From Converse to a Calling
When I arrived at Converse College (now Converse University), I quickly declared chemistry as my major and secondary education as my minor. I wasn’t entirely sure where that combination would take me—but I was excited to learn.
Then, at the end of my sophomore year, something unexpected happened: the chair of the chemistry department asked if I’d consider serving as the departmental tutor.
The joiner that I am, I immediately said yes.
What I didn’t realize at the time was just how much that decision would shape the course of my academic and professional life. I tutored throughout my junior and senior years, and that experience became foundational—building skills that would carry me through graduate school, a 25-year career at the College of Charleston, and into my current role as Vice President of Academic Relations at Knack.
Tutoring as a Transformative Experience
We often talk about peer tutoring as a support mechanism for students who need academic help—and it absolutely is. But what’s sometimes overlooked is how transformative the experience can be for the tutors themselves.
For me, tutoring taught me how to communicate complex ideas clearly.
It taught me patience and adaptability.
It helped me recognize the diverse ways students learn and the importance of meeting them where they are.
Most importantly, it gave me a sense of purpose and confidence in my ability to lead and support others.
Those are not just soft skills—they’re leadership skills. They’re the kind of traits every employer looks for and every student needs, no matter their path after graduation.
Building Something Bigger
That early experience as a peer tutor helped me recognize the untapped potential of peer-led support. It showed me just how powerful student-to-student learning could be—not just for academic outcomes, but for cultivating leadership, connection, and confidence.
I spent my entire career at the College of Charleston focused on student success and learning assistance—devoting most of those years to advancing peer education. It was work rooted in the same belief that shaped my own journey: that empowering students to support one another can transform lives, including their own.
Peer tutors aren’t just helping their classmates pass a class—they’re building community, growing in confidence, and developing a toolkit that will serve them long after they leave campus.
Why It Still Matters Today
Now, at Knack, I get to help colleges and universities across the country scale peer tutoring in a way that’s both accessible and impactful. And I bring my own experience with me every step of the way.
Because I’ve lived it.
I know what it means to step into that role.
And I know how profoundly it can shape a student’s future.
When institutions invest in peer tutoring, they’re not just expanding academic support—they’re cultivating leaders. They’re equipping students with real-world skills in empathy, communication, and collaboration. They’re reinforcing the idea that helping others succeed is a powerful way to grow yourself.
A Final Reflection
Peer tutoring has stayed with me throughout my journey—not just as a professional passion, but as a personal conviction.
It’s meaningful, memorable, and deeply impactful.
Not just for the student receiving help—but for the one giving it, too.
If your institution is looking to expand access to academic support while cultivating future-ready student leaders, we’d love to connect. Let’s talk about how Knack can help you build a peer tutoring program that works—for every learner.
