Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time.
I tutored at Green Apple Education, a computer science school, because I wanted to spread my knowledge of Java with younger students. I was put in charge of teaching a Java language class to kids ranging from ages eight to sixteen. Each week, I tried to construct programming exercises that were intellectually stimulating for both me and my students.
While I would teach exercises that were a part of the provided lesson plan, I also had the creative liberty to design my own assignments. During my lessons, I realized that the students grasped concepts better if I made the learning interactive. Thus, I created game-like assignments for the students to help them learn the material covered in class. The kids really enjoyed these “games.” While they were having fun, they were also being challenged to apply new curriculum into their code.
As a tutor, I decided what lessons required the most focus. Before moving to new concepts, I needed to make sure that everyone had a firm understanding of current material while also trying to keep the students interested in learning. I had to find a balance between having fun and making academic progress during the classes. Although this task was difficult at times, my students’ enthusiasm in class kept me passionate about teaching computer science.
After my experience at Green Apple Education, I have decided to pursue computer science as a major in college. I did not realize how powerful my role as a tutor was when I accepted it. I walked in as a tutor, but left as a role model who has shared his knowledge, connected with his students, and instilled a love for computer science in others. This impact not only allowed my students to grow their interests in computer science, but also renewed my love for coding. In college, I plan on continuing my studies in computer science and hope to someday find a job that inspires others as much as my role at Green Apple Education.