus, and obtain food and entertainment. My literature and history classes were taught entirely in Spanish, and my professors made no attempt "coddle" me with their limited knowledge of English. I quickly realized that as I put more effort and strategy into the learning process, I was rewarded more. For example, instead of trying to understand everything all at once, I would listen closely for the few words I understood, paying close attention to the words and structures most often used by the locals. I also always came prepared with tools. (Yes, I carried a clunky dictionary around all the time, because my data plan did not extend south of the border!). When it was time for me to quickly respond to questions in Spanish, I thrived. Although I only had a small set of words to choose from, I had mastered them. My professors praised me, and my host family opened up to me. Each new word and positive response boosted my confidence. I started off not knowing much Spanish, but ended up writing lengthy research papers and giving oral presentations.

Looking back, my experience abroad was fundamental to my personal growth. I tend to approach my tutoring philosophy through a similar lens. My advice to students is: Do what you know how to do well, and find a reliable, efficient way to do the rest. Try not to overwhelm yourself. Use your tools. Lastly, always celebrate the small "wins." That positive energy will carry over and give you the confidence necessary to overcome greater challenges.

When I am not tutoring, I enjoy spending time with family, watching movies and TV dramas (TGIT!), traveling, shopping online, and trying new foods.