Since our inception in October 2023, Crystal C has been one of our top tutors at No Nonsense. She is always busy outside of tutoring, taking part in a diverse range of activities such as swimming, working out, baking and coding! Recently we caught up with her, asking her a few questions about these interests, as well as the inspiration behind her work as a tutor and the ways in which she sees tutoring impacting the lives and prospects of students as an addition to their mainstream education…
What are you up to at the moment outside of tutoring? And what proportion of your working time is spent tutoring?
Outside of tutoring, I’ve been travelling across China and Southeast Asia. Since last year, I’ve been on two amazing journeys that have allowed me to spend quality time with my family. Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to reconnect with my heritage through learning new languages, often the universal language of food. I spent my time abroad exploring vibrant cultures, indulging in local cuisine and enjoying breath-taking landscapes. I also volunteer once a month as part of the cooking team at my local FoodCycle. I spend about 40% of my time tutoring, currently teaching four days a week.
Why did you get into tutoring?
Reflecting on my own educational journey, I was lucky enough to have amazing tutors. They didn’t just teach me subjects, they encouraged my individuality and instilled in me a lifelong love for learning. That’s why, when the opportunity appeared to tutor as part-time work during secondary school, I jumped to it. I have been tutoring since 2018 and much like my career aspirations in data science, it allows me to take complex subjects and break them down into more manageable, understandable bites for students. There are many similarities between this concept and the process of extracting meaningful information and patterns from vast amounts of messy data. Often times, as much as I am teaching a student, I am also learning new things alongside them. I strive to prioritise the importance of learning as a life skill, rather than just achieving a high grade. I hope that I can empower my students to approach life as they do their education – with curiosity, a desire for growth and confidence in the unknown.
What has been the most rewarding moment for you as a tutor thus far?
One of the most rewarding aspects of tutoring is witnessing the transformation in students as they become comfortable in their own rhythm and develop confidence in their abilities. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see as students become more at ease with challenges and view them as opportunities instead of dead-ends. This comes hand in hand with improved resilience and self-assurance as they realise that mistakes are an integral part of learning instead of focusing on perfection and comparison. Ultimately, seeing students become enthusiastic for learning itself and growing not only academically, but also personally is the most rewarding part of tutoring.
How do you see tutoring improving tutees’ lives and prospects, as an addition to their mainstream education?
In classrooms of 20 plus students, it’s challenging for teachers to provide personalised attention to each student. This is where tutors like me step in to offer tailored support to students for things that might otherwise be overlooked in a classroom. Through one-on-one lessons, students receive guidance based on awareness of their unique habits, strengths and areas for improvement. Tutoring goes beyond teaching specific subjects; it empowers students to become self-motivated learners by equipping them with the tools to tackle new topics independently. I see tutoring as a catalyst for students to develop essential life skills like critical thinking and problem solving which will help them navigate all challenges with confidence. Tutoring builds confidence and autonomy in students that extends beyond academics and influences their approach to activities and life outside of school.
What are your interests/hobbies?
I love to cook and bake, equally enjoying both the preparation and eating parts. My favourite thing to make (and eat) at the moment is a French Lemon Tart with a shortcrust pastry. With all this food, I like to maintain balance and stay active everyday by either swimming, weight training, doing Pilates or yoga. I put my Computer Science degree to use while coding programs that automate parts of my daily routine and I’m constantly learning to use new technology. When I need to disconnect and get away from screens, I always have puzzles on hand such as sudoku, crosswords and jigsaws. Music is another way I unwind by learning pieces from film soundtracks, especially ones from the animated world of Studio Ghibli.
And finally, what’s your main piece of advice for other tutors?
My advice to fellow tutors is to respect and embrace the individuality of each student. Allow them space to showcase their unique way of thinking before imposing traditional frameworks on them. This will allow you to understand their processes and you might learn something yourself. Creating a relaxed and open atmosphere is crucial as students are more likely to express themselves, think creatively and engage actively in the learning process. As a tutor we can’t know everything, so part of the role is being honest when you encounter things like unfamiliar vocabulary. Your willingness to acknowledge this sets a positive example for students so they can feel comfortable doing the same. By demonstrating a willingness to learn alongside your student, you create an environment where they feel they can be themselves.