Paul’s Story

Back in the day, I was not exactly a great student. My college career was often a real struggle. I had a hard time staying organized and turning in assignments on time, and I didn’t know how to get help if I needed it. I struggled with depression and was not able to stay focused on school, finally making it to graduation with some poor grades on my record.

Years later, as a graduate student, I aced my classes, finished with a 4.0 GPA and earned over half my tuition in academic scholarships - all while working full time. What changed?

Over the years, I developed strong working habits and organizational systems. I learned, through my study of music and languages, the power of neuroplasticity - a fancy way of saying that your brain really can learn new things in new ways if you train it properly.

I also found my motivation when I realized that learning creates new possibilities in life. I became a teacher because I believe that every student has the ability to succeed at their goals if they have the right tools and resources.

“Education is the key that opens the world to a student.”

Getting through school is great, but the real success story happened after I graduated. I’ve been lucky enough to spend part of my career traveling the world, working and living in five countries on four continents. I’ve been a surfing instructor in New Zealand, a summer camp director in Vietnam, and a business owner in the Philippines. I’ve been a classroom teacher in elementary, middle, and high schools, in both public and private school settings. I’ve started small businesses a few times, and even made a living working as a musician. My life of travel and rich experience would not have been possible without finding a path through school. Education is the key that opens the world to a student.

Throughout my journey, I have always come back to my first love: teaching students, helping them learn, grow, and believe in themselves. The most rewarding thing about teaching is the relationships and connections I’ve built with my students over the years.

Now, as an academic coach, I use the skills I’ve acquired over my career to help students find academic success on their own terms, free from stress and judgment. I use methods adapted from cognitive science, not just to teach my students, but to help them teach themselves. And I always remind students of the world of possibility and joy ahead.

We can do this together.