Hannah Alden This is Me

Education

 Web References

1. 1. Times-Herald - Today's News

   www.timesheraldonline.com/Stor - [Cached]

   Published on: 3/21/2005   Last Visited: 3/21/2005

   HANNAH ALDEN, left, goes over an element of Chinese history with Benicia High School sophomore Chelsea McCown at the Benicia Public Library.
   ...
   Alden, a Diablo Valley College student, has had a business tutoring other students since she was a freshman in high school. Photo: Mike Jory/Times-Herald
   ...
   BENICIA - Like most high school students, Hannah Alden was sometimes bored in class. But the Benicia teen didn't get bored for the usual reasons.
   
   Hannah, 17, wanted harder courses, and to go faster through the textbook. As a freshman, she started her own tutoring business. She graduated from Benicia High School in December, a semester early.
   
   "I'm a really motivated person, and it's hard for me to go at a slow pace," she said.
   
   The Association of California School Administrators recognized Alden for overcoming hardships in realizing academic success. Each year, ACSA salutes outstanding students as part of its "Every Student Succeeding" program.
   
   As a BHS sophomore, Alden got mononucleosis and was out of school for several months. She slept for 12 to 15 hours a day, felt weak and became drained of energy.
   
   It could have been a big setback, but she persevered, and with the help of teachers Barbara Aragon, Ken McKeon, Ron Calderon, and Deborah Casey caught up.
   
   Alden has always loved school. In elementary grades, she had a mix of public and homeschool programs. In public schools, things "were a lot slower," she said.
   
   Things were so slow that she started jumping ahead - doing more homework than required, and reading extra books. She said the extra challenges made school rewarding.
   
   "As long as you utilize all your resources and stay motivated, school can be very enriching," she said.
   
   These days, Alden devotes four afternoons to her tutoring business. She has professional business cards, and a business plan. In the mornings, she attends Diablo Valley College.
   
   After transferring to a four-year college, she will probably focus on business, she said, although is still undecided. Attracting clients, plus the advertising and marketing aspect of business fascinate her.
   
   "I love interacting with the kids, especially when you see them understand something for the first time," she said.
   
   Alden gets her clients mainly through teacher and parent referrals. She works with people of all ages in the library or in their homes. Her favorite part of her job is to watch sparks of interest and understanding ignite in those she works with.
   
   Raised in Michigan and Southern California, Alden moved to Benicia in 1999, and entered Benicia Middle School in seventh grade.
   
   Anyone interested in contacting Alden may call 638-8868.