Today we’d like to introduce you to Amelia Blaska.
Hi Amelia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Dunwoody and graduated from The Westminster Schools here in Atlanta, where I was a National Merit Scholar, class president, and cross-country captain. My college years were spent at the University of Notre Dame, where I graduated with a B.A. and Honors in English as well as a minor in Spanish. Upon returning to Atlanta, I immediately accepted a 7th and 8th-grade teaching position at my alma mater, The Westminster Schools. I taught 7th grade English and 8th-grade Writing Workshop for six years, along with 10th grade English during summer school. The following year, I accepted a position teaching 7th grade English at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School, also in Atlanta.
Also curious to consider to the legal profession, as my family has a boutique personal injury firm near Northridge Drive, I began classes at Emory in the fall of 2007. I received my paralegal certification in the spring of 2008. Subsequently, I not only worked at The Blaska Law Firm, but also with several of the top firms and attorneys here in Atlanta. I also worked corporately for two successful entrepreneurs.
Prior to attending Emory, I immediately began tutoring on the side, as my passion for teaching, love of learning, and desire to pull the very best out of my students will never subside. For 15 years, I have actively tutored. After years serving in both the capacity of paralegal and part-time tutor, I simply knew it was time to return to my calling and passion full-time. Thus, in the fall of 2018, I launched my own tutoring and educational consulting enterprise.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Perhaps one of the biggest obstacles faced along the way was Covid. It adversely affected my business because everyone was understandably afraid, and as such, many of my clients felt working together was just unsafe. As such, I had to adapt immediately and quickly. At this point, I began virtually tutoring. Even though I am now seeing the majority of my clients face-to-face again, this obstacle actually opened up a new realm of possibilities. Now I will always tutor virtually, for it not only allows me to tutor at odd and later hours, but it has enabled me to expand my business to the national level. At present, I have established a client base of four students in Wisconsin, and I also tutor a rising senior in Davenport, Iowa.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My diversified skill set separates me from other tutors and tutoring services in my field. I tutor elementary, middle and high school students as well as college students, and in a wide array of levels and subjects, including on-level, honors, and AP/IB classes for the following: English, Spanish, Math, Science, History, Religion, Study Skills, Philosophy, and Psychology. In 2006, I began standardized test preparation for the SAT specifically. Now I have expanded my business to include individualized instruction, typically more effective than classes, for a total of SIX standardized tests: GMAS (MILESTONES), MAP, SSAT, PSAT, SAT, and ACT. I continue to offer services and expertise assisting students applying to private schools in the Metro Atlanta area as an educational consultant, and I provide the same service for college-bound high school students. I usually tutor in person or at the homes of my students. Pre-Covid, we would also meet at locations like public libraries, Starbucks, or community clubhouses. As mentioned, I recently began tutoring virtually at the national level. Georgia will always be my home, but I’m super excited about how my business is growing!
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love the seasons and the natural beauty of Atlanta, the culture omnipresent here, the ever-evolving restaurant scene, and of course, Southern hospitality. As someone who travels to and from the residences of her students, I must say that Atlanta traffic is what I enjoy least.
Pricing:
- Standardized Test Preparation: 1.5 Hours – $150
- Individualized Subject Tutoring: 1 Hour – $90
Contact Info:
- Email: Blaska.amelia@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amelia.blaska
https://www.facebook.com/groups/262488931143415/?ref=share
