Having been a tutor for a little over a year now, I wanted to write a small reflection. It’s been one of those experiences that I walked into thinking it’d just be another side job, but has ended up becoming so much more than that. When I look back, what stands out to me the most are the connections and relationshps I’ve made along the way. I really never expected to form such genuine bonds with my students (or with their parents), but it has honestly become my favourite part of the whole journey.

There’s something really special about walking into a session and feeling like my student and I are a little team; facing whatever challenge the week has for us, head on. Usually, it’s a tricky maths problem or a topic that feels impossible at first, but working through it together and seeing the moment when it finally clicks for them is incredibly rewarding; we both get to share the win. I know the parents feel it too. I’ve had so many interactions where they express to me how much more confident their child seems or how genuinely excited they are to continue learning with us. It never gets old.

What I love even more is how authentic the relationships have become. I get to see my students grow not only academically, but also in maturity and self belief. Many of them talk to me about their hobbies (or school drama!!) and even what they want to do in the future. These moments remind me that tutoring isn’t just about teaching content. It’s about showing up consistently for people that you care about and helping them realise exactly what they’re capable of.

After a year of doing this, I can comfortably say that tutoring has become one of the most personally fulfilling areas of my life. It feels unbelievable to know that what I do actually makes a difference, even if only locally. Truly, something I’ll never take for granted.

Thomas Koutavas