So, few of anyone who may read this realize that my job, and only job ever, has been a math tutor for Delgado Community college in New Orleans, La. I didn't start tutoring here, though, until I asked my first college professor if they needed help in the college's lab. She said, not yet, but, they could use volunteers. I then spoke with the current manager at the time and she saw that I was a good tutor. She told me that if they ever had an opening that she would let me know. A year later, I was hired and have been working there 5 years come August 2015.
I wasn't always good in math. I used to struggle but I worked through it. I was inducted into the Beta Club in 6th grade. They would meet and set us up with a student who needed help in a subject that we chose. My strong point was math, so that was my selection. I tutored in elementary school up until graduating from there. I even took Algebra I, which counted as a high school credit. Algebra really stumped me at first, but, the principal was our teacher. I was one of only four people chosen to take the advanced course. At first, we had to teach each other and when it came to test time, I did make Fs. Once we were able to have the principal there daily for meeting time and we actually learned, I started making As and Bs. I even graduated as the Salutatorian of my class, tied with another girl.
When it came to me looking at my life and choosing a career, my first choice was becoming a veterinarian. I loved animals and I just felt like it was what I should do. Things changed when my dog broke her leg and had puppies. I couldn't stand seeing her and pain. My mind had changed. I wasn't sure what I wanted and then my mom passes away. Right after her death, I took to writing and sketching. Both of which, were pretty good. I was published in a book and my art was in several auctions for different organizations, local and nation wide. I wasn't tutoring at the time until the high school I was going to closed down and we moved campuses. As soon as I heard that the guidance counselors were in need of tutors, I signed up. I did that my junior and senior years of high school. I focused more on my art than anything and eventually graduated. I pursued Graphic Design in college. Halfway through my last semester, I realized that it wasn't for me. I didn't like being trapped behind a computer to be creative. I do small side jobs but not as a career.
The more and more I tutored, the more and more I wondered if my meaning in life was to teach. I am a patient person and can help a student stop fearing something and show them how it can be fun. I also have seen several students come to me feeling and end up with an A or B as a final grade. The best thing, though, that comes with tutoring, is learning from each and every student I help. One student that I tutor on the side has made a total 360. He hasn't only done it with his studies, but also as a whole. He is more confident and open. Just because I took the time to listen and help him to see that it isn't all that bad. Three students that I've tutored have actually opened up to me about their struggles with either dyslexia or autism. They learn differently and need the one on one tutoring to ensure that they get the attention they need. All students deserve to know that they can do anything they put their minds to. So many have just been pushed aside or pushed through their classes when they truly need more time and more help. I understand that their is a time restraint with semesters or quarters, depending on the school level, but, what is more important: a student's overall development or them becoming just another statistic? If more tutoring services were offered to children even as young as Pre-K, it would benefit them and everyone. If you have a strong foundation, the building will be easier to build upon it.
So, I enjoy my job and love tutoring others. Math is just something that I understand and am able to reiterate to another person. It is a strength of mine and I love helping others who struggle with it. The most rewarding thing to hear is, "Thank you so much for your time. I appreciate it."
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