Rashida
Rashida received her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and minors in mathematics and psychology from Georgia State University. She also received her Master of Science in Chemistry from the same institution. Rashida is now a Doctor of Medicine candidate at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. She has over ten years of experience teaching math and science to students from the elementary to post-graduate level. As a Hayutin educator, Rashida supports her students in mastering anatomy, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, organic chemistry, AP Psychology, environmental science, sociology, and math through pre-calculus. She is also an experienced writing and AP English tutor and has extensive experience helping students prepare for the ACT, SAT, GRE, ISEE test prep and essential test taking skills. Rashida is an Executive Functioning coach who helps students improve study skills, time management, organization, and planning. Outside of education, Rashida's interests are varied - she enjoys group fitness classes, traveling, volunteering, cooking, playing board games, and watching Korean dramas.
We Asked, Rashida Answered
What is one of your fundamental beliefs about education?
I firmly believe that education is a deeply personal journey, uniquely tailored to each individual’s passions, potential, and experiences. It is never a one-size-fits-all model; instead, it’s a tapestry of diverse learning paths. Central to my teaching approach is the belief in providing individualized attention and cultivating a nurturing learning atmosphere. I firmly advocate for tailoring each teaching session to accommodate the unique requirements and learning preferences of my students, aiming for profound comprehension of concepts not simply memorization.What is your favorite subject to teach and why?
My favorite subject to teach is chemistry. I love it not only because of my academic background but also because of its profound power to explain the world around us. Chemistry connects the physical and life sciences, allowing students to explore the fundamental principles that shape our lives, and this understanding can be truly enlightening. There is nothing quite like the joy of helping students unravel complex ideas, from how atoms behave to the intricacies of chemical reactions. I cherish those “aha” moments when they connect theory to real-life applications, and it's these moments that inspire me to continue teaching chemistry.Share an anecdote about a time your student hit a wall and how the student overcame it.
I was working with a student who was having trouble understanding chemical equilibrium. To help her out, I brought in a seesaw analogy, using weights to illustrate how reactions shift and balance. Watching her face light up as she connected the visuals to the concepts was truly rewarding.What makes Hayutin different?
At Hayutin, they believe in the power of family and appreciate their educators and the relationships between students and teachers. They focus on community and approach each bond holistically.What is the favorite thing you've learned from a student?
One of my favorite lessons came from a student who illustrated reaction mechanisms in organic chemistry through a comic strip, inspiring me to incorporate more creative approaches in my teaching.Other than education, what is something you are passionate about?
Outside of education, I'm passionate about dancing and staying active. I used to practice ballet, and now I enjoy taking dance classes like Zumba, which keep me energized and bring me a sense of fulfillment!
What’s something you learned about yourself after high school that you wish you knew back then?
After high school, I learned the importance of enjoying the present and cherishing time with loved ones. While preparing for college and the future is crucial, I wish I had known back then how valuable it is to embrace each moment and nurture those relationships.What is a stretch you experienced growing up?
Growing up, I experienced a significant stretch in balancing my passion for academics with my love for the arts, particularly dance. While I’ve become better at integrating both into my life, I continue to seek the right balance between my professional commitments and personal interests.If you could tutor any historical figure, who would it be and what would your focus be?
If I could tutor any historical figure, it would be Michael Jackson, and I would focus on his creativity and passion for performance, exploring how his artistic vision can inspire my own journey in dance and education.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 "Bridgerton" series by Julia Quinn, specifically the third novel.