Amy Kao Earth Science Computer Programming (ESCP)

Hi! I'm Amy Kao, the Earth Science and Computer Programming (ESCP) Tutor Supervisor. I am also the tutor for Atmospheric and Oceanic Science 3. I'm a fourth year Economics/International Area Studies major with a minor in Global Studies. You may be wondering why an Economics major is tutoring a science course, right? Many of the students I meet for A&O3 are in the same shoes as I am a non-science major. In this way, I feel like I can relate to my students better. However, I want them to realize that science is a daily part of our lives and to inspire them to enjoy science.

I became involved in AAP tutorials after hearing about all the great things my friends would say about AAP. I have been involved with AAP for two years now and I love every second of it! AAP students are extremely motivated and intelligent. Getting to know them on a more personal level adds a certain dynamic to tutoring. As a tutor, not only do I help guide students to becoming critical thinkers, but I also have the opportunity to give them advice on basic "college survival skills" to keep up with the competitive nature of UCLA. For me, being a tutor also means that I am their mentor and friend; someone they can come to if they have questions about anything. It is one of UCLA's best kept secrets that a myriad of resources, everything from free tutoring to graduate school planning to scholarships, is available through AAP. I have the opportunity to actively give back to my community and interact with students from all sorts of backgrounds. In addition, as the ESCP supervisor, I have the privilege of working with a well qualified team of ESCP tutors who are just as excited as I am about tutoring. Everyone brings a fresh attitude that contributes to the diversity in AAP.

In addition to my involvement at AAP, I am also a Research Assistant and a Grader for the Department of Economics at UCLA. This position not only lets me keep up with the current finance state of the world economy, but also introduces me to new economic theories. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my friends, baking in the kitchen and planning dream vacations. I love meeting new people, so do not hesitate to say hi to me!