For many students, the Tutorial Center is a lifeline: a place where all questions are answered, and where no one has to struggle alone academically. 

What makes this possible isn’t just the room, but the student tutors themselves. Over 40 peer tutors offering support create the safety net for students to fall back on. Here are a few that were recognized for their commitment:

Edwin Mu has been tutoring both Mandarin and math since his sophomore year, aiding students and teachers in ensuring strong language skills.

Harshini Nagappan spends her free first period tutoring freshmen in Ms. Bennett’s Survey class, helping students keep up with the classwork and assignments. 

Allison Ding has been tutoring for the last two years in a range of complex subjects, spending her time after school ensuring students properly understand the material. 

Edwin Mu

Junior Edwin Mu has tutored in the Mandarin department for the last two years, assisting Mandarin teacher Connie Chen in making sure students have a strong foundation. He spends his time after school in the Tutorial Center helping students of all math levels, from algebra to calculus, while he comes during his free period to help with Mandarin. 

“I did some tutoring in freshman year as part of a club, which I really enjoyed,” Edwin said. “I wanted to continue helping people at school, so I joined the Tutorial Center as well.” 

Over time, tutoring became more than just teaching others — it helped Edwin strengthen his own understanding of subjects.

“If you don’t fully understand something, it’s hard to teach it, but once the student finally gets it, it feels like you’ve learned it all over again with them,” Edwin said.

Beyond his academic knowledge, Edwin also channels patience and communication through all aspects of his tutoring.

“He has strong communication skills,” Chen said. “He works well with students from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of Chinese proficiency, enabling him to support beginners.”

“One time I was struggling with polar coordinates and I just couldn’t get it now matter how much I tried,” sophomore Emily Wu said. “I was really panicking, because I thought I would fail the test. He helped me calm down, and I was able to think better.”

Another skill he possesses is his ability to adapt quickly. Last fall, despite having never taken the AP Mandarin class, Edwin had to quickly learn the coursework to be able to help.

“When he first started, he wasn’t very familiar with our textbooks or curriculum,” Chen said. “But he’s a quick learner. I provided him some guidance on what each student was learning, and he picked it up right away, finding creative and useful ways to support them.”

Edwin plans to continue tutoring throughout this entire high school career, and his passion for teaching and learning new content will help him as he progresses.

Harshini Nagappan 

Most people spend their free periods sleeping in or doing their own homework, but sophomore Harshini Nagappan prefers helping others. She spends every first period in English Teacher Margaret Bennett’s Survey class, helping Bennett’s students with their coursework. 

“Some days, it sucks to wake up early and come to school,” Harshini said, “But being in that class, where everyone is laughing, smiling, and chatting, makes it enjoyable. Plus, I do most of my homework at home, so I have the time.”

Harshini started tutoring last fall, and has since become a crucial part of Bennett’s classroom. Specifically, Harshini helps students who are non-native English speakers translate their thoughts into English. Her help allows them to keep up with the pace of the class, while feeling comfortable and supported.

Bennett emphasizes the positive environment that Harshini has helped create, as well as the bonds between her and other students. 

“I think the kids feel safe asking her questions,” Bennett said. “She really understands that line between helping kids, but not doing the work for them.”

“She helps me understand what the teacher says,” freshman Cristian Vasquez Leon said. “I feel like I have gotten much better at English.”

Harshini’s personal qualities also play a large role in assisting both the students and Bennett.

“She’s extremely reliable – she’s here every day, she reads along with the students, follows instructions carefully, and re-explains concepts one-on-one when needed,” Bennett said. “The students trust her. She’s bright, kind-hearted, and always positive.”

At the end of the day, the driving force behind Harshini’s decision to get up early every morning traces back to her desire to help students.

“The most rewarding part is when they smile,” Harshini said. “When they finally realize they’re done and they’ve put a lot of effort into something, that relief they feel is really rewarding.”

Allison Ding

For junior Allison Ding, tutoring is a way to make new friends and create lasting friendships. 

Allison has tutored since her sophomore year, covering the most common topics students come to the center for: math and chemistry. In order to help students with the rigor that the courses demand, Allison maintains a high level of knowledge. 

“She is really knowledgeable in everything she tutors,” Tutorial Center Liaison Esmerelda Paredes said. “She knows how to work with people so they can understand the content.”

Allison’s strength lies in her kindness and patience – two important qualities for a tutor to possess. 

“The hardest part of being a tutor is being patient,” Allison said. “You already know what’s going on, but sometimes other people just don’t understand it the first, second, or third time. You have to be patient and find another way to get them to understand.”

Allison’s tutoring approach goes beyond walking students to the answer, but rather leading them to understand the concept. Her ability to explain topics effectively and understand student’s learning styles makes her a tutor that students can trust.

“She really makes sure students aren’t just nodding along,” Paredes said. “She actually asks them questions and follows up to make sure they fully get it.” 

Her approach to teaching has helped students achieve academic success. 

“The day before my Algebra II test, she was telling me all these tricks I could do in the calculator,” sophomore Joey Fussell said. “I got all the tricks down and ended up getting a 47 out of 50.” 

Beyond academics, tutoring has allowed Allison to form new friendships, many of which were unexpected.

“I’ve made a lot of new friends through tutoring,” Allison said. “A lot of people I normally wouldn’t talk to, I’ve gotten to know through helping them.” 

Ultimately, Allison’s effort in tutoring comes from caring about her students’ success.

“We’re mostly working with the same students, so being able to see them grow throughout the year and learn more is super rewarding,” Allison said.