Julia Taverna, a senior at Lincoln Park High School, is passionate about making education both accessible and engaging for all students. With a strong background in tutoring, Julia has helped younger students in biology by reviewing concepts, preparing them for tests, and guiding them through lab reports. These experiences have given her a solid foundation in teaching and the ability to break down complex topics into fun, understandable lessons.

Julia also has experience teaching virtually, often using Zoom to meet the needs of students with time or location constraints. This flexibility and adaptability make her well prepared to guide Ghanaian scholars through their own learning journeys online.

Her decision to join SmartKids Ghana as a Zoom teacher was inspired by her experience with the HMS MEDscience program, where she learned about this impactful opportunity. For Julia, teaching is not just about academics, it’s about building connections, sparking curiosity, and encouraging students to believe in themselves. She sees this role as a way to give back in a meaningful way while also developing her own leadership skills.

As part of her role, Julia is also committed to raising $250, which directly supports transportation, internet access, and essential resources for scholars in Ghana. This fundraising ensures that her lessons and those of other SmartKids Ghana teachers can reach students consistently and effectively.

Julia is excited to bring her energy, creativity, and supportive spirit to her SmartKids Ghana classroom. She believes every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and thrive, and she is proud to be part of a mission that makes this possible. Through her teaching, Julia hopes to not only share knowledge but also inspire confidence and curiosity in every student she meets. We are really happy to welcome Julia to the team.