Top-Scoring High School and International Baccalaureate (IB) Math Tutor - Helping Grades 9-12 Master Math with Confidence

Find out more about Ian

• 1) When and why did you develop an interest in your chosen field?

  While I was younger (the earliest I can recall was about 8 years old, about Grade 3), my mom would smother me with math textbooks - seemingly to no end. I used to dislike it, although over time I naturally grew warmer toward it. When I was in Grade 7 (and having moved to Canada), I encountered a new challenge: the Gauss mathematics contest. The last few questions in every contest stumped me, yet that challenge fascinated me. Coupled with waking up at 4:30am for swim practices, I found that I thrive on difficulty. Since then, I tried some other contests like the CIMC (scoring 39/60), though it was evident I would have to work harder if I wanted to make it to any national competitions like the CMO (a goal of mine). In my spare time I study using resources like The Art of Problem Solving Vol. 1. Math taught me that I speak better in numbers than in words - and I love that.

• 2) What makes you passionate about your subject?

  Ultimately, my journey from little me’s TV-addicted mindset to the student-athlete I am today has taught me many things about myself - one of which is my unrelenting passion for math. There is something in particular about it that endlessly fascinates me, whether it be how a complex series converges to a simple number, or how abstract thinking leads to concrete results. While high school math (at least from what I have experienced thus far) doesn’t include topics like negative square roots and combinatorics, I always try to understand how they can be incorporated regardless. My goal as a tutor is to show the beauty and elegance of mathematics, something that isn’t easy with just high school math, but still possible. I think anyone can excel in math - however, it requires lots and lots of hard work and dedication.

• 3) What do you like about tutoring? What makes you a "Superprof"?

  What I find interesting about tutoring is that I get an opportunity to spread knowledge about a subject that I enjoy. I believe the stereotype that “some people are just good at math” is a myth - with the right resources and mindset to learn, anyone can excel in the art of mathematics! Tutoring gives me new challenges, such as figuring out new perspectives in previously studied concepts, or trying to understand the student’s thought process when getting to their answer. What makes me a “Superprof” is that I am willing to go the extra mile for my tutees, whether it be developing personalized resources for them to improve, or simply being there as a support figure to nurture their love of mathematics.

• 4) Do you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you? Please explain.

  I would say my Grade 11 Functions teacher was a main source of inspiration for me. I remember on one test, I completely forgot how to use the ambiguous case on a triangle, and ended up losing the 100% average I had been maintaining up to that point, which left me devastated. With her wise words and encouragement, I was able to refocus and see the bigger picture. Her energetic and casual attitude also resonated strongly with me, something that is difficult to find within teachers nowadays. That’s something I try to incorporate into my lessons; that way, I can ensure they feel supported and confident.

• 5) What are your keys to success?

  My keys to success are hard work, discipline, and support. Talent could help, but it doesn’t last without continuous effort. As Socrates said, “I know that I know nothing” - true mastery starts with humility. The discipline to do math - whether you feel motivated or not - is another factor that matters when learning. This parallels with things like sports; after all, training 17 hours a week and waking up early in the morning is not easy in the slightest. Lastly, a support system is needed - whether it be from teachers, friends, or family. If the people closest to the individual don’t believe in them, how can the individual believe in themselves? Again this is very similar to sports; having coaches and teammates that support you through wins and losses is very important for balancing the emotional and mental stresses present in those settings. This is the structure that I follow to grow through both wins and setbacks.