My name is Mia Schmitz, and I am a born-and-raised Williams local! I graduated from Veritas Scholars Academy in 2023, where I discovered that education is NOT about being "smart" or even getting the right grades.

I've pursued a wide variety of interests in both the sciences and the arts, from studying math and biology to classical training in opera, guitar, and ukulele, as well as directing children's choirs. Along the way, I've learned that some of the most rewarding skills come from the relentless pursuit of excellence. This means doing hard things, especially when they feel hard.

For many students, the most intimidating subjects are math and science. While good teaching and curriculum are important, no magic curriculum can replace a student's mindset toward learning.

A few wonderful teachers in high school helped me discover a genuine love for math and science, not because I was naturally good at them, but because they taught me to enjoy the challenge. They taught me that when facing a difficult concept or problem, the first thing I needed to believe was that I could overcome it. Then they taught me to ask questions until I understood.

Over time, I developed an approach to education built on the conviction that I could understand anything I was willing to work toward, and that my intelligence wasn't defined by how "right" my homework was. I put this philosophy to the test when I took a college calculus course simply to challenge myself. It was there that I absolutely fell in love with the satisfaction of wrestling with something difficult until I finally understood it.

My goal in tutoring is to share that passion for the educational journey. Learning isn't about getting everything right on the first try. It's about developing a gritty, "can-do" attitude toward any mental challenge. Whether your child wants to pursue the arts, sciences, trades, athletics, or entrepreneurship, this mindset is essential. Curiosity, perseverance, and confidence are the tools that make it possible.

If your child is struggling with a subject or simply looking to develop their skills, my goal is to help them build the confidence to tackle challenges and discover that learning can be something they genuinely enjoy.

No one has to be a natural at school to become good at it. And no one has to face the challenges of learning alone.

If this sounds like the approach to education you've been looking for, welcome to Ravenwell Tutoring!