Tarek Maloui graduated from Yale University with degrees in both Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and Theater & Performance Studies—with distinction in both departments. He was both a Horatio Alger National Scholar as well as a QuestBridge National Scholar. Tarek has over 6 years of teaching experience, including coaching college essay applicants across the country, directing improv workshops for K-12 students, teaching English and life planning to highschoolers in Osaka, Japan, and leading wildlife conservation workshops at the Prospect Park Zoo.

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Tarek’s approach and philosophy to mentorship are heavily informed by his past experience as a mentee in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Tarek’s mentor David showed him that the best way to connect with students is to engage them as whole people, deserving of respect and attention in the same way any adult would be. What students want most is to be taken seriously and to feel validated in their perception of the world, to not be patronized or treated as if they inherently misunderstand things due to their age. Through meeting students at their level, Tarek is more adeptly able to guide them. He finds that this way, they are far more receptive to advice, wisdom, and alternative ideas.

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Originally from St. Petersburg, FL, Tarek is now based in Los Angeles after living in NYC post-grad. In his free time, Tarek enjoys trying new cuisine, reading outside in the sun, and working on his manuscript of poetry which he is hoping to publish in the coming year.

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