Matthew’s academic journey is unique: he began his undergraduate studies at age 12 and graduated from Cal State Los Angeles at 18 with a double BA in Literature and Philosophy. During his time as an undergraduate, he served as a tutor at the University Writing Center, helping peers find their voices and structure their arguments. Matthew later moved to Mexico City, where he taught English composition to graduate students at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), helping them meet rigorous publication standards. Beyond academia, Matthew has a professional background in narrative storytelling, having published fiction and criticism and worked in writers’ rooms for the entertainment industry. Since returning to Los Angeles, he has taught both creative and academic writing at competitive prep schools in the San Gabriel Valley.
Matthew is passionate about helping students dismantle the fear that there is only one "right way" to write an essay. He aims to strike a balance between the authentic voice of the student and the rigorous expectations of college admissions. Deep down, students usually know what they want to communicate, but they often fear that their real thoughts won't fulfill "the assignment." Matthew works to cultivate a sense of creative freedom, helping students uncover stories they may have dismissed as unimportant and shaping those narratives into compelling, structurally sound essays. He views his students as fellow writers, using his professional background to help them craft stories that stand out.
In his free time, Matthew is an avid linguist and is currently studying the piano. He is a dedicated player of all racket and paddle sports, from tennis and squash to ping pong and pickleball. He is also a dedicated volunteer for local animal rescues, fostering dogs and cats throughout Los Angeles as they await adoption.
