What I’ve Learned as a Tutor

Clarissa Snyder, currently a college student, has always had a passion for teaching and helping others succeed. When she discovered Math Motivators, she saw it as the perfect opportunity to apply her skills and make a difference in students’ lives. Over the past two years, she has gained valuable experience working with students of different backgrounds and learning levels, helping them build confidence in their math abilities.

My name is Clarissa, a student at Penn State Harrisburg, and I have tutored with Math Motivators for about 2 years. Since I was little, I have always loved teaching others around me. I used to tutor my friends who lived down the street from my house because they always asked me for help with math and other subjects. When I learned about Math Motivators, I saw an excellent opportunity to put my passion for tutoring into action. I loved the idea of being able to help little kids hone their understanding of math topics. When I began tutoring for Math Motivators, I learned that many kids had different spirits and understandings regarding math. Some of my students had high knowledge of the subject and were eager to learn more about mathematics. Other students were not as motivated and were behind in their grade level in terms of learning. I had to learn the importance of patience and meeting the child at their skill level. Trying to understand something you are not motivated to learn can be challenging and frustrating; being patient and flexible when tutoring is imperative. I enjoyed seeing the kids’ satisfaction when they finally understood a math topic. Knowing that I was the person who was able to help them hone their understanding drives me to continue tutoring. It challenges me to think about my own learning obstacles and how I can improve my learning.

Clarissa’s experience with Math Motivators has reinforced her passion for education and the importance of patience and adaptability in tutoring. Seeing students develop a deeper understanding of math and gain confidence in their skills has been incredibly rewarding. Her journey as a tutor not only impacts the students she helps but also challenges her to grow and improve her own learning. Through programs like Math Motivators, dedicated volunteers like Clarissa continue to make a meaningful difference in students’ academic journeys.