Trey is a passionate and uplifting tutor who loves teaching test prep and seeing his students grow in their pursuit of higher education and knowledge. Learn more about his tutoring style and impact on our students and how his personality shines through it all!
What subjects and classes do you help our students with?
Currently, my main focus for tutoring is test prep, specifically for the ISEE. I am also capable of tutoring Computer Science, math, and English up to a high school level.
What is your educational background?
I am pursuing a B.B.A. in Accounting at the University of Houston. Afterwards, I plan to get an M.B.A. and take my CPA exams to become a Certified Professional Accountant. I have prior tutoring experience with K-12 students in English, Math, and Test Prep courses at a local tutoring center.
What is your favorite subject to tutor?
I would have to say preparing students for the ISEE because I can see the work they do for the ISEE benefit their classes in school throughout my time tutoring them. In the beginning of their prep, they do not have that much knowledge on the concepts tested in each part of the ISEE, but after working with them I can see their understanding grow. They quickly make connections between concepts we have previously covered and tend to do much better on their homework.
What does a typical test prep tutoring session with you look like?
- I first ask them how their week was so that they can tell me anything noteworthy that happened.
- I then ask about their homework and how they felt about it so that I can tailor the tutoring session to the most important topics that need to be covered.
- I go along with the lesson, checking their work and teaching new concepts while also adapting to the student’s needs if something arises.
- At the end of the session, I recap what we went through and communicate what I would like them to have completed before our next session.
What’s your typical approach with working on executive functioning with your students?
Executive functioning is key to keeping students engaged, organized, and in line with what the future will look like. I state what I expect them to do outside of the sessions, and if they have a hard time understanding, I cater to what works best for them and go from there to promote positive change. We identify specific times for studying and practice outside of their sessions on their calendar, and I show them ways to improve how they study and prepare for class or our sessions.
How do you view your role as a tutor?
I believe that I fulfill the role that the student needs at that point in time. Sometimes, they just need someone there to help them learn and understand the material. Other times, they might ask more questions about their purpose or goal in doing this, and I encourage them to continue working hard to achieve not only their goals of getting a good grade or test score, but their own satisfaction of getting it done. It all depends on how the student is feeling as they come in for their session, so I make sure to always uplift them and answer their questions.
Tell me about one of your favorite sessions you’ve had.
My favorite session was with a student who was studying for the LL ISEE. I asked them how they were, and we had a short conversation about their day at school (which went well). Afterwards, I went over their completed ISEE practice test, and I could tell that they were unhappy with the results. Since they were a young student with little to no tutoring experience, I knew immediately to assume an equal role of a mentor and tutor to truly foster growth. I could tell he wanted to improve, and just needed an extra guidance to help get him there.
I decided to really delve deep into the missed questions so that they could fully understand what they did incorrectly. By the end of the session, we had gone through tons of questions, and I could tell that their disappointment had changed to happiness now that they knew what to do. It was very rewarding that I was able to help the student feel better about their studying and knowledge in those subjects.
What is your favorite part of being a tutor?
Seeing how the student grows in their knowledge is by far my favorite part of tutoring. Seeing how they progress each session ignites my passion to teach more. Seeing how they make new connections, or when they state how they now understand each problem, is very rewarding as a tutor.
Outside of tutoring for us, what do you like to do for fun?
I love to read, swim, lift weights, and try out dinner spots. I also play tennis, squash, and backgammon!
If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be and why?
In all earnestness, I would choose my past self just to assure them that everything happens for a reason, and that they should enjoy every moment as it comes instead of looking at the bigger picture. People ask the age-old question, “what would you tell your younger self?”, and all I’m going to say is I would give myself an earful!
Tutoring with General Academic
General Academic’s subject and test prep tutors provide the structured support to accommodate your student wherever they’re at. We help our students with a wide range of materials, ranging from 1st through 12th grade subject prep, ISEE, and SAT. To get the ball rolling, give us a call at (713) 838-7774 or fill out our tutoring request form.
