PrepNow Tutor - Racheal O.
Racheal holds a BS in architecture and a BS in real estate from the University of Illinois, Chicago. Throughout college, she worked as a STEAM educator with Project Exploration, where she designed and taught hands-on curricula for K-12 students in subjects including architecture, engineering, communication, and forensic science. In addition to leading these classes, Racheal provided one-on-one and small-group homework support in reading and math for students in kindergarten through 8th grade. Racheal is now pursuing her Master of Architecture while teaching and mentoring students.
Racheal first became interested in teaching through an early-college professional program that introduced her to Project Exploration, where she began working during her first year of college. “I initially provided tutoring and homework support in reading and math for students, but I quickly became recognized for my ability to connect with students and help make challenging concepts more approachable,” Racheal recalls. “This led to opportunities to develop and teach project-based STEAM curricula in areas such as architecture, engineering, and communication.” Throughout her career in education, Racheal has taught reading, math, communication and relationship building, elementary engineering, and exploration to students in kindergarten through eighth grade; she has also taught architecture and forensic science to high school students. Her math subjects have included quantitative reasoning, simple arithmetic, algebra, and geometry; and her reading subjects have included verbal reasoning, grammar, vocabulary, and writing.
“My background in architecture has influenced the way I teach because I see education as a process of designing an experience around the learner,” Racheal says. “Every student has different strengths, challenges, and ways of understanding information, so I adapt my approach and use different methods, whether that is visual explanations, hands-on activities, discussion, or step-by-step guidance. My goal is not only to help students improve academically, but to help them become curious, confident learners who are willing to explore, make mistakes, and continue growing.” Racheal has spent the last several years creating and teaching project-based lessons that encourage students to think critically, ask questions, and apply what they learn in meaningful ways. “My favorite part of tutoring is watching students become confident enough to solve problems on their own.”
Racheal graduated magna cum laude and was a member of the UIC Honors College, where she earned the Honors College Completion and Distinction recognition. In architecture, she received the Faculty Fellow Award for Best Undergraduate Project, and her capstone project was selected for the YES Project Showcase as one of the program’s top projects. Additionally, she was the inaugural and three-time recipient of the Kokkino Foundation Scholarship.
In her spare time, Racheal is a big fan of ice hockey and enjoys watching games whenever she can. She also enjoys learning to play the keyboard, reading nonfiction, singing at her local church, and being outdoors, especially fishing and spending time in peaceful natural settings. “I have six names, four of which I have never been addressed by,” Racheal shares.
