Bruin Open 2012

In my feeble attempt to balance my teaching and personal life, I've been trying to be more active over the past year.  A few weeks ago, I played in a badminton tournament at UCLA.  I have trained as hard as I could, with whatever time that I have given that I'm a 33 year old full-time teacher and part-time tutor.  I played well.  On Saturday, I won two rounds against two younger less experienced opponents.  On Sunday, I had to face two younger skillful players in the quarter and semi-finals.  They have been trained by coaches who were former Olympians.  I was fortunate to win in both close hard fought contests.  In the final, I lost to another young player.  I'm a little disappointed in losing the finals match, but am grateful that I played a good tournament and making it to the finals in a singles event for the first time.  I showed my silver medal to my students the following week and they were all very happy for me.  I strive to keep pushing myself physically as long as my body holds up.

Using Prezi & Other Web Tools (2012)

Prezi and Other Tech Tools 2012 on Prezi

Still Tutoring

A little less than a year ago, a friend at the badminton club asked if I would tutor his daughter in Geometry.  I had just finished graduate school and have stood firm on not coaching after school, so I agreed.  Just an hour a week with a smart, motivated, and respectful middle schooler.  It is at times the most fulfilling hour of teaching of my week.  Over the summer, her younger sister joined in to our sessions. We met twice a week, often on benches that are right next to the badminton courts where we play. Our sessions have continued as our school years began.  Another badminton friend asked if I would help her son prepare for his SATs.  I also agreed, knowing that he's a great kid and that I would be able to help him review some Geometry.  These three kids are three of the best students that I've had the pleasure to work with.  

In fact, I have respectfully declined other parents' requests for tutoring.  I simply teach enough hours as is during my week.  At the same time, I realize how fortunate I am to have the ability to say no.  I recall that when I started tutoring as a 14 year old kid, I would occasionally hope that my Saturday afternoon sessions would get cancelled so that I can have the day off.  Now, I look forward to the sessions.  I'm more experienced, I know how to better pace the tutorials, and am more comfortable working with teens in an educational setting.  I reflect on my roots as a tutor and find it a privilege that this role has stayed with me for almost 20 years.