Beyond the Score: How Learning Led to Teaching
Mar 12, 2025When I first started preparing for the SAT, English felt like my biggest obstacle. Reading passages were confusing, grammar rules seemed endless, and no matter how many practice tests I took, my scores weren’t improving the way I wanted them to. I knew I needed help, so I turned to Schoolhouse.
At first, I was just another student in SAT prep sessions, trying to absorb as much as I could. My tutors didn’t just give me answers—they explained strategies, broke down difficult passages, and taught me how to approach questions logically. Little by little, things started making sense. My reading comprehension improved, and I finally understood how to tackle tricky grammar questions. My scores began to rise, but more importantly, I gained confidence.
Then, something shifted. I realized that I wasn’t just learning anymore—I was helping others. In study groups, I found myself explaining grammar rules or sharing reading strategies that had worked for me. That’s when it hit me: maybe I could tutor too.
At first, I was hesitant. Who was I to teach SAT English when I had struggled with it myself? But I remembered how my tutors had once been in my place and still helped me succeed. I decided to take the leap, and once I started tutoring, I realized how rewarding it was. Seeing students have their own “aha” moments and watching their confidence grow reminded me of my own journey.
Now, as a tutor, I get to give back to the same community that helped me. The SAT, which once felt like an impossible challenge, became something I could help others master. Schoolhouse didn’t just help me improve my score—it gave me the skills and confidence to help others do the same.
