Rising Medical Student with 4.0 undergraduate GPA and 512 MCAT score teaching math, biology, physics, and chemistry.

Find out more about Shawn

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

  I’ve been interested in medicine for most of my life, but it wasn’t until my high school science courses that I truly began to understand the complexity of the human body. I was fascinated by AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and AP Physics. During this time, I also began tutoring my younger brother, which gave me my first experience in teaching. Although I always wanted to tutor others, the demands of my own coursework sometimes limited the time I could devote to it.

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

  I enjoy teaching a wide range of science and math courses. Some of my favorite topics include Newton’s laws in physics, genetics in biology, and acids and bases in chemistry. No matter how often I teach these subjects, I always find myself learning something new alongside my students. That continuous exchange of knowledge is what makes tutoring so rewarding

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

  My entire family has been a source of inspiration. My mother encouraged me to challenge myself academically and helped me get into accelerated math courses, which sparked my love for the subject. My father instilled in me the value of “practice makes perfect”—a lesson I now pass on to all my students. My brother taught me the importance of patience; we have very different strengths and weaknesses, which helped me appreciate that every student has a unique learning journey. Whether a student is aiming for an A or just trying to pass, I’m committed to supporting them.

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

  A great tutor knows how to strike the right balance between being patient and being firm. That balance varies for each student. If you're too patient, a student may not feel challenged; if you're too firm, they may become discouraged. Understanding where that line is—and adjusting your approach accordingly—is key to helping students grow.

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

  Even though I tutor chemistry, physics, and biology now, I wasn’t always strong in those subjects. In fact, I failed my first physics exam. But instead of giving up, I committed to studying harder and paying more attention in class. Eventually, I ended the year at the top of my class and went on to take more advanced physics in college. This experience helps me connect with students who are struggling. I remind them that one bad grade doesn’t define them, and with effort and the right guidance, they can absolutely turn things around.

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

  One of the biggest challenges in tutoring is recognizing how different school curriculums can be between states and individual teachers. I’ve tutored students from California to Georgia, and the expectations and teaching styles can vary significantly. To be effective, I always adapt my tutoring to match how the student is learning the material in their own class. It can be more challenging for me, but it ensures my students grasp the concepts in a way that makes sense to them.

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

  I hope to pursue a career in medicine, where I’ll be helping people from all walks of life. The communication skills I’ve developed through SuperProf—especially breaking down complex topics and being empathetic—will help me connect with patients and explain their conditions or treatments in a clear, respectful way.

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

  To me, being a SuperProf means being available and committed to your students, no matter how tough the situation. I’ve had students request emergency sessions just hours before an exam, and I’ve never turned them down. I’m flexible with scheduling and always do my best to meet my students’ needs. To be a true SuperProf, you have to be willing to invest your time and energy selflessly—even when it’s inconvenient—because your students’ success is what ultimately matters most.