The radical act of finding joy in your learning.

Melissa Lucía Sarmiento is a teacher, writer, and consultant. After graduating from Cornell University with a bachelor of arts in history and minors in German and Latin American studies, Melissa relocated to Tokyo, Japan, where she taught English through the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program. Upon returning to the US, she received her Master of Arts in Teaching from Brown University. 

Melissa has experience teaching various history courses. At the high school level, she has taught US history and modern and ancient history. At the middle school level, she has designed and implemented her own curriculum in geography and world religions. Melissa has also advised school newspapers, and spearheaded the creation of a writing center at her current school in Miami, FL. Melissa imbues all her lessons with energy and passion, helping students find joy in their learning. 

Melissa has extensive experience as a writing tutor and applications essay consultant. Melissa has guided students as they successfully applied to competitive undergraduate and graduate programs including Cornell, Columbia, Harvard, UC Berkeley, the University of Chicago, Wesleyan and Mount Holyoke, among others. Her multilingual, international background gives her unique perspectives on any issue her students may encounter. A former alumni interviewer for Cornell’s College of Arts and Sciences, Melissa is familiar with every step of the application process. 

Outside the classroom, you can find Melissa writing letters (with stamps!), kickboxing, and journaling.