What is more satisfying than being able to help those who need it? Fatima, a student in Journalism from City, has found tutoring children from the ages between 10-17 years old fulfilling. She is happy to know that her efforts are helping children move in a better direction towards their future. I caught up with her to talk about this new season in her life.
Inspiring quote – “Life is too short to fill it with things that don’t excite you or inspire you to become a better individual – so put 110% into everything that you do and never settle for second best”. (Fatima’s own quote)
Name: Fatima Al-Zahraa Ojeerally
Major & Year of Study: BA Journalism, 1st Year
Country of origin – Mother from Egypt; father from Mauritius
Relationship Status – Single
Fatima, you’ve been an English tutor at ´Goldhawk´ tuition centre in Islington for the last couple months. How are you finding it?
I really enjoy my job. I enjoy sharing my knowledge with others that need the support – I am only assigned about 4 students per table to I give adequate attention to students when they need the support.
What does your job entail?
I work three days a week – on different days, I teach children of different ages. They each have a workbook that has been put together by the tuition centre, and at the end of every chapter, each child must complete a ‘chapter exam’. They complete their workbook exercises throughout the session and I help them with any tasks they are unsure about/need more help and support on.
What subjects do you focus on?
My main area of focus is English Language. For older students that are studying A-Level for example, I also help them with English Literature. Having taken English Literature A-level myself and achieving very highly (A*), I enjoy teaching it to others as well.
Do you have any children that give you more trouble than others? Or that may have more difficulties to focus?
You know what they say, kids will be kids! There are definitely a few difficult children around. Many of them cause disruptions and it is up to me to make sure that the environment stays under control so that children’s learning is not affected. I have to be firm with children that tend to chat a lot, but I’m never too strict – I’m the most balanced teacher – I can have a laugh with them but at the same time make sure they are on track with their tasks, they love me! There are a few children with some learning disabilities such as ADHD, so this is more challenging for me because they tend to become disruptive quicker than others. I think that these challenges are actually useful to me for my personal skills – the best tests of patience come when situations are not that straight forward.
What made you get involved into this world of tutoring?
My friend, who works for Goldhawk Tutors, recommended it to me – I’ve always enjoyed working with children and have previously tutored younger kids when I was in secondary school.
Think quickly! What has been the most enjoyable experience you’ve had?
I’ve only been there for a couple of months so far so I haven’t made that many memories. The children can be really funny and make hilarious jokes.
Any advice for someone who would like to get involved?
General good qualifications are needed for GCSE’S/IGCSE’S – A’S and B’S. You must have studied the same subject that you want to teach or a similar one – e.g. to teach English, you should preferably have studied English or another humanities subject. If you have that, paired with patience – then I would say go for the career!
Katherine Mendoza Malagon