Physics student at UC San Diego teaching basic math, algebra, trigonometry, precalculus, calculus, and physics to elementary, middle, high school, or college first-years.

Find out more about Annalia

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I first developed an interest in physics at age four, so I was that really weird elementary schooler who came to career day as a nuclear physicist. I didn't find my passion for math until much later, when we learned about imaginary numbers in high school. Imaginary numbers were a gateway into what math was and could do, and from then on I was in love.
  I started tutoring about 7 years ago, when I volunteered as a reading tutor for ESL elementary students. I later volunteered as a music teacher. I really enjoyed both of those jobs, and started to seek out students who needed help in math and started tutoring.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I teach math and physics, both subjects that are widely hated by students. I strongly believe that this is the fault of teachers who are more interested in teaching students a few rules of math than helping students actually understand a subject. When I teach math and physics, I like to teach in a way that focuses on the fundamentals of problem solving. One of my favorite things to do with students is to give them a problem they've never learned to solve before and encourage them to use what they know to guess at solutions. It is a psychology-backed learning process that always leaves the student feeling accomplished!

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  My Calculus 2 professor at the University of Utah really sealed my love for math. In class, he would start to lecture, then get really excited about what we were learning, and turn around to the class with a big smile on his face. Everybody knew that he understood his subject and loved it. I really struggled in his class, and I was in his office hours asking for help almost every week. Even when I had to ask for help on the same topic dozens of times, he was patient with me. He helped me do well in his class but also encouraged me to go further into what we were learning and develop a deep understanding and appreciation. He often spoke about how math was magical, and that sentiment stuck with me. I aim to be a professor like him: silly and fun with a deep love of both my subject and my students.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  The most essential quality is patience. Once we've learned something, it can be difficult to remember what it felt like to not know that thing. It is so important for a tutor to be able to put themselves in their student's shoes and remember that everyone's learning journey is a little different. Secondly, a good tutor should know how to rephrase what they say several different ways. Everyone learns differently, so you need to adjust to what your student needs.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  When I was in seventh grade I failed my very first math test of the school year. I was absolutely crushed. I thought I understood the content and was going to ace it, but I didn't. Being the overdramatic little kid I was, I thought this was the end of the world. Thankfully, I was allowed to retake the test. But I will never forget how my teacher told me that if I failed again (and she said this like she was certain I would), there was no shame in moving to the lower level classes. I studied my butt off before that retake and I aced it. I spent the rest of that year working to prove that teacher wrong. I belonged in that class. Looking back, I'm not sure if she actually didn't believe in me or was just trying to be nice. But what she said to me has given me so much motivation. I want to prove to people like her who don't believe in me that I belong.

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or are still facing in your subject?

  Where I went to high school we didn't have options for advanced physics or math classes. I was very much self taught in these subjects. Coming to a major university was absolutely terrifying. It is still hard to remind myself that I deserve to be here just as much as the others, and I can succeed just as much as they can. Everyone is still learning.

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  My passion is music! I started playing piano at age 4, picked up flute at 9, saxophone at 13, and will hopefully continue playing all my life. I often say that my first words weren't in English, they were in music. Creating music is one of the most beautiful things we can do. It brings me so much joy. Music is also where I found my love of teaching, as I experienced directing bands.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering this interview questions :-P)?

  I am a Superprof because I believe everyone is a few creative steps away from deep understanding. Your struggles in this subject won't last forever, and I am here to help everyone become the best they can be!