When I first contemplated the idea of becoming a tutor, I was uncertain what to expect. I suspected that patience and calm would be major components of a successful tutor-student relationship. My goal was, of course, to help students better understand the subject, but also to share my enthusiasm and my interest with them, thereby making the learning process easier for them.

    To my surprise, to exercise patience came quickly to me. Perhaps I perceived that I was lacking in those areas in the first place, therefore I may have applied myself to be tolerant and temperate, nevertheless it was al pleasant discovery.

    Very quickly, the artificial boundaries between tutor and student blurred and I felt I expanded my knowledge on the subject at least as much as the student was learning. The exchange of ideas was easy, the question and answers flowed freely. I forgot who was asking the questions or who was supposed to give the answers. We both were seeking answers and finding solutions. I was excited and stimulated to discover that I did not need to know everything in my area of tutoring. I was empowered, not weakened, by having to say, “I don't know, but I will find out.”

    It was fascinating to watch the thinking process in motion and see the student's face all of a sudden lighten up and say, “Oh! Now I understand how it works!” Their progress was very rewarding to me.

    Their struggle to understand was also for me a lesson in human nature. Even though the student may have thought, at times, that the assignment was overwhelming, I always felt certain that they would prevail - because I could see “the other side”. It gave me strength to think that some obstacles can be paralyzing, but with focus and effort indeed we can negotiate most turns in life.

    Finally, I was surprised to realize that some of my methods could be helpful to someone else. I discovered that by explaining to a student the way I dealt with a particular obstacle may be providing him with a formula to overcome it.

    I am grateful for having had the opportunity to share my knowledge with others. I feel it has given me in return as much - if not more - than I have given. It has increased my knowledge of the subject I tutored, and has allowed me to become a better human being in making me more considerate and tolerant of others.