A student’s success is always good to celebrate…those “light bulb” moments that spark a new attitude and path to proficiency are worth sharing. We hope you enjoy this one!
Molly: A Journey to Math Confidence
Reigniting the Spark: A Journey to Math Confidence
Meet Miss C...
I’m Miss C, a dedicated Math tutor with a profound commitment to helping students unlock their potential in Mathematics. My love for Math is so strong that I pursued a bachelor’s degree in the subject, and now I devote myself to guiding others to approach Math with confidence and curiosity.
Today, I’d like to share a success story that holds a special place in my heart. It’s the story of Molly, a spirited 5th grader who came to me weighed down by her struggles with Math. For Molly, Math wasn’t just a subject – it was a source of anxiety and frustration.
A Dimmed Spark: The Weight of Math on Molly
In our introductory session, Molly was enthusiastic and full of life, eagerly sharing all her favorite things with a bright smile. But the moment we transitioned into Math questions, her energy dropped. She became silent, visibly frustrated, and even angry with herself. I could sense the shift immediately—the weight that Math placed on her young shoulders.
Her initial responses often included outbursts of “I can’t do this!” and self-criticism, or sometimes complete silence, showing that she had almost given up on herself. Despite this, I could see the potential in her, the spark that just needed the right support to flourish. My focus in those first few sessions was on building trust and creating a safe space where she could face her fears and frustrations without judgment.
A Recipe for Growth: Building Confidence One Step at a Time
Once Molly and I built trust, we started with the basics, identifying her weaknesses through a series of diagnostic tests. This allowed me to set up a targeted skills plan, breaking down concepts into manageable steps she could connect with. Knowing she loved baking, I tried my best to relate every equation to ingredient measurements, fractions, and recipe equations, making Math feel relevant to her dreams of one day becoming a baker in Paris.
Each session became a stepping stone, and we celebrated every small victory. I made sure to acknowledge each success, reminding Molly of her progress and helping to rebuild her belief in herself.
The Power of Practice: Building a Strong Foundation
Consistency was key in Molly’s journey, and her parents played a crucial role, ensuring she made it to each and every session because they believed in her potential. Progress wasn’t always linear—there were bumps along the way, and it didn’t happen overnight. But with dedication, Molly’s Math skills steadily strengthened. Like I always say, “Math is practice, practice, practice,” and together, we made that practice something she looked forward to.
I set small, achievable goals for Molly, encouraging her to take ownership of her learning. These goals allowed her to practice even outside our sessions, building her skills bit by bit. Week by week, I saw her become more comfortable, more determined, and more resilient. Her spark was truly reignited—she was not just catching up in Math but starting to genuinely enjoy it.
A Transformation: Confidence, Success, and a Love for Math
Today, Molly is keeping up with her class—a remarkable change for the student who was once falling far behind. She’s now able to participate alongside her classmates, confidently answering questions and engaging in discussions. The confidence she’s gained hasn’t just stayed within our tutoring sessions; it’s extended into her school life and beyond.
The subject that once filled her with dread has become something she tackles with a “can-do” spirit. Her progress is a powerful testament to what consistent support, patience, and practice can achieve. Watching her growth has shown me how impactful it is when a student believes in themselves—not only in Math, but in every aspect of life.
Unlocking Potential in Every Student
Molly’s journey is proof that with the right support, any student can overcome challenges and thrive. I am grateful for the opportunity at College Tutors of Indiana to reach students like Molly and make a difference in their lives. Being part of College Tutors of Indiana and Indiana Learns allows me to do what I love most—empowering students to see their own capabilities. Together, we can help every child discover their potential and confidence in learning.
We know students can be doing better in school and are often capable of accomplishing more than what they think they can accomplish.
We believe in the potential of all of our students, and they know we believe.
Proficiency = Opportunity. This is why we tutor!
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