Is it a challenge for you to write essays, study for tests, prepare proposals, or perfect an e-mail that goes to everyone in your company? Many people struggle with each of these challenges, but help is on the way. I worked as a news reporter for many years, and then I taught English courses at Vance-Granville Community College for almost ten years. For the past 13 summers, I taught a writing course to future medical and dental students at Duke University. Now, I want to focus more on tutoring individuals who need one-on-one assistance.
Students typically need assistance with basic writing skills. I help them with grammar rules, sentence structure, and essay development. Getting started is usually the hardest part of the writing process, so I try different techniques which can trigger ideas for students. Also, critical thinking is necessary as students generate information for their essays, and thinking beyond their comfort zone can be difficult.
Reading comprehension is a major part of understanding complex information in textbooks. When I tutor students in reading, we dissect words, phrases, and sentences by reviewing concepts such as main ideas, supporting details, and context clues. Everyone learns differently, so I offer suggestions to students on how to grasp the meaning of complicated passages. I also encourage them to read anything and everything: books, magazines, newspapers (and sales inserts), romance novels, comic books, cook books, and children’s books. My motto to students is, “Simply watch and learn how words work together.” This is not exciting, but it is definitely necessary in order to become a better reader and writer.
Even the best students must find new ways to study, so there is no shame in needing advice on how to improve one’s study skills. First, I ask students to tell me how they study, and then we try to decide which methods work best. Whether they are studying for a test or reviewing class notes, they must use techniques that are productive.
A major part of improving one’s study skills is to become more organized. Doing something as simple as rearranging a backpack (or any bag for books) can make a big difference in how a student prepares to study. Fumbling through books and papers for too long is exhausting, and this can turn into one more reason not to study. Taking small steps is important while improving one’s study skills.
Hardworking professionals also need assistance while doing their best in the workplace. Writing proposals seems to be a big challenge (and a requirement) for employees in certain positions. Finding the exact words for a specific project can be challenging, even for a seasoned veteran. Similar to the assistance that I provide for students, I try to help professionals brainstorm for ideas without the stress that they might feel in the workplace or while working alone. In addition, preparing letters, speeches, and presentations are time-consuming tasks that I can handle.
For twenty years (1985 to 2005), I wrote for several publications on a regular basis, either as a staff writer or as a freelancer. I still write on a freelance basis, so I can assist anyone who needs to submit a press release or article to a newspaper, magazine, newsletter/bulletin, or electronic publication. I occasionally help writers who are writing books, either as an editor or a “ghost writer” (helping writers to implement their ideas with my words, but only they receive the credit).
I love speaking Spanish because it’s such a beautiful language; I just wish that I were fluent. Whenever I have attempted to communicate with Spanish speakers, no one has left in anger because I insulted him/her, so that might be a good sign that I’m actually learning how to speak properly. Despite my lack of fluency, I can still assist Spanish speakers (and anyone who speaks another language) with improving their writing, reading and speaking skills in English. As a beginner with learning Spanish, I know for sure that “practice makes perfect,” and anyone who is trying to learn English can practice with me, and I can explain grammar rules and exceptions to those rules.
I mainly tutor adults, but I also tutor teenagers and children. Students must be accompanied by an adult during tutoring sessions if they are under 18 years old (even if they are driving). I never want to be responsible for the behavior or whereabouts of minors, and some parents might mistake this tutoring session as a babysitting service. Also, whether my clients are adults or minors, I always tutor in public places (libraries, restaurants, etc.).
Appointments for tutoring sessions are preferred, but I am willing to assist someone who has a last-minute project (depending on my schedule). My fees are very reasonable compared to others who offer similar services. (I’ve done my research.) I discuss the cost of the tutoring sessions when I first communicate (via phone or e-mail) with clients, and payment is due at the completion of each service.
I’m looking forward to assisting others in my community and making new friends. Please contact me at 919-482-4106 (cell) or at freelancer1963@yahoo.com and leave detailed messages.
Download my full flyer here in English: vickyjiggetts_flyer
Download my full flyer here in Spanish: vickyjiggetts_flyer_spanish
By Vicky M. Jiggetts