Tutor Spotlight: Riley H.
Meet Riley.
Riley is a seasoned educator with a master’s degree in English and over a decade of experience teaching and tutoring writing, critical reading, and standardized test preparation. Boasting extensive experience coaching SAT, ACT, and SSAT, Riley excels at helping students hone their analytical and time-management skills for success on test day. His patient, tailored approach ensures each student gains confidence and mastery in tackling complex material.
What's one thing you love about tutoring?
I love getting to know students and working together to discover their unique learning styles. No two minds are the same, and it’s exciting to help students grow into their own individual approaches to learning. When that “click” happens, and students learn to leverage their personal strengths, it’s a breakthrough that can last a lifetime, with impact well beyond their academic career.
How do you keep students engaged During tutoring sessions?
I like to approach tutoring sessions as a relaxed but focused conversation, rather than a monologue where I speak and the student listens. When we’re both participating and working on problems together, sessions can take on an almost game-like quality. Any stress associated with the material takes a back seat for a while, and time starts to fly.
What's one study tip every student should know?
When you’re studying, focus as much as you can on the task at hand, but remember to take breaks, take walks, and be sure to get enough rest. A lot of the big breakthroughs in learning happen “offline,” when your mind is relaxed, and you’re thinking about something else. Work hard, and then allow your mind time and space to absorb the information and make connections on its own.
What was your favorite class in high school and why?
My favorite class in high school was AP Music. It was tough—especially since I needed a crash course in basic music notation to qualify—but the challenge was well worth it. I learned a lot about music theory, the evolution of musical styles, and why my favorite songs sounded so good to me. I even got to come in with my electric guitar and amp to perform some of my compositions for the class.
Can you share an example of a student you were proud of for reaching their goals?
When I taught writing classes at PSU, I had a student who wanted to become a comedy writer. He worked hard crafting and revising his essays, many of which were genuinely funny where appropriate. A few years later, I happened to see him performing standup on Conan, and last I heard, he was head writer on another popular late night show. He had a dream, and he wasted no time making it a reality.
What do you admire about your students?
Students often don’t get enough credit for how much they take on. Especially leading up to college applications, there’s so much to balance: classwork, test preparation, researching and visiting schools, extracurriculars, and maintaining a social life. I admire that my students are willing to meet those challenges proactively, with their best effort, knowing that their future selves will thank them for it.
