Hello! My name is Javier, and I am a Mechanical Engineering student at Northwestern University. I have always been passionate about understanding how things work, whether that's solving a difficult math problem, analyzing a physics concept, or designing engineering projects. My long-term goal is to work in engineering and research, and I chose mechanical engineering because it combines problem-solving, creativity, and real-world applications in a way that excites me every day. Throughout high school and college, I have gained extensive experience helping classmates, teammates, friends, and younger students understand challenging subjects. At Northwestern, I have completed coursework in calculus, differential equations, physics, materials science, thermodynamics, circuits, and engineering design. In addition to my engineering studies, I am also pursuing a minor in psychology, which has given me valuable insight into how people learn and how to adapt explanations to different learning styles. Whether I am helping a student work through algebra, preparing for a science exam, or strengthening study habits, I focus on building understanding rather than simply memorizing procedures. My teaching philosophy centers on patience, encouragement, and active problem solving. I believe students learn best when they feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes. During tutoring sessions, I work to create a supportive environment where students can build confidence while developing the skills needed to solve problems independently. Rather than simply providing answers, I guide students through the reasoning process so they can apply what they learn to future challenges. Outside the classroom, I serve as President of Northwestern's Men's Rugby Club, where I regularly mentor younger students and help them develop both academically and personally. These leadership experiences have strengthened my communication skills and taught me how to connect with students from a variety of backgrounds. I enjoy working with learners of all ages and take pride in helping students reach goals they may not have thought were possible. I look forward to helping students not only improve their grades, but also develop confidence, curiosity, and a genuine understanding of the subjects they study.
If you have a specific tutor in mind, you're welcome to request them directly — we'll confirm whether they're available and the right fit for your student. Otherwise, Ryan writes a personal email to understand your student's needs, learning style, and goals — then handpicks a tutor from the roster. You're not filling out a form and getting assigned randomly. If the first tutor isn't the right fit after the first session, we'll find you a better match at no extra charge.
Yes. Many families start with a single session to see how the tutor and student connect before committing to a regular schedule. There's no pressure to book in advance — reach out and we'll set something up.
Yes. Many of our tutors are strong across several subjects, and sessions can cover more than one if that's what the student needs that week. Flexibility is built into how we work.
Most of our tutors continue working through breaks, either online or in-person at the college if the tutors remain on campus during that vacation. We'll let you know in advance if a tutor has a gap in availability and arrange coverage with one of our other tutors — in-person or online — in the required subject.
Occasionally, if the student lives very close to the tutor's campus. Most sessions take place on or near the college campus or online. This keeps sessions in an academically focused environment — which tends to produce better results.
The families who see the biggest results are the ones who commit to a regular cadence — typically once, twice, or three times a week. One-on-one tutoring with a student from an elite college, who genuinely understands the material, is a fundamentally different experience from a tutoring center or an app. Most of our clients stay with us for multiple semesters.
Email Ryan@ShiresTutoring.com and mention which tutor and college town you're interested in, or fill out our Request a Tutor form. We typically respond within one business day.
That depends on where your student is starting and how consistently they show up. Javier will identify the specific gaps, focus sessions on them, and adjust as the student progresses. Families who stick to a weekly schedule typically see meaningful progress within four to six weeks.
Email Ryan@ShiresTutoring.com and mention you'd like to work with Javier at Northwestern University, or fill out our Request a Tutor form — you can also click the Request a Tutor button at the bottom of this page. We'll follow up within one business day to confirm availability and schedule your first session.