PrepNow Tutor - Ivy Z.
A dedicated and empathetic tutor with a strong passion for teaching, Ivy utilizes effective communication in her lessons. “I build understanding and confidence, ensuring that students learn the material and feel empowered to succeed,” she says. Ivy holds a BS in biomedical engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology, where she was on the Dean’s List and was a Zell Miller’s Scholarship Recipient. Since graduating in 2023, she has tutored math and physics and held clinical and teaching positions. “I am passionate about making a positive impact through both healthcare and education,” Ivy says.
“Growing up, I struggled with learning English,” Ivy reflects when asked what led her to tutoring. “Coincidentally, my brother's strengths were in reading and writing, while mine lay in STEM-related subjects. We supported each other in our areas of expertise and eventually attended our dream colleges. I love that we were able to leverage our strengths to overcome challenges. This experience inspired me to help others in their educational journeys, just as we helped each other.”
Ivy started formally teaching while in college, tutoring physics, algebra, calculus, SAT prep, college application essay writing, and more online and at a youth hospital. She also worked as a lab teaching assistant in a general chemistry course for two years and as a conversation tutor for the Chinese Student Association.
Ivy’s teaching style centers around building a strong connection with her students. “I believe that understanding each student’s unique perspective and learning style is key to helping them grasp complex concepts,” Ivy says. “By being adaptable and creative in my approach, I can tailor my explanations to suit the individual, ensuring they understand the material and feel confident in their ability to tackle future challenges.”
Ivy's tutoring philosophy is that education should be a collaborative process where the tutor guides the students in discovering their own strengths and learning strategies. “I focus on fostering a supportive environment where students feel comfortable exploring different methods until they find the one that works best for them,” she explains. “This approach not only helps in mastering the subject at hand but also equips students with problem-solving skills they can apply in other areas of their lives."
Ivy is a beginning learner of ASL. As an avid gym-goer, she prioritizes staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle and, in her downtime, she enjoys reading novels. She also loves exploring various parks and restaurants. “I became a parent recently, and it’s been an incredible journey filled with new challenges and joys,” Ivy says.
