Hi! I'm Kayla. I graduated USC with a major in computational neuroscience and am applying to medical school now!  I love science- specifically biology. I have 6 years of tutoring experience and am exc

Find out more about Kayla

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

  I fell in love with biology in my 9th grade honors bio class. I had the best teacher (shout out Mrs. Waleko :) It felt like I was learning a story and everything just clicked and fell into place. I not only found a love for biology but I also found a passion for teaching at that time. A lot of my class time was spent reteaching material to make sure it was solidified and while engaging in those activities I felt a spark in me ignited. I have a great passion for learning, but an even greater passion for sharing that knowledge base with others.

• 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 love teaching Biology. Like I mentioned previously, I had an amazing introduction to Biology in 9th grade and ever since I've been hooked :) I love teaching Biology in a way that it makes sense to others.. like a story line. Memorization is necessary at times, but for the most part, if you understand it there's no need.

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

  Oopsies! I gave this away in the last 2 questions. Yes ! Mrs. Waleko was an amazing inspiration. She explained concepts that seemed complex and complicated in the simplest of ways while at the same time not watering them down. She expected excellence not only from her students but from herself as well. She was very dedicated to her field and her passion for Biology definitely rubbed off on many of her students, including me!

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

  I believe that there are 3 main qualities to be a good tutor: Passion, Patience, and Dedication. First, if you yourself are not interested and passionate about a topic, it is very difficult to spend hours explaining in to others. Patience is just as important as students will not always understand the topics first time around. Which is totally ok! Reexplaining is part of the process. Finally I believe dedication to the craft is integral. Lessons go far beyond the 1 hour sessions. Students may continue to have questions/concerns and it is integral to be there for them when they need.

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

  I remember taking an exam in AP bio. The class was so difficult ! I had a particularly hard difficult time with one exam and when I got my test scores back I was so disappointed. It was the lowest score I had gotten all year… or probably ever. I allowed myself to be disappointed for a bit, but then realized that disappointment will not get me anywhere. So I decided that the next exam will be amazing. I used my failure (literally) as a catapult, not a crutch. And sure enough, I scored my highest grade on the next exam. Sometimes you are going to fail, but who knows, it could be the inspiration for your greatest success.

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

  There will always be difficulties and challenges. I am studying for the MCAT now, and there are many topics that I come across which are complicated to understand. Although individual concepts may be difficult, the strategies I have developed over years of learning (honors bio, AP bio, challenging university BIO classes) have given me the confidence to be able to break down those difficult concepts and understand them piece by piece.

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

  I currently work in a biology lab. It is definitely challenging, but rewarding non the less. Conducting experiments and getting results is very fulfilling. I also, of course, am very passionate about sharing my knowledge with others, hence the tutoring.

• What makes you a Superprof?

  I believe a Superprof is someone who can make something complicated simple. I have been in many college classes where professors make the simplest things so complicated just because. That is not "super".. yes, we get it.. you are smart. But true intelligence is being able to parse away the dramatics and get to the root of the topic, which is simple and concise. My superpower is being able to break down those difficult topics for my students to easier, more understandable ideas.