What inspired you to become a tutor, and what do you love most about it? 

I’ve always enjoyed explaining things—if I understand something and someone else doesn’t, I love breaking it down in a way that makes sense to them. Teaching comes naturally to me, and I’ve been doing it professionally since 1981. Seeing students grasp a concept and watching their progress is incredibly rewarding. One student, for example, raised her grade from a 55 simply by engaging more and putting in the effort. I see this pattern in many students, and it reinforces why I love what I do. 

Can you share a memorable moment from a tutoring session that made an impact on you? 

One student I worked with was failing math and had no plans to complete his assignments. When I sat down with him, he admitted that at his last school, teachers didn’t care, and he felt completely lost. Instead of pushing him, I took my time, built trust, and we started working together. By the end of our session, we had completed four of his six missing assignments. He was shocked at his own progress. That moment reinforced my belief that when students feel supported, they engage—and real learning happens. 

What’s one piece of advice you always give to your students? 

I always tell my students that they can do it, and if they struggle with math, it’s not entirely their fault. Learning doesn’t come naturally to everyone, and success depends on more than just effort—it requires the right support. I emphasize the importance of equity in education, ensuring students get the resources they need to succeed. Some students come to class hungry or dealing with personal challenges, and I remind them that these factors can affect learning. I even started bringing in snacks because I realized some students couldn’t focus on an empty stomach. When students hear this, they seem relieved—it helps them understand that struggles in math aren’t a personal failure but a challenge they can overcome with the right support. 

What’s the most rewarding part of being a tutor? 

The most rewarding part goes both ways—seeing students succeed and knowing that someone truly cares about their progress. When students realize they have someone patient, kind, and willing to sit down and work through problems with them, it makes a difference. I focus on talking with them, not over them, and demonstrating each step until they grasp the solution. I ask questions, have them explain concepts back to me, and encourage them to try problems on their own. Seeing a student reach that “aha” moment, where they no longer need prompting and can solve problems independently, is incredibly fulfilling. That’s when I know I’ve made an impact. 

What’s a fun fact about you that your students might not know? 

I love to talk and share stories. Music, the beach, and math have always been my favorites—yes, math! It has been my favorite subject for as long as I can remember. I’m also a strong advocate for my students. I believe in speaking up for them because I know they are worth it. Their success is my success. 

How has tutoring shaped your personal or professional growth? 

I was fortunate to have great tutors through the Upward Bound program when I was a student. They were sharp, knowledgeable, and truly made a difference in my learning. I didn’t realize at the time that I had a natural ability for teaching, but my mom reminded me of a school assembly where I demonstrated a math problem so well that even parents appreciated it! I’ve always believed that learning is magical—everyone has their own way of understanding and expressing concepts. That’s what makes tutoring so fulfilling to me. Watching students learn, grow, and find their own way of solving problems is like drinking fresh, cold lemonade—it’s refreshing and rewarding every single time. 

What’s the best feedback you’ve received from a student or parent? 

One parent once told me how her child initially refused to attend tutoring sessions. However, after struggling on a test, she gave it a try. Over time, we built a strong connection, and now she looks forward to every session, fully engaged and eager to learn. We even found common ground in our love for cats—she shares videos with me, and we discuss them before diving into math. Her grades improved dramatically, going from a 55 to consistent A’s. Seeing her growth and enthusiasm is incredibly rewarding. It’s a reminder that when students feel supported and connected, they thrive. 

If you could describe your tutoring style in three words, what would they be? 

Step-by-step, practice, compassionate