The radical act of finding joy in your learning.

Melissa Lucía Sarmiento is a teacher, writer, and educational 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 United States, she earned her Master of Arts in Teaching from Brown University.

Melissa teaches both English and history at the secondary level. In high school, she has taught English literature and composition as well as U.S., modern, and ancient history. At the middle school level, she has designed and implemented her own curriculum in geography and world religions. She has also advised school newspapers and spearheaded the creation of a writing center at her current school in Miami, Florida. Across disciplines, Melissa brings energy and care to her classroom, helping students build skills, confidence, and a genuine enjoyment of learning.

In addition to her classroom teaching, Melissa has extensive experience as a writing tutor and college applications consultant. She works closely with students on personal statements, supplemental essays, and long-term passion projects that reflect their authentic interests and voices. Students she has supported have earned admission to highly selective colleges and universities including Cornell, Columbia, Harvard, UC Berkeley, the University of Chicago, Wesleyan, Mount Holyoke, Haverford, Dartmouth, and NYU. Her multilingual and international background informs her work with students from a wide range of perspectives, and her experience as a former alumni interviewer helps her guide students thoughtfully through the admissions process.

Outside the classroom, Melissa can often be found writing letters (with stamps), kickboxing, and journaling.