30 Under 30: Tim Low, 21
Ladner's Tim Low enjoys the "lightbulb" moment.
That's when one of the students he tutors grasps the concept he is presenting to them.
It's something the 21-year-old, third-year UBC science student has been doing since he was in Grade 10 at Delta Secondary. That's where he would often snag empty classroom space, get the books out—mostly dealing with mathematics—and get to work doling out his own brand of extra help for free.
"I've been helping my classmates out for as long as I can remember," says Low who has medical school on his list of future academic pursuits. "I've always liked helping people. And since it started out with my friends it didn't seem like a distraction for me. It was basically my desire to help them do well in school. They were my friends and I wanted to see them succeed."
From there Low says he expanded on his enjoyment of working with people when he became a math tutor with Kumon Learning Centre, first in Ladner, and currently at the Kerrisdale location.
As for what he likes about the one-on-one aspect of working with students, Low says he enjoys looking at the material being studied to find ways to tailor his teaching to the student.
"Each person thinks very specifically and in very unique ways, and sometimes the way I think about the material is not necessarily the best way to explain it to the person I'm working with," he says. "I want it to be as easy to understand, and understood as quickly as possible."
And when that "light bulb" gets lit, how does it make him feel?
"It makes me feel good that I've actually accomplished my goal."
COMMENTS
Let's keep comments:
We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters.
We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.