"I graduated Grinnell College in 2008 with a BA in History. I chose to major in history because I am deeply passionate about it; it was a truly enjoyable learning experience and I feel that my enthusiasm for the subject can be contagious. Upon graduation, I accepted a job with AmeriCorps as a Vista in Edwardsville, IL. Here, I worked closely with impoverished and underprivileged students and families, and made them aware of the benefits provided by the McKinney-Vento grant. I learned firsthand about the extra help that many students need and desire but are often missing. Furthermore, I have spent a great deal of time working with kids. Most recently, I served as a coach for the Troy Thunder, a 14 and under boys’ summer baseball team. I was able to use other skills that I have acquired from a young age (I played baseball throughout high school and college) in order to help the boys succeed. Not only was I able to connect to the boys on a personal level and form relationships, I also enjoyed acting as a role model.

The professors, directors, and even the Troy Thunder parents that I have worked so closely with will attest to my dependability and good nature. I am a focused and self-directed, competent tutor who takes pride in a job well done, from the smallest of tasks to large-scale projects. I am passionate about every relationship that I make and maintain great dignity in my ability to be interpersonal.

In addition to possessing strong organizational and time management skills, I demonstrate exceptional research diligence and follow through when it comes to gathering important information that will improve another's comprehension of a specific topic. Furthermore, I exude a mature and polished demeanor that I feel is very important for maintaining an image that students expect when working with an experienced tutor.

Michael R." less...