Organic Chemistry Graduate from McGill University tutoring organic chemistry to students from CEGEPs and universities with over 6 years of experience in tutoring.

Find out more about Angela

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

  I have been interested in science since an early age to the point that one year, for my birthday, I received two microscopes and a telescope - you can imagine my joy. My love towards science never once disappeared. I went to science competitions with my classmates earning first and second places. As time passed, I had to choose which major to pursue in university, which forced me to choose between a degree in physical sciences or a degree in education to teach science. I opted for a degree in chemistry as its application is vast and allows one to learn in a different manner - whether by using mathematics in physical chemistry or logic in organic chemistry. It seemed like the best fit for me due to my broad interest in the world around us.

• What makes you passionate about your subject?

  Chemistry is everywhere around us. It's in the water that we drink, and in the air that we breathe. It's in the stars of the galaxy and in the cells of our body. In fact, people often say that we are made of stardust and indeed they are not entirely incorrect as in fact the same atoms that were once part of a star are now part of our being. Chemistry is fascinating on its own, but also because of its wide utility in our everyday life. It starts from medications that we consume to the batteries of our phones. It's a science that can explain how matter functions, but also allow us to mix and match matter in order to form something new.

• What do you like about tutoring? What makes you a "Superprof"?

  Teaching has always been incredible for me. It allows me to think about fundamental concepts in diverse ways so that I can transfer that knowledge to my students. Group teaching periods are exciting for me as they permit me to see the flow of thoughts between students. Individual teaching is especially rewarding when my students reach their Eureka! moment. The feeling I have when I can successfully illustrate the beauty of nature and chemistry to one of my students is indescribable, and it keeps me motivated to keep on teaching. My favourite part of tutoring is seeing how the student goes from having difficulties with the material to excelling in it.

• Do you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you? Please explain.

  I have a few professors that I look up to due to their teaching strategies. I find it very inspiring when professors are able to explain complex material in such a way that anyone in the room can understand. I know that a professor is an excellent teacher when they can teach me difficult material and prepare me to think about it in the context of scenarios never seen in class. Professors that teach you how to think and deduce logically the answers to the problems rather than memorize are gems. They prepare you for future challenges and not for a test.

• What are your keys to success?

  I am someone who is all for logical thinking. Memorizing science is inefficient, hard, and useless.
  I listen closely to my students' requests and thoughts to personalize my teaching strategies.
  I take time to go over concepts that I deem crucial in order to solidify current knowledge and set a strong foundation for further studying.
  Basics are the most important, once the basics are strong, everything else is easier to learn. Basics are like the foundation of a house, if the foundation is lousy, the whole house will fall. That's why it's better to take time and make a good foundation.