Expert GCSE Maths and Science Tuition from Incoming Academic (Cambridge SFP) Resident Doctor | 50+ Students Helped [Limited spaces] for tuition.

Find out more about Sultan

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  My passion in tutoring began when I first became a student; in fact, my parents would constantly tell humorous anecdotes about me "teaching" my teddy bears when I was three. I began tutoring professionally throughout my years of higher education because I knew what it was like to be a student, and that questioning everything to the point where a teacher responds "I don't know" can be both exhilarating and aggravating when you have an inventive mind that craves solutions. I have complete sympathy with the problems youngsters confront given that I understand the learning process as I am involved in a medical profession that requires perseverance in cognitive stimulation. There is an innate part in my nature which is caring and wants to help others excel in the best way possible, hence why I started very early on when I was only 18.
  
  That being said, I've been teaching for the past 5 years and have had over 60 pupils in total, all with very varied talents and mindsets- yet I remember each one individually and from the deepest of my heart wish them the best of luck in their future professions!

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  Really it depends on the level the student is requiring, i.e KS3 GCSE Alevel or Degree/ Adult learning. For example, I tutor a variety of subjects, primarily STEM orientated up to Alevel. Maths, Chemistry, Biology, Physics as examples. I always like talking about science facts, and seeing the amazement and enthusiasm on my pupils' faces continues to be amusing and demonstrates how rewarding it is to be a teacher. But truly, any time I explain a concept and the student understands, I absolutely like the emotion and delight I get from them because it is so fulfilling which motivates me to continue with the work I do!
  
  However, for adult learners, particularly those interested in the field of medicine, I also offer mentoring and guidance in medical-related disciplines such as psychology, anatomy, pathology, and physiology. Because medicine contains so much material and branches into so many distinct subjects/subspecialties, I can construct a teaching session to tackle a single subject, such as specific disease pathophysiology. Thus, health training is tailored to the specific needs of my students.

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  I did, indeed! I recall my favourite teacher supporting me throughout year 3 of primary school…before she had to depart. I remember feeling at ease and joyful in her classroom and knowing that I could talk to her about anything, even my personal life at such a young age. She was a true gem, and I recall her returning to see our class a few years later, and I gave her a big hug and told her how much I missed her.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  Aside from being a qualified tutor and having knowledge to pass on to the next generation, I believe it is critical to make your pupils feel at ease both inside and outside of the classroom, with confidence that they have someone who will listen to them if they need support.
  
  Teachers are naturally under pressure, but it is critical to push through this and treat your pupils with dignity. I've seen and been treated poorly by certain educators in the past, which made me think, "I don't want to be like that!" because what is the point if pupils refuse to come to your class?! It will simply be detrimental to their education and future. A good tutor should always keep their students' best interests in heart.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  I always gave 100% in school and had high aspirations that pushed me to accomplish a lot in my life. I recall a certain moment when my friends informed me that I had been selected the most likely to win a Nobel Prize; it was humorous that I wasn't present to receive the award due to outside factors, but hearing people praise my hard work was pleasant!
  
  Aside from academics, I made wonderful relationships and lost some along the way- a lesson that you learn as you grow up and it changes you into a new human with more understanding of the world. So, school has taught me many lessons!

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  I believe pupils confront the same fundamental issues when it comes to learning, because it is difficult to understand content and excite your brain to a new level. However, the extrinsic circumstances that contribute to working can be different for every individual hence making it more difficult for some than others. I grew up in a Turkish household, which has a completely different culture than a British household, which meant I had many more responsibilities other than educating myself compared to my peers. At the age of 9, I was a household translator, which meant I was responsible for keeping the home operating from taxes, to bills to communicating with essential organisations, which was difficult and a task I still complete now!
  
  My school also didn't have any experience in applications to Medicine in institutions of higher learning such as Oxbridge or abroad such as Harvard when I was in sixth form, so I had to research resources on my own with no support from those around me. This was difficult for an 18-year-old who felt like she had the world on her shoulders with so much responsibility at the time, but it made me a more well-rounded person today. Medicine is a difficult profession in all aspects, but I'm convinced that hard work, perseverance, discipline, and patience will ultimately result to me becoming a highly competent doctor with the knowledge to hopefully indulge in medical research in the future.
  
  As for now, the main challenge I face in Medicine is the importance of flexibility around my time management, because I would like to start my own family hopefully one day and this requires lots of time away from just work!

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  I like to think of science as a distinct dimension to the world we see; it necessitates a new way of thinking, with intricate mechanisms at the heart of every path, and there are always questions that may be answered. I truly love it when my students ask me something that no scientist has discovered or has a notion about, because I can sense their fascination and possibly a spark of curiosity in such moments.
  
  
  Additionally, the care I have for youngsters motivates me to teach; I don't want young people to go through what I have seen; it's difficult and can leave you feeling overwhelmed, so if I can help even a little bit, it's really rewarding. Young people want to have fun, feel free, and have the best time of their lives; education should not prevent them from doing so, but it should not be overlooked. The balance should be found, and this is something I like to integrate into their lives to ensure they make wise decisions while still enjoying their hobbies and entertaining activities. As a result, recognizing common mistakes that adolescents make, I know what I want and don't want to promote to my students with their best interests in mind.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions :-P) ?

  Hahaha, Superprof is a fantastic website. Best in my opinion in finding good educators. It's an honour to be a member of this team, with enough expertise to learn anything. Thus, back to the question I believe that my friendliness, caring, and eagerness to learn are fundamental to my success as a superprof.