Growing up in Vancouver, British Columbia, I was that kid—the one who couldn't wait to get to school each morning. Learning was a joy, and my report cards were filled with A's. Classrooms felt like home, and the future seemed bright and full of possibilities.
But then high school happened.
Almost overnight, everything changed. Subjects that once came easily now felt like insurmountable obstacles. My grades plummeted from A's to C's. I failed exams, skipped classes, and felt a growing indifference that scared me. The spark I once had for learning dimmed, and I watched helplessly as it faded away. My parents looked on with concern and heartbreak as they saw me drifting further from the path they believed I was destined for.
Meanwhile, many of my friends were mapping out ambitious futures—dreaming of careers in medicine, computer science, or engineering. Their excitement only highlighted my own sense of aimlessness. I tried to find my footing by bouncing between schools, but nothing stuck. In a desperate attempt to connect with something—anything—I worked at my father's automotive shop. He hoped it might ignite a passion in me, but deep down, I knew it wasn't where I belonged.
I felt like I was sinking, and the weight of embarrassment kept me silent. I didn't reach out for help; I didn't think anyone could understand.
Years passed in this haze until one day, something shifted. It wasn't a lightning bolt moment but a quiet realization—a spark of desire to reclaim my life and give education another chance. With cautious optimism, I enrolled in a college math class. But as I sat in that lecture hall, the old feelings of overwhelm came rushing back. The equations on the board blurred together, and I felt that familiar knot of anxiety tightening in my stomach. The school's tutoring services were impersonal and overcrowded, making me feel even more isolated.
Determined not to let history repeat itself, I decided to seek help elsewhere. After several disappointing experiences, I finally found a tutor who changed everything. He didn't just teach me math; he reignited my love for learning. His patience, encouragement, and personalized approach made complex concepts accessible. For the first time in years, I felt capable. My grades soared from barely passing to achieving 90s. But more importantly, I rediscovered a part of myself I thought was lost forever—the joy of learning.
This journey wasn't just about academics; it was about healing, growth, and realizing the profound impact that the right support can have on a person's life. With the guidance of my tutor and the unwavering support of my parents, I transformed not just my grades, but my entire outlook on life.
I went on to complete my bachelor's degree and earned multiple graduate degrees—something I once thought impossible. But the most valuable lesson I learned wasn't found in a textbook; it was the understanding that no one should have to navigate their educational journey alone.
That's why I founded TutorLyft.
Through all the turmoil, my parents stood by me. I gave them a million reasons to give up on me, but they always found a million and one reasons not to. I tested their faith time and time again, yet they never wavered in their support. Their unwavering belief in me was a lifeline during my darkest moments, and I realize now how fortunate I was to have them by my side.
