Why I Tutor Math: Building Confidence Beyond the Numbers
- corey2833
- Sep 24
- 3 min read
As a math tutor, I’m always teaching students to break things down step by step.
Figure out what the problem is asking.
See if there’s a formula or method that applies.
Work it out and check your answer.
It’s usually as simple as 1-2-3.
But my own math journey? It wasn’t that simple—it was more like 3, 9, 10. Let me explain.
The Struggles Early On
I was a really hyper kid. I had energy for days, and eventually, I was diagnosed with ADHD—Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. That meant I was always moving, always busy, always in trouble. I wasn’t a bad kid, but I was distracting in class. One teacher even duct-taped my feet to the floor…true story.
Looking back, I think I was just bored. Lessons felt slow, teachers repeated themselves, and I wanted to move faster. My principal and I frequently had lunch dates, but I’ll never forget the first teacher who saw me differently.
Her name was Mrs. Wolfskill. She had a mole on her face, but to me she was one of the most beautiful teachers! I remember her because she told me something no other teacher had: “You’re smart.” She reminded me I wasn’t bad, I just needed somewhere to put my energy. That one sentence changed the way I saw myself…and ultimately my life.
Teachers Who Made the Difference
Next up was my 7th grade teacher who believed in me, Ms. Etchinson. She didn’t really help me in math, she encouraged me just like Mrs. Wolfskill. She told me I can do anything I put my mind to and my confidence started to grow.
Math became something I realized I wasn’t just “okay” at—I was actually good at it.
I don’t remember much about my 8th-grade algebra teacher (not-that-great), but I’ll never forget my high school teachers:
Mrs. Richardson (Geometry)
Ms. Stephenson (Algebra II, Pre-Calc, and AP Calculus)
They were the best. Their passion for teaching math rubbed off on me, and they gave me the strongest foundation I could have asked for. By the time I finished AP Calculus, I knew two things for sure:
I loved math.
I wanted to major in Chemical Engineering.
I know I love math today because of the passion they passed along to me and the solid foundation they gave me during grades 9 and 10. I had a great experience! That is the 9 and the 10 - and the first teacher was in grade 3. I think the teachers in grades 3, 9, and 10 were the most influential in my math journey. One told me I was smart, and the other two showed me how to do math well. I especially love Ms. Etchinson (7th) because she told me I could do anything I put my mind to. Okay…then technically, I guess it would be 3,7,9,10…that’s a lot, but you get the point.
Why I Tutor Math Today
That’s why I chose to become a high school teacher and now a tutor. I know without a doubt it’s because of the teachers who shaped me. They gave me confidence, challenged me, and showed me that I could do more than I ever thought possible.
Honestly, elementary school isn’t for me—being trapped in a room full of little kid is not my idea of a good time! But high school? That’s my jam. That’s where I make the most impact, just like my teachers did for me.
I don’t just offer algebra tutoring, SAT Math tutoring, and high school math support because I like numbers. I tutor because I want my students to walk away with more than problem-solving skills. I want them to leave each session with confidence, belief in themselves, and a strong foundation in math that lasts a lifetime.
I know that God orders our steps, but I don’t believe I would be doing what I do today or know what I know, without those influential people. Because math is more than equations. It’s about changing lives. It’s about creating a legacy. And I can only hope that 30 or 40 years from now, some student will still remember my name the way I remember the teachers who changed life. Because they are the reason why I tutor math.
🔍 Looking for a supportive, patient, and passionate math tutor to help your student build confidence in algebra, geometry, or calculus? Let’s connect and make math make sense. Click here to connect with us. #MathStorytellingDay
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