“NCVPS’ Peer Tutoring Center offered me a chance to not only tutor students, but also to get involved in programs such as Virtual Buddy and Tutor Talk, which has honestly been a great way to develop my communication and writing skills!” – Kae S.
“Kae is a wonderful representative of NCVPS, especially in her roles of Team Lead and Tutor Talk Editor at the Peer Tutoring Center! She is passionate about the subjects she tutors, supportive of the other students on her team, and constantly searching for ways to help her peers. She makes herself available for tutoring beyond what is required of the tutors, she works to help other students achieve success within the Peer Tutoring Center, and, most recently, she has taken on the additional challenge of becoming the editor for Tutor Talk. It has been an incredible experience working with Kae so far and I’m excited to see what she accomplishes next!” – NCVPS Peer Tutoring Center Instructional Leader, Niamh Sinclair
Kae’s Story
My name is Kae Saotome, and I’m a senior in high school. I’m driven to try out everything that interests me, whether that be joining my school’s Student Government or learning how to do Chinese yo-yo. A piece of advice from a friend that has continued to shape my perspective is to always choose whatever excites you the most. Whenever I face a decision, I often try to think of what kinds of “fun” each of these choices would bring to me, and that mindset has deeply enriched my everyday life.
Online Experience
I’ve taken Japanese I, II, III and Math III through NCVPS.
I decided to take NCVPS’ Japanese I course during middle school, following my older brother’s advice to get a head start on my high school foreign language credits. Navigating through an online language class was a new experience for me, but I was amused by the supportive environment NCVPS created for students like me, even in a virtual environment.
Taking Japanese courses online deepened my connection with my own country’s rich cultures and traditions, and allowed me to connect with like-minded students. Additionally, taking Math III online opened up various opportunities for me to take advanced math courses, some of which are my favorite classes today.
During my time with NCVPS, I was most surprised to receive an invitation to join NCVPS’ Peer Tutoring Center (PTC) from my Japanese II course instructor. Now, I’ve been a part of the PTC for around four years, and I’m appreciative of all the wonderful people I’ve met, as well as the opportunity to virtually assist students from a diverse range of backgrounds.
My advice to other online students is not to hesitate to ask for help! All the teachers here are extremely supportive and willing to help you!
Life Outside of School
Outside of school, I’ve founded a club named “Allergy Allies” this year, aiming to educate students about food allergy awareness and the dangers associated with allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis and hives. Having been allergic to milk and egg since birth, I’ve had a great time working to collaborate with nearby dining places to provide allergen-friendly interventions.
My favorite movie is K-Pop Demon Hunters, because this movie reminds me of the time I watched it for the first time in my new high school’s lecture hall. After having to transfer schools and live in a dorm full of people I didn’t know, this movie gave me the time to forget about loneliness.
Goals & Future Plans
A goal I have this semester is to continue on with my initiatives with my club, “Allergy Allies,” to bring food allergy safety to my community, and hopefully further expand its impact.
My future plans include pursuing a degree in biology and going to medical school to become an allergist. I hope to involve myself in more extracurricular activities and experiences related to health careers, and continue being curious about the world around me.
Personal Notes & Fun Facts
- My favorite hobbies are reading, sleeping, and eating out with friends!
- My favorite animals are dogs and hedgehogs.
- I love Oreo and Teddy Grahams!
- I would not be able to live without eating rice.
