Benefits of Being a Tutor

When the word tutor is used, we think of the person whose job is to give extra help to a student who struggles. Though that is a true, being a tutor is much more than that. During my time as a tutor, I learned that my role not only benefited the student I was teaching, but my internal self as well.

Becoming a tutor was nerve-racking, especially because I was now responsible for my student’s education. Because tutoring was new for me, I was concerned that I would not be able to reach my student in the manner that was required. As time progressed, I watched as my student’s knowledge improved, as well as my confidence in my ability to teach. As we continued our sessions together, I began to construct my learning style. My student learned the style, giving us great tutor/student cohesion.

Another great opportunity I received by becoming a tutor was being able to practice a new form of goal setting. Originally, my goals had revolved around my own successes and achievements, but through tutoring, I learned to have goals in others. I quickly learned that the best goals to set for tutors, are personal, specific, and challenging for their student.

Every day I came into tutoring, we would have different goals that would reflect the GiGi’s motto of achieving your “best of all”. Whether one of the goals was to read three books or to read three words the standard of success was held high, and any form of improvement or goal completion was celebrated. By setting those goals I was able to measure specific areas of improvement, and areas to focus on.

One of the largest things I learned from becoming a tutor, is how much of a part of your life it becomes. Whether you meet with your student four times a week or one, the job never ends after the session. Every day I finished a tutoring session, I always thought of or noticed new subjects for us to work on immediately after. Throughout the week I would add or construct goals for the next session, consistently incorporating new ideas I thought of throughout the week.

The best part about my experience was the amount of fun I had! Being a tutor never felt like a job or chore, but more of an addiction. Tutoring became the high point of my day because I got to help someone develop confidence, and become the best person they could be. Every time I saw improvement I became excited, and in turn so did my student, thus turning our educational session into a room full of laughing, smiles, and excitement.

Jordan Furiosi, GiGi’s Volunteer Tutor

Become a tutor by attending a volunteer orientation and tutor training. Check the May calendar for dates and times.

You can also sign up to become a tutor by clicking here.