TFISC Volunteering

From September to November 2023, I had the opportunity to be part of the TFI Student Community (TFISC) as a volunteer math tutor for 5th-grade students. It was a short yet meaningful journey. One that challenged me, taught me patience, and left me with unforgettable memories.

Going into this program, I thought teaching math would be straightforward. Like explain the concepts, guide the students, and help them improve. But the reality was far from simple. Some students were eager to learn, but others struggled to focus, got easily distracted, or simply didn’t want to study at all. Some needed extra attention, requiring different ways of explanation to truly grasp the material. And of course, there were always those moments when students tried to sneak out or play instead of learning.

But that’s what made the experience so valuable. Teaching wasn’t just about delivering lessons, it was about understanding each student, finding ways to keep them engaged, and learning how to adapt. It was a challenge, but one that was incredibly rewarding.

One of the best parts of this experience was teaching alongside friends. Working together, sharing ideas on how to explain difficult concepts, and helping each other manage the class made everything so much more enjoyable. Even when things got tough, we found ways to laugh and support each other.

At the end of the day, despite the challenges, it was all worth it. Seeing students finally understand a concept they had struggled with, watching them become more confident in solving problems, and even the small moments of laughter in between lessons made it an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything.