Robert V.
Private tutor in Belleville, IL
Education
1. University of Illinois, Springfield Major: English Minor: Secondary Education Current Year: Senior GPA: 3.65 Awards and Honors: • Mary Ostrowski Memorial Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Writing- Nominee • Kathryn G. Patton Award for Students of English Literature • UIS Fall 2011 Dean’s List • UIS Fall 2010 Dean’s List • UIS Capital Honors Scholarship • UIS Capital Honors Essay Contest- 1st Place • Illinois State Scholar • Prairie State Achievement Award: Excellence in Reading and Writing 2. University of Hull, UK (International Exchange Program) Major: English Current Year: n/a GPA: n/a
Experience
Previous Experience: Belleville East National Honors Society Belleville, IL 618-222-3716 This organization was open to all honors students at Belleville East High. We engaged in community service, charity projects, and other public works. We were expected to log at least 25 hours of community service every month, which we needed to fully document and report to our coordinator. I mostly participated in events held through our school, such as peer tutoring and youth outreach programs. First Baptist Child Development Center O'Fallon, IL 618-397-4732 The center serves children of all ages, though I was typically assigned to work with adolescents between the ages of 10 and 13. I frequently supervised large groups of children by myself, planning field trips and teaching reading and writing skills. ACT Score (cumulative): 27 Reasons for Seeking Employment: Even as a boy, I knew I had one great talent, one which would shape my personal and professional life: explaining. To learn, and to share what I had learned, was my greatest pastime and passion. My mother no doubt sparked this. A professional teacher and former AmeriCorps volunteer, she often took me along with her to work (every day of the week, in fact- she taught at my elementary school). Her volunteer work often took place at Jefferson Elementary in Belleville, IL, where she would tutor disadvantaged children. The experience always confused me; I just couldnt believe that these children, who were often the same age as me, cared so little about their schoolwork. Why couldnt they finish their homework by themselves- didnt their teachers already explain it? Didnt they want the best grade in the class? I didnt realize that, for some children, school was a far less positive experience. Though my mothers pupils at Jefferson Elementary were in 2nd and 3rd grade, most of them were barely literate. They were unable to read textbooks without adult assistance, making it impossible for them to complete homework. While my class studied division, these children still struggled with basic addition; they couldnt understand how numbers and shapes on paper related to real life. When I spoke with these children, it became obvious that they lived much more difficult and unstable lives. Some came from large, single-parent families; others spoke little English, or suffered from learning and social disabilities. I gained humility and empathy from watching her students, whose effort and workmanship often surpassed my own. These children knew that my mother wanted them to learn and truly cared if they succeeded. Despite the many obstacles and handicaps that burdened them, these children accepted her challenge and tried their hardest to keep up. This experience changed my assumptions of what a good student is. Succeeding in school involved so many factors- parents, family life, finance, mental health, and more- which were entirely beyond a childs control. School was an intense challenge for my mothers pupils; they made an incredible effort to receive the attention and praise I was given every day. In spite of what some teachers believed, these children had the potential to become good students. This potential could only be nurtured with individual attention and care, as well as deep understanding and patience. Through the work of dedicated volunteers like my mother, students can overcome the biases and handicaps which interfere with their education. I hope to use my tenure at AmeriCorps to offer this care, giving troubled students the same respect and opportunities afforded to their peers. I owe my academic success to hard work and good help. I will offer as much help to my pupils as I can; I know that they are more than capable of quality work. Relevant Coursework and Grade Earned: CAP 111: Honors Composition A CAP 115: Interdisciplinary Writing B+ ENG 100: Intro to Literary Studies A ENG 101: Rhetoric and College Writing A ENG 102: College Writing and Civic Engagement B ENG 201: Exploring Literature A ENG 311: Literary Study and Research A ENG 470: Fiction Writing A- TEP 201: Introduction to Education A TEP 223: Adolescent Development A TEP 227: Educational Psychology A Additional Achievements: I recently served as editor and style guide for my close personal friend Luis Azevedo, an engineering student at the University of Porto. With my help, Luis strengthened his English writing skills and improved the dissertation which he will submit for his graduate studies.
Availability
Any day after 10AM
Can Meet
Up to 15 minutes away for no additional charge
Hobbies
My favorite hobbies include sports and outdoor activities (especially bicycling and swimming), reading, listening to music, and working with animals and children. I have a great deal of experience with academic and creative writing; I have participated in several essay contests, and am currently working to publish my first story. I have also spent a semester studying in the UK, acquiring new academic and social skills from my surroundings.
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