Our tutors are just like you — students. They earned an A or B in the courses they are tutoring. They are trained to share not only the content but tips on how to study that content and to remember what you study. There is a science to that process, and we want you to know it!
Our tutors are certified at three levels by the International Tutor Training Program because our training is effective. All of our tutors are passionate about helping you succeed.
Click on a photo below to learn more about our tutors, including their story of academic struggle and how they learned to turn setbacks into comebacks. Ready for your own comeback story? Visit our tutoring services webpage and let's get started.
Alyson R.
Hi, I'm Alyson and I tutor:
BIOL 2402
Testimony to the Struggle
Even though I tutor for "Anatomy and Physiology II," I did struggle in "Anatomy and Physiology I." When I realized I was struggling, I started going to SI sessions and discovered that my study methods were ineffective — cramming the information two days before the test was not helping. This allowed me to learn and develop study methods that work best for me. Even today, I struggle with overwhelming information in nursing school. So, when I feel myself starting to become burnt out, I like to take a step back by either going to the Student Recreation Center to work out or driving around in my car listening to music.
Amelia
Hi, I'm Amelia and I tutor:
All Writing courses
Testimony to the Struggle
Switching from the writing I did in high school to writing for college was a big step, and I was really nervous! I remember spending a lot of time (read: hours a week) in my professors' offices during my freshman year asking them how I could improve my essays. One class in particular, a research and analysis based class, required me to write frequently and at a high academic level. Through continuing to work with my professor on my writing skills, I eventually started getting A's on those papers, and I made an A in the (very difficult) class. Now I know how to defend and present my ideas in a way that makes sense to others, and I have found joy in writing them into essays!
Ameray
Hi, I'm Ameray and I tutor:
All Writing courses
Testimony to the Struggle
Over the course of my academic career, I have had to overcome the very real fear of failure. It got so bad my sophomore year that I would allow anxiety to influence my actions and decisions, which led to self-sabotage. What helped me through this was establishing my identity in something secure and not allowing any of my failures to overshadow the joys of my victories. I intentionally sought to be optimistic and less critical of my accomplishments, which led to a great deal of freedom.
Ashton
Hi, I'm Ashton and I tutor:
MATH 0398, MATH 1332
Testimony to the Struggle
I took astronomy my second semester at SFA. I am really bad at science, however, and failed three out of the four exams. Going into my final, I had a 56 average in the class and had to get a 70 or higher on the exam to receive D overall. I studied for a whole week and spent 12 hours the day before my exam in the library doing practice tests over and over until I got in the 90s or 100 every time. I got a 76 on my final and passed the class with a D.
Callie N.
Hi, I'm Callie and I tutor:
MATH 1314
Testimony to the Struggle
Last semester, I struggled with my lab for Anatomy and Physiology. At first, I was overwhelmed by the number of bones, muscles and cells I had to memorize. My quizlets ended up being around 300 terms each test. Eventually, I learned that if I broke up the quizlet and learned 20 terms a day, I was no longer stressed trying to learn 300 terms the day before the test. In short, my study habits now serve the motto: a little every day goes a long way.
Citori
Hi, I'm Citori and I tutor:
MATH 1324, MATH 1342
Testimony to the Struggle
I am normally proud to be able to say that, as a student, I persist through difficult lessons. However, college courses are very different. Accounting especially made me realize I needed extra help. Through the AARC's assistance, I learned that I had been studying ineffectively. With their help, I went from failing two out of four exams to making an A in managerial accounting by finding what learning strategies helped me.
Christina N.
Hi, I'm Christina and I tutor:
Physics and Astronomy
Testimony to the Struggle
When I was a physics major, I had a really hard time with the conceptual side of what I was learning. At the time, resources for me to get help were limited, so I spent a lot of time in my faculty member's office working on problems. It took a lot of repetition and studying on my own, but eventually, I got more comfortable with the material. I also reached out to the AARC's science program director about how I wanted to change the lack of physics tutors. Now, about a year later, I am a supplemental instruction leader for PHYS 1301, a walk-in table tutor and an assessment team lead at the AARC! I couldn't be happier with what I get the pleasure of doing, and it is all thanks to the struggles I had in the past.
Daniel
Hi, I'm Daniel and I tutor:
Accounting
Testimony to the Struggle
I earned an A on my first college exam, which was way above the class average, and got a bit too confident. I didn't study enough for the next one and ended up with the lowest midterm grade in the entire class. That grade dropped my overall course grade, forcing me to reconsider my study habits. I did much better on the final and never let myself get so overconfident for an exam again.
Ellie
Hi, I'm Ellie and I tutor:
All Writing courses
Testimony to the Struggle
Writing used to be a subject in which I struggled. I dreaded going to my English classes because I thought I would never be good at it. My freshman-year English professor changed that completely! She called me into her office after reading my first essay, and we talked for an hour about topics in which I was actually interested. She helped me discover that it is so much easier, and a lot more fun, to write on topics about which you are passionate. Then I got my first-ever A on an essay! I learned that your professors want you to succeed and will help you in every way they can if you are open to their feedback.
Emma W.
Hi, I'm Emma and I tutor:
MATH 1350, MATH 1351
Testimony to the Struggle
My second semester at SFA was thankfully the only one in which I had all online classes, but they were very stressful and overwhelming. The number one trick that helped me manage stress was scheduling study breaks when I planned out my week. I would stretch, do a 10-minute workout, make a healthy snack, or listen to my favorite song. When you plan out your week, don't forget to plan for breaks to reduce stress.
Erin S.
Hi, I'm Erin and I tutor:
All Writing Courses
Testimony to the Struggle
I'm in the midst of a Shakespeare class that I need for my major. I like my professor, but am so disinterested in the material. We have a giant research project to do; I'm about halfway done, but it's getting difficult. Not only is Shakespeare not my favorite subject, but there are also so many components to the assignment and it's getting hard to keep track of everything. I want to do well — especially as an English major — but it's frustrating when I'm not even sure what I'm doing.
I've found that participating in class and frequently asking questions has helped me get a better understanding of the material, and shows the professor that I'm trying. I've spent a lot of time attending office hours and my professor is always willing to answer questions, as she knows I am doing my best to produce a good product. I ended up getting a high grade and am incredibly proud of what I did. I know my participation and communication with my professor helped immensely.
Eriqa
Hi, I'm Eriqa and I tutor:
MATH 1350, MATH 1351, MATH 1352
Testimony to the Struggle
Despite my experience in related courses, I had a difficult time entering my higher-level courses and scored lower on my first exam than anticipated. While meeting with my professor, I discovered that my study methods were not adequately helping me prepare for my exams. By incorporating new study methods and meeting with my professor more frequently, I saw an improvement in my scores and was able to earn an A in the course.
Ernest M.
Hi, I'm Ernest and I tutor:
BIOL 2361
Testimony to the Struggle
In my first year, I struggled in the botany class that I am now a supplemental instructor for. Although I was motivated to learn, I did not know how to study for the course and struggled on my first two exams. However, after creating test questions from my faculty member's slides and using them to practice, I began to crush exams and eventually earned an A in the class. It is a study technique that I use today in my more challenging classes, and it helps me go into exams with an positive mindset.
Ethan W.
Hi, I'm Ethan and I tutor:
GEOL 1301, GEOL 1303
Testimony to the Struggle
The hardest class I have taken while at SFA was Calculus II during my junior year. In previous math classes, I was able to do well by just going to class and taking notes; however, when it came to Calculus II, I quickly realized this would not be enough. I had to put in extra hours of reading the textbook, working practice problems, and going to my faculty member when I was confused or unsure about a topic. With this extra effort, I passed the class, and it is the proudest C I have earned.
Faith S.
Hi, I'm Faith and I tutor:
MATH 1350, MATH 1351
Testimony to the Struggle
In the second semester of my third year of college, I was stressed to the max. My classes required a lot of work and study time. I was stressed trying to maintain my grades and keep up with due dates. As a solution, I started writing down due dates in a planner to work on time management. Also, I started using "brain breaks." When I felt like I was getting overwhelmed, I would stop what I was doing and relax. I would take deep breaths, get comfortable and take a break. I still do this currently and it works!
Geordan M.
Hi, I'm Geordan and I tutor:
All Writing Courses
Testimony to the Struggle
With my course load, I have three different classes that usually require a weekly essay. I find it best to get everything done soon after it was assigned so there isn't a last-minute rush to try and get a rough draft turned in. I treat the essays like a job assignment and complete them in a timely manner.
Isabelle
Hi, I'm Isabelle and I tutor:
NUTR 2339
Testimony to the Struggle
During my first semester at SFA, I took an introductory biology class. I knew college science courses were considerably more challenging than those in high school, so I had figure out how to effectively study all the class material I was expected to know on exam day. I had heard about the AARC and decided to attend the SI sessions each week. I learned new studying strategies and acquired more studying resources that helped me complete the class with an A!
Jenna B.
Hi, I'm Jenna and I tutor:
HIST 1301, all general chemistry and organic chemistry courses
Testimony to the Struggle
Physics was always a grueling task for me. I did not like the subject, which started to impact my grade substantially. I thought since it was so difficult for me, I would never be able to do it. Then my class's faculty member opened me up to a growth mindset. By just taking my failures as a part of the learning process and continuing to move forward, my grade rose. I ended up with an A in the class and a new love for physics!
Jessica M.
Hi, I'm Jessica and I tutor:
ECON 3339
Testimony to the Struggle
As a mathematical person, I really struggled with business law. It was hard for me to read the book and be able to apply it to different concepts. It was really important for me to have a growth mindset and keep trying different ways to study and push through! Without having a growth mindset, I would have struggled to pass that class.
Jessie O.
Hi, I'm Jessie and I tutor:
BIOL 2301
Testimony to the Struggle
Anatomy and Physiology I was one of the hardest classes I have taken but also one of my favorites. I had to learn how to study for this class and actually learn the material rather than just memorizing and brain dumping it. This was hard at first because it was a new way of studying. Going to supplemental instruction, or SI, watching all the videos and taking the time to review the material really helped me succeed. I have taken these study strategies and applied them to my other classes, and it has paid off.
Johanna
Hi, I'm Johanna and I tutor:
History
Testimony to the Struggle
When I was entering college, I knew I would need to develop better study habits as they were basically nonexistent in high school. As a college freshman, I took advantage of the AARC and learned how to study effectively for my classes. Now, I am a tutor for some of the same classes I struggled with my first year here!
Jordan B.
Hi, I'm Jordan and I tutor:
ECON 2301
Testimony to the Struggle
During my junior year, I had to take 18 hours in both the fall and spring semesters. I dealt with the stress of taking such a big course load by making a weekly schedule to break down what I had to do for each class every day. This prevented me from wasting time stressing about all of the assignments I had to do every week. Making a weekly schedule for my classes helped me get all A's in both semesters and has helped me in every class I've taken here at SFA.
Julia H.
Hi, I'm Julia and I tutor:
BIOL 1306
Testimony to the Struggle
I was enrolled in 20 hours the fall semester of my second year at SFA, and also was working two on-campus jobs. Being so busy, I quickly found myself in an uncomfortable situation that forced me to learn a lot about myself as a student and make changes to the way I approach studying and managing my time. There were moments where I felt completely at a loss, but I kept trying, and reached out to my faculty members, visited the AARC, and was patient with myself as I went through that learning curve.
Kels K.
Hi, I'm Kels and I tutor:
CSCI 1302
Testimony to the Struggle
During my first semester at SFA, I received the worst grade I have ever made. It was on a coding assignment in my "Data Structures" course. I had spent hours on the assignment, and I was crushed. I decided to visit my professor during office hours, and when I asked what I could do about the grade, he simply said, "Try harder next time." I began visiting his office hours regularly and quickly built a good relationship with the professor. I also started taking my coding assignment work to the AARC to talk through them. Eventually, I was able to troubleshoot code on my own and receive A's on assignments.
Kennedy C.
Hi, I'm Kennedy and I tutor:
All Writing Courses
Testimony to the Struggle
I struggled with a history course, so I went to my professor's office hours and also got help from a friend who had taken the class before! I took time to breathe and do an activity that made me happy because burnout is a real thing. I knew that, in order to improve, I needed to take time to reset. I ended up raising my grade and felt better prepared for future exams!
Livy P.
Hi, I'm Livy and I tutor:
BIOL 1306
Testimony to the Struggle
Math has always been a struggle for me, so when I took a math course in college for the first time, I really started to flounder. So, I started going to my professor's office hours to discuss specific topics I didn't understand in class, as well as going to the math walk-in tables at the AARC for help with my homework. Hearing the concepts re-explained multiple times in different ways help me put the pieces together, as well as helped me maintain a better grade by completing all my homework!
Mac G.
Hi, I'm Mac and I tutor:
CHEM 3331, CHEM 3332
Testimony to the Struggle
The class I struggled with the most in the beginning of my academic career was Calculus I. I made one of the worst grades on the first exam and was terrified of failing the class. I coped with the stress by talking with the professor about what I could do to improve. To improve my performance, I went to the SI Group for the class, attended walk-in tables and went to office hours. I ended up making an A in the class!
Maddie
Hi, I'm Maddie and I tutor:
COSC 1301
Testimony to the Struggle
Being a nursing major comes with some sincere struggles in some classes, but the best thing I did for myself was to get involved with the AARC. I went to an SI learning team and had a 1:1 tutor. My tutors taught me how to be a better student and how to get through the difficult times in college.
Madelyn L.
Hi, I'm Madelyn and I tutor:
Astronomy and Physics
Testimony to the Struggle
During my first semester at SFA, I struggled with Technical Physics I. I'd never taken physics in high school, so it was all brand new to me. I contemplated dropping the course, but I'm stubborn and couldn't let myself quit without trying. I reevaluated how I studied for exams, went to my class's faculty member more, and found online resources that explained the material in a new way. I ended up passing the course, becoming a physics major, and even tutoring for that same course!
Madison F.
Hi, I'm Madison and I tutor:
GOVT 2305, GOVT 2306
Testimony to the Struggle
During one semester, I was really stressed about grabbing food between class and my shift at work. It would be really hard for me to tutor if I missed a meal, but I also did not want to skip my class to get food because then I'd miss all the notes I needed. So I found the courage to talk to my professor about the problem, and he came up with a good solution for me. I was so relieved that my professor would help me push through that stress! That is why I always encourage my clients to talk to their professors.
Mallory M.
Hi, I'm Mallory and I tutor:
BIOL 2301, BIOL 2402
Testimony to the Struggle
My first semester of nursing school was the first time I truly struggled to grasp and apply information. After I got my first round of test scores back, I knew I had to change my study habits, so I took a look at how I studied and used many of the same methods I taught my own clients. I made sure to create my study materials early and to ask questions when I had them.
Millie A.
Hi, I'm Millie and I tutor:
GOVT 2305
Testimony to the Struggle
I used to be a perfectionist and was upset at myself because I wasn't making the A+ I wanted in a particular class. That's when I realized my mindset was completely wrong. I was asking myself, "Do we know if this will be on the test?" instead of "Do we know this?" I was so focused on passing I didn't take the time to understand what I was learning. Once I realized that, I was able to not only make the grade I wanted, but also learned an important lesson.
Natalie B.
Hi, I'm Natalie and I tutor:
BLAW 3335
Testimony to the Struggle
Both accounting courses were the most stressful classes I've taken in undergrad. I struggled with the material, and it negatively impacted my self-esteem a lot. Going to the AARC helped me understand the material better, but caring for myself outside of school helped in a different way. By going to bed earlier, drinking more water and eating healthier, I was able to feel better physically, which impacted my mental health positively.
Nathaniel W.
Hi, I'm Nathaniel and I tutor:
BIOL 2361
Testimony to the Struggle
History has always been a weak spot for me, so in my first history course at SFA, I was concerned for my academic performance. I couldn't remember dates or names, and how historical events were ordered or connected were awash in my mind. I worried I would fail, so I attended SI sessions on Zoom weekly, worked hard to read my textbook nightly, and did every extra credit assignment. At the end of the semester, I found I had miraculously passed the course!
Olivia P.
Hi, I'm Olivia and I tutor:
MATH 1314, 1332 2212, 2313
Testimony to the Struggle
When I took speech, I quickly realized I was terrified of public speaking. I would get so stressed in the days before a speech that I would barely sleep or eat. However, after recognizing this wasn't healthy, I managed to figure out how to take that stress and turn it into a "forget that, let me just do this thing" attitude. It allowed me to stop worrying so much, and things got much better. Sometimes all it takes is a mindset change!
Rachel
Hi, I'm Rachel and I tutor:
BIOL 2301
Testimony to the Struggle
Two days into Anatomy and Physiology I, I changed my major from nursing to data analytics because I quickly realized that the human body was not something I wanted to spend the rest of my life looking at. If I wanted to stay a full-time student, I had to stick through the semester and find a way to succeed in the course. I used the AARC's learning teams and created a study group where we quizzed each other and played games to make our studying fun, and it paid off!
Rachel R.
Hi, I'm Rachel and I tutor:
MATH 0398, MATH 0199, MATH 1314, MATH 1316, MATH 1318, MATH 2412, MATH 2313
Testimony to the Struggle
I took Calculus I during my first semester at SFA, and while I had always prided myself on being decent at math, this class made me realize that I needed more help outside of the classroom. I went to the AARC's walk-in tables to get that extra help and always felt more confident by the time I walked out. Although the class was tough, with the extra help I received from friendly AARC tutors, I was able to succeed in the course.
Rae B.
Hi, I'm Rae and I tutor:
HIST 1301, HIST 1302
Testimony to the Struggle
When I first joined a Zoom meeting for my HIST 1301 class, the reality of college hit me like a car with cut brake lines. My entire academic career had taught me what to think rather than how to think. It caused me immense stress that I carried around like a backpack full of bricks. I thought I was "dumb." I thought I was a "failure." I thought I wasn't enough. I reached out to my faculty member for help, and he told me that he wants students to understand history on a deeper level. Today, I am his SI leader.
When I first began taking CSCI 2302 my sophomore year, I found the class easy because I was doing well on quizzes and homework just by attending class and paying attention. I didn't allocate much study time for it at home. As a result, I got a low C on my first exam. It was an important class for me to be able to move on to upper-level courses, so I changed my study habits and started taking the class more seriously.
Samantha
Hi, I'm Samantha and I tutor:
MATH 0398, MATH 1314, MATH 1316, MATH 1318, MATH 2211, MATH 2212, MATH 2313
Testimony to the Struggle
In high school, I struggled with math big time. Being a straight-A student, it was discouraging to have a C average in my Algebra II class. I decided to do whatever it took to raise my grade and attended my teacher's tutorials every afternoon. I grew so much from that struggle and even found a love for math I never had before! I am so thankful to be able to give back as a math tutor.
Sarah D.
Hi, I'm Sarah and I tutor:
ECON 2301, 2302
Testimony to the Struggle
When I first started taking upper-level business courses, I struggled with managing my time. I never felt like I put enough time into each class and constantly felt beaten down. One of my friends and fellow AARC tutors showed me how making a spreadsheet allocating time to each class can keep me consistent and accountable. After implementing this in my everyday study habits, I have seen great success with my grades. There is truly a relationship between success and commitment, and if you are willing to do the work, you are one step closer to being successful.
Sera D.
Hi, I'm Sera and I tutor:
ACCT 2301, 2302
Testimony to the Struggle
I've struggled with procrastination since middle school, and it got worse in college with assignments that required a lot more work. I would always push every assignment until the last minute and be so stressed out! To deal with that, I made a spreadsheet with due dates for all my assignments, quizzes and exams. It helped so much! It felt so nice to check off my assignments, and I felt way less overwhelmed!
Stephan
Hi, I'm Stephan and I tutor:
ECON 2301, ECON 2302, FINC 3333
Testimony to the Struggle
My biggest struggle was raising the $27,000 I needed to fund my finance degree. Being from the tiny island of Grenada, which is approximately 13 square miles, job opportunities were scarce. I worked as a bank teller earning $4 an hour, as a fisherman despite sea sickness, as well as jobs in retail, poultry, construction and plumbing. After four long years of no vacation, I am now two semesters away from completing my BBA in finance at SFA with a 4.0 cumulative GPA.
Sydney M.
Hi, I'm Sydney and I tutor:
CHEM 1311, CHEM 1312
Testimony to the Struggle
While taking "General Chemistry II" as an eight-week course, I found the content confusing and the amount of homework challenging. I began to get very overwhelmed, so I went to my professors office hours regularly to start getting clarification with new ideas and extra assistance with homework. It was definitely still a struggle, but remembering to work on homework every day rather than waiting until the end of the week helped to relieve some of the extra stress.
Thomas
Hi, I'm Thomas and I tutor:
Political Science
Testimony to the Struggle
I got cocky with one communications class, barely studied before the first exam, and failed it miserably. I had to completely rethink how I study and find new methods to help me understand the content that had always come easy to me. I spent the next unit studying daily and learning entirely new strategies, with it all paying off when I got a 100 on the second exam. I learned that sometimes you must study smarter, not harder, and rethink how you're absorbing information.
Tori F.
Hi, I'm Tori F. and I tutor:
GOVT 2306
Testimony to the Struggle
I came to college not really knowing how to study or manage the amount of required reading. I realized I had to make a change when I barely passed my first round of tests. I started talking with my professors, forming study groups, and even using the AARC! Taking these steps allowed me to gain valuable study skills that I otherwise would not have figured out at the time. It also helped me look at my situation more positively by establishing a growth mindset. This experience allowed me to start becoming the successful student I wanted to be!
Trinity
Hi, I'm Trinity and I tutor:
MATH 1314, MATH 2211, MATH 2212, MATH 2412, MATH 2313
Testimony to the Struggle
Struggling to solve difficult math problems can be frustrating. This is what happened to me during my sophomore year of college when I took probability and statistics. I was unsuccessful in solving many homework problems (which meant unanswered exam questions) to the point that I was close to failing the class. This was when I finally reached out to my professor and other classmates for help. I was able to do a lot better on my final and passed the class! I learned to be more comfortable with being uncomfortable asking for help because this is when you will grow the most.
Veda M.
Hi, I'm Veda and I tutor:
MATH 1324
Testimony to the Struggle
In my second semester at SFA, I took philosophy and was really struggling with it. My professor canceled class often, and when I read the book, I did not understand any of it. I knew I was going to have to work extra hard to pass the class, so I found ways to study and learn that worked best for me, and I ended up pulling through with an A. If I had not had a growth mindset, I would've given up when it first got hard. But I persevered and got through the class.
Zarea C.
Hi, I'm Zarea and I tutor:
NUTR 2339
Testimony to the Struggle
While taking General Chemistry I my junior year, for some reason I could not pass any test. I always ran out of time and felt defeated afterward. On top of all that, I was battling COVID-19! However, I was determined to pass the class because I really did not want to retake it, so I started attending virtual office hours, virtual supplemental instruction sessions, and scheduling Zoom meetings with classmates to better understand the material. In the end, I managed to make a B in the lecture and an A in the lab! Never give up on yourself — you don't lose until you quit!
Axe ’Em, Jacks!
