August Sister Spotlight: Raven Smith – Strong Sister Silly Sister

What does Strong Sister, Silly Sister, Inc. mean to you?

I participated in Strong Sister, Silly Sister, Inc. at a transitional point in my life. I was not performing academically for what I felt was my highest potential and was very hard on myself. Strong Sister, Silly Sister encourages me to invest in my gifts and talents and do not define myself by where I needed to progress.

Describe Strong Sister, Silly Sister, Inc. in one word

Inspirational

How has Strong Sister, Silly Sister, Inc. helped you?

Strong Sister, Silly Sister helped me to allow myself to be influenced by the RIGHT things, as opposed to everything in my environment. It encouraged me to continue serving as a role model for younger girls.

How do you shine your light on our world (How do you uplift others)?

Through my tutoring company, I instill confidence in my students through their academics. Fortunately, that confidence spills over into many other aspects of their lives, contributing to their growth as amazing little people!

What is your current career?

I am the owner for Crystal Clear Tutoring, LLC. I recognized that not every student learns concepts in the same way, and took pride in figuring out which teaching methods benefitted each student. It is a gratifying experience of being able to contribute to younger students’ educational growth. Enthusiasm for teaching continued throughout my college career at Northwestern University, as I tutored numerous elementary and high school students in the Evanston area.

In June of 2014, after 4 years of what seemed like endless tutoring sessions and Office Hours of her own with her Professors, I received a Bachelors of the Sciences degree in Chemistry from Northwestern. This accomplishment meant the world to me, not only because it meant opportunities for employment and success, but mostly because I knew how much hard work and perseverance it took to get there. I made a promise to myself that I would do whatever I could to help other students who may struggle academically achieve their school and career goals. I began to develop a plan to start a tutoring company of my own that would enable me to do just that, while also being accessible and affordable for families throughout Chicago. Crystal Clear Tutoring, LLC was born from this promise in November of 2015.

Please visit our website for more information: https://www.cctutoring.org/