Faith Nwando is a passionate tutor who thrives on helping students have those “aha” moments when everything clicks. Drawing from her own experience of overcoming language barriers, Faith knows how valuable extra support can be for students. She’s all about patience, empathy, and understanding that sometimes a student just needs a little more time or encouragement. Faith loves seeing students go from unsure to confident, and her advice to new tutors is simple: get to know your students individually. It’s the key to making a real difference in their learning journey.
- What inspired you to join SmartStart Education, and what do you enjoy most about your role?
I think SmartStart is unique because you get to work in different schools across New York City and interact with students of all ages and backgrounds. What really inspires me is that I truly enjoy tutoring, especially middle school students. It’s been a passion of mine, and I know that some of the most impactful people in my life were those who provided extra support beyond just my teachers.
English wasn’t my first language, and coming from a different country, I found that having extra support from people outside of my teachers made a huge difference. Sometimes, teachers don’t have the time to focus on each student individually, so having tutors step in is really valuable. That’s what I love about SmartStart—the work we do helps bridge that gap.
- Can you share a memorable moment with a student that reinforced why you love tutoring?
There have been so many moments, but my favorite is when I see a student struggling with a concept at first, and then suddenly, they have that “aha” moment. I love when they say, “Oh, I get it now!” and you can see their face light up with confidence. Watching them go from feeling unsure to being vocal and excited about what they’re learning is one of the most rewarding parts of tutoring.
- What’s a unique or unexpected skill you’ve developed through your work?
I’ve definitely developed patience. I thought I was already patient before working in schools, but this role has helped me grow even more in that area. I’ve also learned to be more empathetic—understanding that students have good and bad days. If a student isn’t having a great day, I don’t try to force them to snap out of it. Instead, I let them know that it’s okay to have off days and offer support in whatever way they need.
- If you could give one piece of advice to new tutors, what would it be?
Get to know each student individually. Even if you’re working with a group, understanding each student’s unique learning style, challenges, and strengths makes a huge difference. The more you connect with them on a personal level, the more impactful your tutoring will be.
- How do you keep students engaged and motivated, especially on tough days?
I try to make learning as fun and relatable as possible. Sometimes, that means using real-life examples or tailoring the lesson to their interests. But on tough days, I focus on encouragement—letting them know that it’s okay to struggle and that learning is a process. I remind them of their progress, even if it’s small, and try to keep the energy positive and supportive.
- What’s the most rewarding challenge you’ve faced as a tutor, and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges is working with students who are hesitant to engage at first. Some students come in feeling like they can’t succeed, and it’s tough to break through that mindset. The way I overcome this is by building trust—showing them that I’m here to support them, not judge them. Once they see that I genuinely care about their success, they start opening up and making real progress.
- What’s something about you that your students or colleagues might be surprised to learn?
Most people don’t know that English wasn’t my first language. Growing up, I had to work extra hard to learn and master it, which is why I’m so passionate about education. I understand what it’s like to struggle with learning, and that experience helps me connect with students who feel the same way.
- How do you unwind or recharge outside of work?
I love spending time with family and friends, and I also enjoy reading and watching movies. Sometimes, I just need quiet time to relax and reset, especially after a long day of tutoring.
- What impact do you hope to leave on the students you work with?
I hope my students walk away with confidence—not just in their academic abilities, but in themselves. I want them to know that they’re capable, that learning is a journey, and that it’s okay to struggle as long as they keep trying. If I can help even one student believe in themselves a little more, then I’ve done my job.
- 1 How would you describe yourself as a tutor in three words, what would they be?
Guidance/guardian, supportive, and humor
