My name is Derrick Chua. I am a scientist by trade, business school student and passionate tutor. I’m often asked how I balance all of these roles. The short answer is that I love helping students achieve their full potential while building lasting relationships based on shared goals. Working with students is incredibly rewarding, and their achievement motivates me to keep striving for success in my own endeavors.
When I was growing up, school work was burdensome and I felt that I did not measure up to stereotypical expectations that I should excel in math and science. My grades were hard-won, and I envied those who seemed to pick up knowledge without appearing to make any effort. Memorization was particularly difficult for me and I hated doing it. Eventually, it occurred to me that I would never have to memorize anything if I really understood the material. Being able to derive a formula from scratch or knowing why a biological process happens meant that I no longer had to mindlessly regurgitate obscure information that is difficult to retain. This realization changed my study habits and my approach to learning.
I studied for my SAT using two well-known prep courses and felt like I was just a cog in the wheel of big-business tutoring. Their methods did not work for me and my score did not markedly improve between the first and second times I took the test. I needed individualized tutoring that catered to my needs and that is when I got a personal tutor to help me learn strategies and tricks that worked for me. This resulted in a significant score improvement for my third SAT. My academic success was the result of study practices which were tailored to my specific needs. What I lacked in straight book smarts, I gained in grit. It is my goal to use the knowledge gained from my own struggles to help my students navigate their educational journeys. This is why I tutor.
Rigorous academic programs leave many students feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Overcrowded classrooms tend to focus on discipline and a one-size-fits-all method of learning. Each student is unique and deserves to be supported based on their specific issues and learning style. Students don’t often need another teacher as much as they need someone who can empathize and make the material less painful. While some tutoring programs prioritize grades and book knowledge, I believe in a more holistic approach. My tutors and I create personalized plans tailored to the needs of individual students. Everyone is different and will respond to different learning techniques. I advise my students not to compare themselves to others, but to stay focused on what works best for each of them.
It is immensely gratifying for me to be able to help alleviate stress for my students while expanding their conceptual and practical knowledge. I love being able to help children and adults grow in academic confidence and success and to see those achievements spread across all areas of their lives. I hope you will join me on this journey.
-Derrick Chua
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