harrymav

Harry Mav: Hey Marie, thank you for your time today! Let’s get right into it, what are you studying at university?

Marie Sfinas: Hey! I’m studying Education / Arts at Sydney Uni.

HM: Brilliant, and what are your teaching areas?

MS: History and Geography! I’ve always loved History and Geography I’ve come to really appreciate, I believe it’s so important that we understand how things came to be the way they are now in terms of both the human world (through the study of History) and the natural world (through the study of Geography).

HM: Very wise! And you’re doing your placements at the moment?

MS: Yep I’ve been going to schools and getting some invaluable experience teaching the students there! It’s just great to be helping students and working on being a better teacher and tutor!

HM: Amazing stuff! And you’ve been tutoring for a while now right?

MS: Correct, almost 5 years! It’s awesome to see the students grow over this time, unfortunately school teachers usually see their students for a year, two years max and then the rest is done at a distance, it has been wonderful seeing my students grow as learners and as people over this extended period of time.

HM: It is indeed a privilege and an honour! And outside of uni and tutoring how do you usually spend your time?

MS: I love the outdoors, lots of beach and gym and hanging with friends. I’ve also been getting into baking which I’m really enjoying because I can find healthier versions of yummy recipes. Recently too I’ve started doing a 10k steps per day and raising funds for breast cancer.

Harry Mav: Hey Corine, let’s do this! So let’s start with you studies, what are you studying at the moment at university:

Corine Hanna: Hey Harry, I’m studying Health Science at University of Sydney, majoring in Anatomy and Histology. I’m sitting the GAMSAT as we go and looking to get into post grad medicine in the not so distant future.

HM: Incredible, the world will be a better place with Dr Hanna around! And what subjects do you cover in your tutoring?

CH: I tutor Maths, Science, Biology and Business Studies. I have also been working on the notes that we have for the Maths Standard course which I’ve found very rewarding. I guess most of all though I just love being there for the students, seeing what they want and are capable of and helping them achieve their goals!

HM: Beautiful! And I hear you’re the youngest member on the medical imaging team in hospital and were once the vice captain of your high school, do you think you use this leadership experience with your students?

CH: I think so! I really try to relate to every student to understand what they’re going through and find similarities with my life to try and help them overcome their obstacles as they arise. Yes it’s important to work on their Maths or their Science but I think it’s so important to understand each student’s mind most of all, to determine what makes them tick and work to inspire them in their learning!

HM: Sounds awesome. And outside of uni studies and tutoring what do you get up to when you have some time?

CH: I’m quite involved in the Lebanese society at uni which is great for meeting new people! I’ve been playing a bit of tennis as well and just having lunch with my family, it’s amazing how easy it is to take their company for granted!

Harry Mav: Hey Paul, thank you for your time today! Well let’s start with the obvious, how long have you been tutoring and what subjects do you tutor?

Paul Langlands: Hi Harry, great to speak with you! I’ve been tutoring for 3 years now and loved every minute! I specialise in Maths, Physics and Chemistry.

HM: Amazing! And what are you studying?

PL: I’m in my final year of Advanced Science majoring in Physics and Chemistry at UNSW. My plan after this is to do honours and then doing a PHD in Physics and moving into lecturing or research.

HM: Wow so hardcore! The world could definitely use more academics and lecturers like you!And outside of uni how do you usually spend your time?

PL: Tutoring and creating resources a lot! But if you mean in terms of leisure, I play computer games and read books about science history.

HM: Fascinating! And are there particular scientists you like or lessons to be learnt from stufying science history?

PL: I’m particularly interested in the scientists that came up with Quantum Theory like Max Plank and Niels Bohr. And Richard Feynman is just inspiring in the way he makes things flow and simple to understand. It’s something I’ve been implementing in the HSC Program I’ve been developing for Physics.

HM: You’ve certainly made some incredible resources here for your students! And finally your tattoos are low key awesome, what was the inspiration behind your first one?

PL: My first tattoo was actually the exact same one that my grandfather had, I also have a twin brother and he got the exact same one but just in a different colour.

Harry Mav: Hey Bence, hope you’ve been well now that lockdown is over! Tell us a bit about yourself?

Bence Zayzon: Hey Harry, all is going well, looking forward to getting out again! I’ve been tutoring at the Maroubra Centre for the past four years and just finished a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering at UNSW. It has been quite challenging but super interesting, great to have some free time now!

HM: That’s amazing! And what’s the plan for the next stage of your life?

BZ: I’ve been accepted as an Aerospace Engineering Officer in the Royal Australian Air Force which has been a long term dream of mine for many years!

HM: Wow, that sounds like it must have been super competitive! Do you think your time tutoring has contributed to this somehow?

BZ: Yes definitely! Tutoring has developed me in so many ways including leadership, mentorship and teamwork! It has been the best role ever, super rewarding and super fun. Every day is just a little different with new challenges to overcome!

HM: Incredible! And is there a specific ethos you’ve carried through your tutoring?

BZ: I’ve always tried to keep the learning fun and light hearted, making sure the students enjoy the process as well as learning along the way! It’s just great to see students without much confidence start to love their subject and improve their marks drastically!

HM: Very cool. And what other facets of your life play a big role?

BZ: Gym and exercise is a big part of what I do too! I set up a home gym during lockdown which has really kept me going!

Harry Mav: Hi Jasmina, thank you for your time today!! So let’s get right into it, what do you spend most of your time doing in life?

Jasmina Harrar: Thank you Harry! So as well as tutoring at the Earlwood Centre I am in my final year of Commerce and Law, and I try to squeeze in as much recreation in there as I can!

HM: How are you enjoying your course?

JH: I love it! It has been very challenging and definitely keeps me on my toes but it has really confirmed that I want to pursue my career in law going forward! There’s always a lot to juggle but I find if I keep on top of everything and plan effectively then it all ends well.

HM: Amazing! Ok and what subjects have you been tutoring the past few years?

JH: I’ve been tutoring students in English, Economics and Legal studies. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time tutoring, it’s great to be in an environment where every time you do a session it’s a different experience, a unique opportunity to support one of my students!

HM: It is great indeed! And you’ve preferred younger or older students?

JH: Both have been very rewarding but I must say the older students, especially the HSC students. I feel I can make so much of a difference in such a short time!

HM: And indeed that you have done! And finally what is it that you are usually doing in these recreation hours?

JH: There aren’t many but basically Oz tag, dance classes and personal training, specifically weight lifting. The weight lifting in particular I’ve enjoyed because I can set myself a goal and take actions to achieve a very measurable result! COVID has changed all this the past few weeks but I’m still trying to find the right balance in life as much as possible.

Harry Mav: Hi Kerryanne, thank you for taking the time out to have a chat today! So tell us a bit about yourself!

Kerryanne Syros: Hi Harry, of course! I’m in my final year of a Bachelor of Education / Bachelor of Arts at UNSW majoring in English and Legal Studies. And I have been very lucky to be tutoring at First Education for the last four years!

HM: Ah we’ve been lucky to have you! And what subjects and year levels to you tutor?

KS: Well obviously English and Legal Studies (that’s what I’m studying to teach) but also Business Studies and Modern History. And over the years I’ve taken students of all year levels from K to Year 12, I’ve enjoyed both the younger and older students! Any time when I feel like the student thinks they can’t do something but then we work at it and they suddenly surprise themselves – that’s the best!

HM: 100%! And what are your plans for the future?

KS: Well I want to either start full time teaching next year or even do further studies in Education. It has been an amazing experience supporting and extending students and I would love to delve into it further!

HM: Amazing! And when you’re not studying or tutoring what do you do?

KS: Hehe there isn’t a lot of that time but I guess when I have free time I go to dance classes or to the gym. I’m also getting into interior and exterior design, even architecture!

HM: Ah that’s pretty cool!! And finally have you noticed that COVID has had a big impact on your life this past year?

KS: Not really. I’ve just kept my head down and worked and studied!

Harry Mav: Hi Aaron, great to see you today! So let’s start with your studies, what degree are you doing at the moment?

Aaron Kostantakis: Hi Harry, so I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation / Bachelor of Business at UTS in my final year. I really enjoy it, it sounds like a mouthful but it’s all about solving problems that require out of the box solutions.

HM: That sounds super cool! And what do you do outside of uni?

AK: Well I’ve been trying to get into the workforce, I recently did an internship with Deloitte which was really invaluable. Outside of work I try to get involved in as many activities as possible but specifically I’m very into skiing when the weather permits, and spear fishing! My Dad introduced me to spear fishing and it’s something I really enjoy!

HM: Great to hear! And this is your fifth year of tutoring I believe, what subjects and Year levels do you tutor?

AK: I tutor English for all students (Primary and High School) and Maths for Primary school students. I love both maths and English but really I love getting to know students and understanding what works best for each!

HM: I don’t know if you remember this but I had the honour of tutoring you over a decade ago when you were in primary school, I remember you as very polite and extremely switched on! What has been your favourite part of providing tutoring to your students?

AK: I do remember! My journey as a tutor has been amazing, it is awesome to see students progress over a number of years and to see them achieve things they didn’t realise were possible! I’ve had a number of students for over four years now and seeing their growth over this time is just incredible!!