PrepNow Tutor - Maryssa S.
Maryssa is a test prep instructor and tutor who has worked with students in a range of subjects, including science, Spanish, math, and test prep. She calls herself "a charismatic goofball who enjoys making people laugh and strives to bring positivity and joy wherever I go." Maryssa received an AS in physical science from San Jacinto College and later transferred to Baylor University, where she received a BS in biology on a pre-health track. Outside of academia, she works periodically in childcare services affiliated with military personnel. "I also serve my local community as a PRN caregiver and pet sitter while working on applying to medical school," she shares.
Maryssa started tutoring peers in high school and college. "They always thanked me and told me that the way I explained things made sense and they wouldn't have passed without me," she says. Since then, Maryssa has acquired a breadth of experience, teaching K-12, collegiate courses, adult education, and various test prep exams. Her specialties include math (elementary math, pre-algebra, algebra 1 & 2, and geometry), science (anatomy and physiology, biology, and chemistry), Spanish, and history.
One of Maryssa's proudest tutoring moments was when she worked with a student whose confidence in her academic abilities was initially nonexistent. "Through multiple sessions incorporating some coaching and motivation, I was able to help her regain her confidence, pass all her classes, and graduate, which she had started to give up on," Maryssa explains. "She is now inspired to go to college and get a bachelor's degree!"
"Adaptive and student-oriented" characterizes Maryssa's tutoring style. She begins by analyzing the student's comfort with the topic or materials of the day. "My goal is finding the gaps in their knowledge and then building from the foundation up," she explains. In her view, students are too often taught via rote memorization, never learning how all of the pieces fit together. "I think if you explain why things work and not just tell someone it does, overall it makes more sense and makes learning less of a chore," she posits. Her motto: "Learning shouldn't be torturous!"
Maryssa has many accolades from both her teaching career and time in the classroom. At both Baylor and San Jacinto College, she was on the Dean's List and inducted into honors societies. While working with a previous tutoring company, Maryssa's stellar performance reviews earned her several promotions in her first year on the job.
In high school, Maryssa was on the volleyball, basketball, and softball teams. "I was a volleyball state champion and made it to the district select team!" In college, Maryssa played beach volleyball and stayed strong via weight training.
Currently, Maryssa enjoys going to concerts and supporting her favorite artists; she also loves spending time with her adorable fur babies. Passionate about mind and body health, she goes to the gym and stretching studio as often as she can and loves doing pottery, archery, and the occasional soap-making class. Fun fact: she was born left-handed and taught to be right-handed.
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