I tutor because I want to help students understand difficult concepts in the subjects that I have experience in. Seeing the “light bulb” go off in a student’s mind when they finally understand something is the reason why I tutor for students.

During my senior year in high school, I tutored a neurodivergent 7th grade student for an academic year (August to May). He was struggling with Algebra 1 with a “D”, time management, and test anxiety. I remember using multiple social and teaching strategies, such as rewording/reexplaining difficult Algebra 1 concepts in a way that he could understand, through visual examples, introducing how to use Google Calendar and an AI Study Planner (I personally use Wick by Maximal Learning, Inc.), and advising him to use “self-coaching” techniques, which alleviated some of his test anxiety. With regular tutoring, once a week, his grades increased from a “D” to a “B+” in a quarter. My former student is now taking Geometry in 8th grade and performing well, scoring a B in his first semester.

My specific coaching talents include executive functioning, organization, and being present in the moment. I enjoy understanding students on a personal level. I love helping neurodivergent students stay on track with assignments. Lastly, I like helping students with their schedules by advising them on time management.

To me, a positive learning environment involves building teacher-student connections, allowing students to ask questions without fear of judgement, which increases student intellectual growth, and building a semi-predictable routine for students who need structure, while also introducing new activities for students who wish to experience something new.

To me, the importance of being a mentor consists of being able to provide support to others, sharing my educational experiences, and building connections. By giving support to others, a mentor is able to guide someone’s life trajectory in a positive way. As a neurodivergent student, sharing my academic experiences allows me to relate with students and better understand their preferred learning strategy. Lastly, building relationships allows me to better connect with my student and their interests, goals, and their learning style. Ultimately, to me, the importance of a mentor is powerful, especially if they are able to relate to their student(s) and develop students by guiding/supporting their aspirations and their life trajectory.