Patient Math Tutor Making Algebra, Statistics, PreCalc, and Calculus Easy to Understand

Find out more about Christina

• 1) When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I have had an interest in math since I was very little. In my earliest core memories, I remember playing pretend math teacher with my parents and brothers. I always excelled in math, and enjoyed being able to share my knowledge in it, as I find it fascinating the more I absorbed. When I began working at a children's camp in my high school years, it showed me my love for education. While the math I do specifically is actuarial math, and I did not pursue a career in teaching, I still enjoy it greatly, which is why tutoring has fulfilled that purpose in unexplainable ways. I chose my career in actuarial because of the rigorous exams, and there being opportunity to continue learning math in a variety of ways that are applicable to the real world. I hope to introduce math in a new light to future students and grow the STEM population, or the interest in STEM fields.

• 2) Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I tutor a variety of subjects within math, but I particularly enjoy teaching Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus. To be an actuary, you must have a very strong base in these core topics. I notice that these topics are the ones students are introduced first that lead to them disliking math. I often blame the lack of 1:1 help from teacher's, and lack of approach. I know what it is like to not have a teacher be a good fit for me, and it took my junior year of high school before meeting one that provided the different approaches and 1:1 attention. However, not every student is fortunate enough to receive that. That's where I try to fill the gap with flexible online tutoring hours and prices.

• 3) Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  My Pre-Calc/Calc I teacher in high school is my biggest role model. She helped me re-discover my love for math. If it weren't for her, there is a chance I would've never majored in Actuarial Mathematics, which is primarily statistics. I say this because I did not have the best teacher in my AP Stats class in high school, which made me feel unfit for the major when entering university. I then dealt with many college professors that made me feel this same way until my junior year of university, where my Financial Mathematics, Actuarial Statistics III, and Life Contingencies II professor (all the same professor), entered my educational path. Since graduating I have passed three actuarial exams - a goal some professors made me feel I'd have no chance in achieving because of my lack of understanding in certain math subjects.

• 4) What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  I think empathy is a quality that is often overlooked in becoming a great tutor. It is hard to help a student who feels stuck if you never felt stuck in similar subjects. It is hard to help a student learn with a different approach if you never had to learn the different approach. Having the ability to meet your student where they are at in their educational journey for the subject they are seeking help in is a big help. Not only for your student, but you, too, as you learn to grow with different individuals and experiences.

• 5) Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  One thing I noticed throughout high school, university, and tutoring, is that many students who believe they are "bad at math" are usually capable once concepts are explained clearly and step-by-step. I experienced this myself in certain courses during lectures that moved too quickly or skipped important details. Over time, both through my own studies and helping students, I learned how important patience and communication are in mathematics. That experience strongly influences how I tutor today, especially with students who feel stuck or discouraged. This especially comes to play when a student feels "forced" to receiving tutoring by a parent who just wants to see their child succeed.

• 6) What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  One challenge I faced throughout school and university was adapting to different teaching styles, especially in higher-level mathematics and statistics courses. Some professors assumed a level of understanding that many students were still developing or had forgotten about from previous courses. At times, this made certain subjects feel much more intimidating than they actually were, especially with actuarial exams, which are required to continue my occupation. Over time, I learned that success in math often comes from building strong fundamentals and approaching problems step-by-step rather than trying to memorize everything at once. That experience has strongly influenced how I tutor today, particularly when working with students who feel discouraged or overwhelmed by math.

• 7) Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  One aspect of mathematics I am especially passionate about is problem-solving and helping students develop confidence in subjects they once found intimidating. I enjoy showing students that math is often much more approachable when concepts are broken down clearly and explained step-by-step. It is very rewarding to watch students become more independent and comfortable with material they initially struggled with, particularly in Algebra I, Algebra II, Pre-Calc, and Calc I

• 8) What makes you a Superprof (besides answering this interview questions :-P)?

  What sets me apart is the structure and consistency I bring to each tutoring session. I request material in advance of appointments so I can prepare properly and ensure we use our time efficiently. During sessions, I share my screen to walk through problems step-by-step with students in a clear and organized way. After each lesson, I provide typed notes summarizing the material covered and email them to the student for future reference. I also keep organized records of each session, which allows me to help students review past material and prepare effectively for cumulative exams and finals.