"Hello! I’m Barker. I’m a recent graduate of Vassar College, class of 2024, where I received a Bachelor’s in American Studies with focuses in English and Art History as well as a minor in Creative Writing. I graduated Phi Beta Kappa at Vassar and was awarded General Honors from the college as well as distinction for my thesis in American Studies. When it comes to English and Creative Writing, I bring a robust toolkit of experience and expertise to the table. From my undergraduate education in English and Creative Writing, to the prestigious summer creative writing programs I completed at Kenyon College and the University of the South: Sewanee, I am passionate about writing and eager to help students gain confidence in expressing themselves. I also have eight years of experience under my belt as a Mandarin Chinese student and have experience tutoring Beginning Mandarin. Upon graduating from high school, I was awarded the Mandarin Excellence Award in recognition of my achievements in Mandarin I, II, III, IV, and AP.

My approach to tutoring is that curiosity always comes first. I want to know first and foremost what the student is interested in and passionate about so that I can curate my lesson plans to best expand their personal intellectual horizons. Instead of providing the student with “answers,” I approach tutoring with the understanding that success is only sustainable if the student is confident in themselves and their own abilities. Thus, my goal is to help build students’ confidence by meeting them where they are at and discovering paths forward that feel challenging and rewarding." less...