Anzony De La Cuarda says managing academic studies and extracurricular activities takes proper time management and knowing when and where to seek help.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Anzony De La Cuarda

Photo Credit: Contributed

NORWALK, Conn. — As a tutor and a student, Anzony De La Cuarda can relate to his clients. The Brien McMahon High School senior has benefited from some instructional help himself.

“When I entered high school, I got an academic coach,” said De La Cuarda. “It was very helpful having someone who could offer his skills whenever I needed a little assistance.”

De La Cuarda is rounding out his senior year as a member of the National Honor Society, a shortstop on the school’s baseball team and a tutor with Peer2Peer Tutors. The key to succeeding at all of that, according to De La Cuarda, is knowing how to balance his time.

“I know how clients feel,” he said. “You end up with all of these projects due, you have too many things to do and it eats up all of your time. That’s where it is nice to know you have someone to back you up.”

For De La Cuarda, a big part of backing up his clients is making sure they are calm and relaxed. Peer2Peer hires high school students as tutors for that purpose. De La Cuarda said he finds common ground with clients when they are studying under a teacher he had only a few years ago. He can relate on a level that an older tutor might not.

As for his future, De La Cuarda is expecting an early decision on his application to Syracuse University. He plans to dual major in English and film with a minor in finance. He hasn’t determined yet whether he’ll play baseball, but he is leaving that option open.

De La Cuarda said he hopes his clients learn what it means to seek an education. “Anybody can go to school, but it is the people who really take it in, who go beyond just what is necessary to get by, who succeed. That is what I do every day in school and it is what I will continue to do every day in my life.”