Los Angeles Instructors
Lucas Adams
Hometown: Encinitas, CA
College: UCLA
About Me:
I'm from Encinitas, CA, and I graduated from La Costa Canyon High School, where I played basketball and tennis, and did debate, in that order. I went to UCLA and after cycling through a few majors ended up studying Japanese - not because I love anime, but because I wanted to read Japanese literature in the original (which simply makes me a different kind of nerd, I suppose). I spent my third year studying abroad in Tokyo at Waseda University. After I graduated from UCLA, I taught for two years at a high school in Hamamatsu, Japan through the JET Programme. After my second year was up, I moved to Tokyo and worked for a while as a videogame translator. Recently, I got all Japanned-out and came home. Still, I am prone to weird outbursts of Japanese, I frequently bow my head at people unconsciously, and in conversation, regardless of relevance to the topic at hand, I will talk about Japan. These are all problems I am working on. Otherwise, I read a lot, I listen to a lot of music, I travel a lot, and I enjoy languages.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I started teaching for Revolution in my second year at UCLA, back when the company was just starting up in Los Angeles. Having taken an SAT class myself in high school (not on my own volition, of course) which I found tiresome and unhelpful, I was impressed at the vision of the two founders of Rev Prep for something better, and impressed at the concept of job that didn't involve waiting tables. I really enjoyed teaching for the company during that year, and so came back to teach again after spending a year studying abroad in Japan. Now, after graduation and two more years abroad working as an English instructor, I'm anxious to get back to work for Revolution because I enjoy working with kids - through a curriculum I sincerely believe is effective - and helping them towards their college success.
Boomie Aglietti
Hometown: Orinda, CA (Bay Area)
College: Yale University
About Me:
I'm an actor, but I've always had a strong interest in education (I've taught enrichment classes for underprivileged kids, and I used to be an editor at SparkNotes).
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I like making learning interesting.
Peter Barber
Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska
College: The University of Nebraska-Lincoln; The Master's Seminary
About Me:
I grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska, and went to a small high school (28 people in my class!) just outside of Lincoln. When I graduated I went to the University of Nebraska on an acedemic scholarship (a little work on these tests can really pay off!) and earned my degree in history. Now I'm in school at The Master's Seminary here in Los Angeles and hope to finish my master's degree in 2009.
My relationship with God is definitely the most important thing in my life, I particularly enjoy serving Him by working with high school and college youth! My family is also very important to me. I have a brother, three sisters and a brother-in-law who (along with my parents) live in Lincoln.
When I'm not studying or working with the college group at church, I like to do most anything sporty. My favorites are baseball, golf, and all things Huskers (I also played football and basketball in high school). I'm a bit of a movie nerd. Star Wars and Lord of the Rings are my favorite movies. I also like a good comedy, suspense, or musical. If you listen closely in class, I'm sure that you'll catch more than a few references here! :)
If you want to know more, gimme a call, or you can visit my MySpace page at www.myspace.com/sowthpaw1231!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
To help you! I love teaching, especially high school and college students. It's when people form habits and make decisions that shape who they are for the rest of their lives.
Ian Batstone
Hometown: Vancouver, BC (Canada)
College: Cal State Fullerton & Cal State Dominguez Hills
About Me:
I'm the son of parents who moved around a lot. So even though I'm basically from Southern California, I was born in Canada, lived in Illinois, Texas, North Dakota, and spent 3 years in Ghana, Africa as a kid. I developed a bit of a taste for traveling, and like to collect musical instruments from different countries. I've recently been living in Compton and have been teaching in public high school and junior high for about 4 years. I am now teaching adult school and Revolution Prep!
I've been married to a great girl for 6 years and now have a 2 year old daughter who is cuter than you (that's her on the left).
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I love teaching and tutoring. Teaching can be tons of fun if done correctly. Revolution has a great vision that I feel like I can be a part of. I'm one of those saps who likes to help people, so I love the fact that Revolution is less expensive but just as competitive as other SAT Prep organizations.
Kathryn Bowns
Hometown: Altadena
College: UC Berkeley
About Me:
I grew up in Altadena and attended Westridge School in Pasadena. I had the great fortune to be able to attend UC Berkeley for six years, where I spent the greatest years of my life. While at Berkeley I managed to shift my concentration from English, to Comparative Literature, to Classics Languages, and finally to Celtic Studies, where I finally remained. Since I picked the most archaic (and interesting) subject to study, I can now confidently critique every movie made about King Arthur, as well as pronounce the longest name in the world (in Welsh): Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch). I love traveling and have been to Japan, Alaska, Mexico, and Europe. I can say with absolute certainty that Wales is the greenest place I have ever seen! I adore music (including a weakness for Queen) and spent several summers working at the Hollywood Bowl and getting to experience every type of music under the sun. I’ll read anything from William Blake to Stephanie Meyer, love cooking crazy and convoluted concoctions, enjoy hiking in the beautiful pacific northwest (including long walks on the beach, dinners by candlelight, etc.), and occasionally vacuuming my very sweet and very long-haired cat.
As I come from a family composed mainly of doctors and teachers, it was almost preordained that I would choose one or the other. I chose both—I am a teacher and tutor at Revolution Prep while studying for a possible Dental Hygiene degree. My head is filled with Latin, Greek, English literature, the True History of Tristan and Isolde, and tons of insane grammar rules along with a healthy dose of anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, and “How to get a 5 on the Bio AP”. I will happily unload this information on anyone who wants (or needs) it. Most especially, I just truly love teaching, and am always thrilled to take on new assignments. Dymuniadau gorau!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Revolution Prep focuses on high quality instructional methods combined with huge amounts of enthusiasm and fun. The company focuses on making sure students do their best and have a great experience at the same time, which is the highest priority for a teacher. Because of it's fantastic strategies, really fun teaching environment, awesome colleagues, and great students, Revolution has become the best job I've ever had.
Ashley Bragg
Hometown: Orange, CA
College: UCLA
About Me:
I was born and raised in Orange, CA until I moved to Los Angeles to attend UCLA at seventeen. I will be graduating this coming Spring with a degree in Physiological Science. I plan to pursue a career in Medicine. In the mean time, I volunteer at Common Ground HIV Community Center in Santa Monica conducting educational workshops for homeless youth. I also volunteer for Project BRITE (Bruins Reforming Incarceration Through Education) through UCLA. I work to help incarcerated youth keep up on their studies, attain their GED and act as a friend and mentor during a difficult time. Before college, I worked closely with my personal physician to create an in hospital tutoring program for long-term patients at hospitals in Orange County. When not busy tutoring, volunteering or studying, I enjoy relaxing at the beach, watching sports (Go Angels!), and spending time with friends and family.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I have always loved learning. Even while spending a majority of my childhood in a hospital, I read constantly and insisted on having a daily tutor. I have experienced first hand the power personal attention can bring to one's education. Revolution Prep shares the same philosophies and ideas regarding education. Regardless of one's educational background or financial ability, Revolution Prep will help students succeed.
Meghan Brown
Hometown: San Francisco, California
College: University of California, Irvine
About Me:
I recently graduated from UC Irvine with a degree in Drama, where I was an Honors in Directing student focusing on playwriting who liked to act and took musical theatre, fiction, and poetry classes. Basically—I have many interests. At UCI I also ran my own grant-funded theatre company and participated in the Duke in London Drama Program and the UCI New York Satellite Program. (Yes, college is great. Great great great.)
Writing is my favorite thing in the world. I also like fortune-telling machines, magic tricks, short stories with unreliable narrators, giraffes, raspberry lemonade, the Cupid and Psyche myth, and getting emotionally invested in movie trailers. Addison was my favorite character on Grey’s Anatomy, and I’m kind of bummed that Private Practice is lame. I love teaching and am excited to help students increase their college options through decoding the SAT.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
My personal philosophy is that there is nothing more engaging and interesting than learning, but that there are many, many, things more engaging and interesting than the SAT. So what would be the point of taking a boring prep class about a boring subject? Basically:
SATs = Boredom = Low scores
SATs * Uninteresting Prep Class = Lame = Not Helpful
SATs * RevPrep = Engaging! + Interesting! = Success!
Meghan = Proud to fight the good fight.
Rafael Cabrera
Hometown: West Covina, CA
College: Cal Poly Pomona
About Me:
I'm a fourth-year student at Cal Poly Pomona. I'm an Aerospace Engineer turned Business student, who, despite what the tests might say, loves language and arts and only tolerates math and science. I'm active in my church, I play guitar, I sing, and I love sports.
A huge part of my life is the Air Force. I'm in Air Force ROTC at USC, and I'm set to commission as a Second Lieutenant in May of 2009. I embrace the opportunity to serve my country and the lifestyle and values embodied by the military. I also dig the reaction I get from the ladies when I'm in uniform. ;-)
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Revolution Prep just does it right. They don't swamp you with flash cards and memorization, they don't charge exorbitant prices, they don't throw college professors at you. They teach kids how to take these tests and how to do them right, to help them achieve their dreams. And a big thing was that they guarantee success and at the same time they don't turn people away because they can't afford it. Revolution really has an amazing mission, and is truly a company with kids' futures in mind.
Ryan Chaffee
Hometown: Andover, MN
College: Yale University
About Me:
I grew up in Minnesota, where they have all those lakes. While studying English at Yale University, I directed a performing comedy group, played in rock bands, and let off any remaining steam with my fraternity. After graduation, I spent the summer in Russia shooting a documentary about Seattle high school students who traveled to a St. Petersburg school to install a donated computer lab. I worked for a few years in New York for a record label, then headed West to pursue my screenwriting dreams.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
In my life, many doors have been opened for me. Achieving on the SATs is what opened that first door, and few things have proved as satisfying as helping fellow seekers open that first door for themselves.
Daniel David
Hometown: Buffalo Grove, IL
College: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
About Me:
I'm Van Nuys born but Chicago bred, and I recently found my way back out west for a film internship in Santa Monica. Back in school, I kept busy with sports like basketball and ultimate frisbee, and I was active in musical theater and a cappella groups. I spent the past year in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic teaching English and journalism at a bilingual high school. I got to work on my Spanish fluency, and I even picked up some salsa dancing on the side (the jury is still out on my merengue abilities).
I minored in creative writing and doubled majored in journalism and English at the University of North Carolina, and I considered being a sports journalist out of college. As you can see from my degrees, writing plays a major part in my life; I just moved out to LA so I could get into the film business and make movies.
It's been a great year so far, but nothing can compare to the year of all years I had in 2005: I celebrated on Franklin Street when the Tar Heels won the NCAA basketball title, I grew a playoff beard as the White Sox won the World Series, and I traveled the world on a cruise ship while studying abroad on Semester at Sea (with stops in Venezuela, Brazil, S. Africa, Mauritius, India, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Japan, and Hawaii).
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I miss teaching, plain and simple. I taught high school for the past two years--one in Florida, the other one in the Dominican Republic--and I had to take a break this year, so tutoring at Revolution Prep is my way of keeping that connection. Also, I was fortunate to attend Carolina, a school that I wanted to go to and a place that I loved, and it'll feel good to enable kids to score high and pursue their favorite schools.
David Drummond
Hometown: Galt, CA
College: Saint Mary's College/UC Riverside
About Me:
I just graduated from Saint Mary's College and am getting my Ph.D in Physics at UC Riverside. I want to go into the field of quantum super computers, which isn't as hard as it sounds. I am engaged and I am looking forward to getting married at the end of the summer. In my spare time I like to get completely lost trying out new things in LA. I also like to listen to music, watch movies, and play sports(sorry it's totally cliche, but that's what I do).
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I love teaching because it allows me to help people do something that they couldn't do before. It is so rewarding when a student really understands something that used to be baffling. Revolution Prep gives me the chance to help people conquer the SAT and get into the college of their dreams! Also, it's great to put those SAT test makers in their place!
Megan Duffy
Hometown: Chicago, IL
College: Northwestern University
About Me:
I grew up on the south side of Chicago and went to a public magnet high school downtown, then proceeded to Northwestern because I apparently just couldn't get ENOUGH of the Windy City - it's the greatest place on earth as far as I'm concerned. I'm a Cubs fan, but don't tell my south-side Irish family that or they'd disown me. I double-majored in Theatre and Sociology at Northwestern and spent a semester in London studying at an acting conservatory. While there, when I wasn't in class or at the theater, I was bouncing from hostel to hostel all over the place on the weekends, doing karaoke in lot of different languages and usually smelling pretty bad and wearing the same clothes for several days in row. After graduation and 22 years in Chicago, I decided it was time for a change of scenery, so here I am in L.A. pursuing acting like all of the other 9,000 million 20-somethings from the Midwest. In my non-teaching, aka "free" time I'm either watching a box set of some sort (finished Firefly, The L Word, Arrested Development, and half-way through Battlestar Galactica - yes I'm a dork), at Pinkberry (medium green tea with mangoes, and double yogurt chips), or in my car headed toward the beach or the desert.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
EVERYONE deserves the chance to go to the school they want to go to, and getting into that school can sometimes be such a crap shoot... why not get control over one of the few things you CAN control?
Blake Edwards
Hometown: Belleville, IL
College: Yale University
About Me:
I recently moved to LA to pursue my dream of sitting in traffic. My advice to everyone: reach for the stars.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
It's great to see things 'click' for students over the course of the class -- they might start off wanting to give up immediately on a particular problem, but by the end of the class they'll tackle the same problem with absolute ease.
Kristopher Elder
Hometown: Falmouth MA
College: Carnegie Mellon University
About Me:
I'm a CMU alum who has traveled all over the world well... Europe, US/Canada, and South America (15 countries and counting). In High School I ran Cross Country, and Track, while I was also the section leader for the percussion section of band and also president of the National Honor Society. I majored in Decision Science (if you don't know don't worry nobody does just ask me) at Carnegie Mellon with a minor in International Relations. I am now in Sunny CA to pursue acting. I'm actively taking classes, going on auditions, and filming projects from time to time. I enjoy Crew, hiking, movies, reading, all types of music, and long walks on the beach. In the Profile pic I'm the guy who's vertical.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I like teaching and helping others better themselves in all capacities. The SAT is an evil test that I thoroughly enjoy beating at it's own game. I like the challenge of instilling the skills and knowledge into other people and learning from them at the same time.
Veronica Fruiht
Hometown: Santa Rosa, CA
College: Cal Poly (BS), Claremont (PhD)
About Me:
I was born and raised in Sonoma County then got my BS in psychology from Cal Poly, SLO (the best in the west). I just continued moving to south to start work on my Ph.D at Claremont Graduate. I'm studying positive psychology, which really means the study of happiness. I'm really crafty (Martha Stewart trembles at my name), and my favorite things are office supplies, Project Runway, my bicycle, and coffee.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Coming from an economically diverse high school where most of the students didn't think they could EVER get into college I am passionate about making sure that every student gets the tools and support they need to go to college. The SAT is just one more hurdle to keep students without confidence out of higher education, and I appreciate that Revolution is really in this to teach students they can beat the SAT. Also, I'm kind of a nerd, and this is an excuse to spend my free time at school.
Joshua Lord
Hometown: Long Beach, CA
College: UCLA
About Me:
I've been privileged to have some of the greatest jobs in the world in my attempt to follow the road less traveled. I started at 16 as a forklift operator and scrap metal expert at ARC Recycling in Long Beach. Yeah that's right, metallurgy...recognize. From there I took a job as a beach lifeguard and EMT at US Ocean Safety, where I have recorded 56 rescues, an EMT-B certification, and a righteous tan. I still go back every summer for two weeks to bodysurf, ATV, and fish-taco my way to enlightenment. From there I became an assistant manager at the late 9000 Lounge on Sunset Blvd and, in a few short months, became the youngest GM of a nightclub/restaurant/bar on Sunset. Pretty sweet. Once that expired, it was a brief stint in the banking world, a research position at the UCLA Neuroscience Lab, and various freelance bartending gigs that led to a transistion to Revolution Prep where I now work full time as a Regional Manager and Instructor Extraordinaire.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Nothing makes me happier than kids who get something out of what I teach them, and that feeling I bring home after every class or tutoring session surpasses all the fun I've had in my last 25 years, without a doubt.
Jessica Lowe
Hometown: Albuquerque, NM
College: Northwestern University
About Me:
After graduating magna cum laude (what, what?) from Northwestern in 2007, I moved out to LA to pursue comedy and voice acting. When I'm not shaping minds for Revolution Prep, I'm continuing my improv education at the Groundlings and Upright Citizen Brigade theatres and writing for a comedy website. In my free time, I like to update my Netflix queue, contribute to my Roth IRA, and challenge strangers to free-style rap battles. Oh, and I make a mean omelette.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I feel so lucky to teach for Revolution Prep - I've never had a job with such rapid, concrete results. Every time a student's math or verbal scores go up, it's like a little pat on the back from Heaven.
Erin Rogers
Hometown: Inverness, FL
College: Colby College, USC
About Me:
A writer and an English teacher outside the SAT realm, I grew up in Florida, went to school in Maine, and married a guy from Argentina. We've traveled around the world, but agree the weather is best here in SoCal.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
No company is more dedicated to student success!
Ryan Schowalter
Hometown: Racine, Wisconsin
College: University of Southern California
About Me:
I am a senior at the University of Southern California majoring in International Relations. As you probably guessed, I love to travel, and hope to eventually live in countries throughout the world. Directly after graduation, however, I would like to study economics at the University of Chicago. My dream job would be drafting public policy for cities in developing nations, or creating economic policy aimed at alleviating global poverty. As for right now, I look forward to working with students through Revolution Prep.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
My current educational opportunities are direct products of good test scores. I didn't get the best grades in high school, but by scoring high on the SAT and ACT I was able to attend the university of my choice. I teach for Revolution Prep to give others the same opportunity. I understand how the SAT works, and am eager to help students develop strategies for earning a higher score.
Christopher Scotten
Hometown: Ojai, California
College: UCSB
About Me:
I spent my final year of college abroad at University College Dublin in Dublin, Ireland finishing my second major in English with an emphasis on Irish Literature. I then traveled across Europe all the way to Estonia, interning at the Cannes Film Festival along the way. Afterwards I took a job at ICM, one of the big five Hollywood talent agencies where I played Lloyd to the Ari Gold's of the world. Later I moved on to work for the movie producer responsible for A Man Apart starring Vin Diesel. I am now currently trying my hand as a screenwriter and helping students bust some mad-crazy-Bruce-Lee-action on their SATs.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
The SAT is an undeniably crucial part of the college admissions process. Without my SATactular score I wouldn't have gotten into my top college: U Can Study on the Beach (UCSB)! I would love nothing more than to see students off to their own dream college with a slam-dunk on the SAT.
Matt Sheelen
Hometown: Hopkinton, MA
College: Northwestern University
About Me:
Teaching is fun. College is awesome. The SAT is...not. I took the SAT back before it became the ridiculous monstrosity that it is and I didn't think it was very fun then. Now, it's become even crazier and it's time to fight back. I love working with students of all ages and helping high schoolers do well on the SAT is kind of a blast. I teach for Revolution Prep because they have the best program to help students do well on this exam.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I recently graduated from Northwestern where I was a theater major. I moved out to LA with some friends to pursue acting/improv and it's been great so far. I am a HUGE sports fan especially Boston sports - Red Sox and Patriots. I am obsessed with the television shows Arrested Development and Lost. When I'm not teaching SAT's, I'm teaching elementary kids for LAUSD. I can’t wait to meet you guys in one of my classes!
Blake Silver
Hometown: Delray Beach, FL
College: Northwestern University
About Me:
I grew up in Colorado and found myself moving to sunny South Florida only to head off to the cold Chicago climate for college. Well now it's my turn to choose and I said gimme that warm California sun!
I'm also here for the more practical reason of pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. Acting, writing, directing, producing...you name - I love it!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
They are an awesome company and I believe in what they stand for.
John Sonntag
Hometown: Santa Monica, California
College: University of California San Diego
About Me:
I grew up in Santa Monica, California and began my life as a Revolutionary student when they first began at Santa Monica High School. With their help I was accepted to and recently graduated from UCSD. I majored in American History with a minor in Film Studies. When I'm not teaching I am usually down at the beach pretending to know how to surf or watching an old film that most people have probably never heard of. Also, although many have tried, I have yet to meet a person who can stump me at Simpsons trivia.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I teach for Revolution Prep because I want other students to have the same great learning experience with Revolution that I had. I am also a very patient person who is willing to go the extra mile to help any student with whatever question they might have.
Kenneth Tompkins
Hometown: Yorba Linda
College: UC Riverside - Applied Math in Economics
About Me:
My academic interests run the gamut from math and physics to philosophy and economics. I have but one motto: “everything is interesting to someone, so I'll see if it's interesting to me.” I like video games and good books, movies and good music, sports and good food. Mostly, I like the opportunities given by new days... and I have one more motto: “Live life to love it”.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I like teaching and helping young people realize their potential. I also think it's really interesting to see the different ways kids learn and to figure out how best to tutor them.
David Torstenson
Hometown: Beatty, Nevada
College: University of Southern California
About Me:
I was born and raised in rural Nevada and worked at a gold mine at the age of 18. Upon deciding that I didn't want to mine gold for the rest of my life, I high-tailed it to LA to study journalism at USC. USC was such a blessing, as it opened SO many doors for me! I've since had the opportunity to insult Hugh Grant on the red carpet of an awards show; sing bad karaoke versions of Bon Jovi songs in Japan; work with inner-city kids and play rock music in New York City; and teach science and math at an English-speaking school in Northern Iraq. I'm now back in Southern California working on a documentary about Volkswagen Buses and teaching with Revolution Prep!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Three reasons:
1. Teaching is incredibly rewarding.
2. College is SO worth the time spent studying for the SAT.
3. Revolution Prep makes the whole experience a LOT of fun!
Alison Trumbull
Hometown: Baltimore, MD.
College: Point Park University
About Me:
I went to a really awesome arts high school for acting and I went to college for musical theater. My perfect life would include being a drama therapist for at-risk children, taking at least 2 vacations per year, acting in amazing life-altering films and plays, growing a bicep or two, and last but not least, playing a Disney princess in the Ice Capades!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I think that it's insane that the SAT is actually used as a factor in college admissions; it represents such an insultingly limited portion of a person's whole intelligence. SO, I have decided to fight back. Step one - Become a teacher for Revolution Prep. Step two - Give every high school student in America the tools they need to ace the SAT (which is not as hard as the College Board would like you to believe it is). Step three - Watch the SAT become useless as a college admissions tool because everyone is getting a 2400 on it. Step four - Enjoy! The system has imploded! BAM! (I should start an angsty band I feel.) But, despite my rantings, I actually do enjoy the SAT just because I like puzzles and filling in bubbles.
Carvell Wallace
Hometown: McKeesport, PA (go Steelers!)
College: New York University
About Me:
I'm a dad. I have a five-year-old son and a two-year-old daughter. I am an actor, writer, singer and songwriter. I grew up on everything from LL Cool J to Sonic Youth to Coltrane to Fear to Bach to Basie. I like music. I've also watched more movies and television than I care to admit. All-time favorites include M.A.S.H., Arrested Development, and Seinfeld. Movies I'll watch again and again include Do The Right Thing, El Mariachi, Fargo, Requiem for a Dream, etc. I've been teaching and working with teenagers for about 10 years, and my favorite job was running an organic farm in the Double Rock Housing Projects in San Francisco.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I remember what it was like to be in high school and feel like my whole life depended on one test. Now that I'm a so-called grown-up, I realize that the people who succeed are the people who have confidence. And the people who have confidence are the people who have been shown how things work. I'm at Revolution Prep to help show you how the SAT works.
Justin Walter
Hometown: Naperville, IL
College: Boston College
About Me:
I’m originally from the Chicagoland area and am a Boston College Alum with a degree in Political Science and Philosophy. At BC, I had an amazing experience and was involved in activities such as tutoring underprivileged students, being an Orientation Leader, answering phones on a 24-hour suicide hotline, going on an international service trip, and hosting/producing a news and reality-TV game show. I also studied abroad and worked in Sydney, Australia for five months and worked in NYC for three. After graduating, I moved to LA where I'm working in a wide variety of fields and starting my own adventure company that produces teambuilding events and game weekends.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
College is four of the most memorable, exciting, and fun times of your life! I’m excited to help students achieve their goals and to work for a company that has figured out the best way of reaching that success.
Rick Yeh
Hometown: San Gabriel, CA
College: Univeristy of California - San Diego
About Me:
I attended UCSD for four years and graduated with a degree in Political Science/International Relations and had an absolute blast doing it. I'm at a crossroads in my career-life, and am currently self-searching of my next career path: whether to pursue my lifelong dream of teaching, or suck it up and go to law school!
I enjoy playing tennis, video games, watching TV shows, and traveling the globe. I've been to many places like Asia, Northern and Southern Europe, South America, and also French Polynesia. I intend to explore more of the world in my many more years on this planet ;)
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I believe teachers make a huge difference to the lives of students. A teacher can easily sway a student's opinion on a particular subject, causing them to either completely detest a subject, or love it so much they choose it to be their career for the rest of their lives. I plan to be a teacher of the latter half, to inspire my students and hopefully make my subject matter fun to learn at the same time.
I teach at Revolution because it's a different kind of test prep company. It's small enough to provide personalized services, but also has enough resources to provide a quality education. I really enjoy the young, laid-back, yet professional atmosphere Revolution offers. I think they're a great company to work for or take classes from, and wish they were around when I was in high school!
John Zheng
Hometown: Santa Monica
College: UCSD
About Me:
My life has always been about balancing the important things in life. Whether it was dealing with family, academics, or sports my experience with high school and college has taught me how to efficiently use my time. I always remind my students that it is not how much you study for an exam but HOW you study for an exam.
My style of teaching consists of three elements. First, I get to know the student on a more personal level (find out their hobbies, study habits, goals, etc.). Second, I explain the strategies, game plan, and expectations of being one of my students. Third, I motivate my students to do the best they can (I often use humor and treats to make them smile).
As far as my experience goes I have been tutoring students since I was in high school. I have been apart of the Red Cross's UPWARD BOUND program tutoring underprivileged students. In San Diego County, I was an AVID tutor for Poway High School and Black Mountain Middle School. This past summer I worked as a tutor and teaching assistant for a math academy at Clairemont High School (Algebra, Geometry). A few things about me: I graduated in the spring of 2008 from UCSD with a BS in Biochemistry. I am currently applying to medical schools. My passion for teaching stems from all the great teachers that went the extra mile to help me get to where I am today.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I know first hand that Revolution Prep techniques and strategies work. I want to spread the success to all my students! This company means so much to me because Revolution Prep cares for their students. Revolution does not turn any student away because of financial difficulties. On top of that all the teachers I have met sincerely care and try hard to get their students the best scores possible. Because of this caring environment I am proud to be apart of Revolution Prep.