I genuinely never expected the skills I’ve developed from tutoring to trickle so gracefully into the rest of my everyday life, but they have and continue to do so in ways that I am honestly really grateful for.

Patience; the first one that comes to mind. When working with someone who’s trying their best to understand something and it’s just not clicking for them, you learn to slow down, listen and try a different angle without letting emotions take over. That same patience has carried over into the rest of my life; when plans switch up at the last minute, when technology decides to stop cooperating or when a friend needs some extra time to process something. I also find myself taking things in stride far more effortlessly than I used to.

Another awesome one’s been the ability to articulate things, way more clearly. Tutoring requires us to break down complex ideas into simple, understandable pieces and to pay close attention to what someone actually needs (rather than what we assume they need)!! That habit of speaking clearly and thoughtfully has helped me heaps in conversations with loved ones, and even in quick, everyday interactions. It’s been pleasantly surprising to me just how much smoother life can become when you have the ability to express yourself in a way that makes sense (the first time)!!

Last but not least, time management (might be the most practical skill I’ve gained). Balancing different students, preparing lessons and keeping track of daily, changing schedules has taught me how to stay organized, without stressing myself out. Now, when I look at a busy day, I can prioritize and easily map out what needs to get done and actually follow through without feeling bombarded. It’s made my days feel a lot more intentional and much less scattered.

Overall, I’m very grateful. ❤️

Thomas Koutavas