As a full-time uni student with two jobs, hobbies, and social commitments on the side, it can be easy to let the weight of all these tasks build up. It can genuinely feel crumbling at times. It's a miracle juggling act, even. Sacrifices and compromises have to be made here and there too, just to stay afloat, with tasks of lower urgency being put aside to be completed later. But in the midst of all of this, even if I feel bad for leaving tasks until later, I remember to always be kind to myself, and show myself grace.
This sort of stress was something I was no stranger to in my high school, as well. This was especially so during my HSC. Though only in this instance, did I lack the valuable life experience I have now. I, much like the students I tutor today, was still figuring a lot of that out for myself.
It's through these past experiences and lessons, as well as my memories of the feelings I had as a high school student still trying to 'figure it out', that I always try to maintain a level of grace, compassion, understanding and patience in my sessions. My students mightn't be at the level they want to be at, and they might not know the steps to get to that point, but I always remind my students to never feel discouraged about their efforts.
These qualities mentioned above are important pillars in being a good tutor, I believe. Most of the time, it's not a lack of smarts that is the reason for their academic struggles (though we all are better at some things than others naturally). Within every student I have is a spark bright within them - they just don't know how to use that spark.
This is what is so great about tutoring, I think. Even as an adult, I'll admit I still have a lot to figure out. But through helping my students find their spark, I'm reminded I have that spark for change and growth within myself, too.
