Jacob Alderete graduated magna cum laude with his Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from UCLA. He is now in medical school at the same university with a focus on neurosurgery. Jacob has worked with students in a variety of capacities, including as a tutor, water polo coach, and lifeguard instructor. As a Hayutin educator, he supports his students in math through AP Calculus, AP Biology, AP Physics, organic and AP Chemistry, AP Psychology, AP Government, AP History, environmental science, and anatomy. Jacob is also an experienced Executive Functioning coach who helps students improve study skills, time management, organization, and planning. Jacob's passions outside of the classroom include mountain biking, reading about and discussing neuropsychology, and watching movies.

 

We Asked, Jacob Answered 

  • What is one of your fundamental beliefs about education?

    I believe education should connect abstract concepts to real-life applications. When I tutor physics, for instance, I’ll ask students to imagine how flying squirrels glide to introduce projectile motion and air resistance. This approach makes learning engaging and helps students see the relevance of what they’re studying in the real world.

  • What is your favorite subject to teach and why?

    I really enjoy teaching calculus because it has so many real-world applications that students might not initially realize. The concept of derivatives, for example, is all about understanding how things change—whether it's the speed of a car, the rate at which a population grows, or the fluctuations in stock prices. Integrals, on the other hand, help us find areas, volumes, and even total accumulated quantities, like how much fuel has been consumed over time. I love helping students connect these concepts to real-life situations. It really shows how math is not just about solving problems on paper but is a key tool for understanding and interacting with the world around us.

  • Share an anecdote about a time your student hit a wall and how the student overcame it.

    A student of mine once struggled with understanding torque in physics. I asked them to imagine opening a stubborn door with a handle versus pushing closer to the hinge. This hands-on analogy helped them immediately grasp the concept, and they went on to ace their rotational motion problems. It was amazing to see their confidence grow with that breakthrough.

  • What makes Hayutin different?

    Hayutin excels in building connections beyond academics. The tutors here are not just educators but mentors who work to understand each student’s unique needs. This tailored approach ensures the students feel supported every step of the way.

  • What is the favorite thing you've learned from a student?

    One of the most interesting things I’ve learned from a student was how to create programs using Scratch, a visual programming language. I had never explored it in-depth before, and it was fascinating to see how easily students could create animations and games by simply snapping blocks of code together. The creativity and problem-solving skills required to design interactive programs were eye-opening. It also helped me realize how valuable it is to understand the foundational concepts of programming in a way that’s both engaging and accessible. It reminded me that learning doesn’t always have to be complex to be effective—it can be fun and creative, and still provide powerful insights into the way computers work.

  • Other than education, what is something you are passionate about?

    I’m passionate about neurosurgery and its potential to transform lives. The brain is such a complex and mysterious organ, and I love diving into research that bridges neuroscience with innovative surgical techniques.

  • What’s something you learned about yourself after high school that you wish you knew back then?

    I’ve learned the importance of pacing myself. In high school, I’d rush through problems to finish quickly, often at the expense of accuracy. Now, I focus on slowing down and double-checking my work, which has made me more efficient in the long run.

  • What is a stretch you experienced growing up?

    I was shy as a kid and had trouble talking to people I didn’t know. Over time, I worked on becoming more confident through my academic and athletic experiences, and now I feel much more comfortable in social situations.

  • If you could tutor any historical figure, who would it be and what would your focus be?

    I would tutor a young Nikola Tesla, focusing on math and science. I’d be fascinated to see how his mind worked, especially in understanding complex concepts like calculus and physics. I think exploring the way he approached problems could offer incredible insights into how intuition and analytical thinking intertwine in scientific discovery.

  • What’s the book on your nightstand you are dying to read?

    The book on my nightstand that I’m excited to read is The Terminal Man by Michael Crichton. This novel delves into the world of experimental brain surgery, following a man who undergoes a procedure to manage his neurological condition. What fascinates me is how Crichton combines cutting-edge science with psychological exploration, raising important questions about the relationship between technology and the human mind. It’s a thought-provoking story that blends suspense with scientific inquiry, making it a perfect read for anyone curious about both medical advances and human nature.

  • Anything else you'd like to share?

    "Chance favors the prepared mind." This quote, attributed to Louis Pasteur, really resonates with me. Whether it’s for a test, a tutoring session, or a challenging problem, having a solid foundation and being ready for whatever comes your way allows you to make the most of those moments when they arise.

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