Experienced Tutor graduated from UBC with an English literature and philosophy degree!

Find out more about Gareth

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

  I developed an interest in my field the moment I first picked up a book as a child. Literature captivated me because it demonstrated the extraordinary power of language. It is truly fascinating how simple words on a page can evoke emotion, shape imagination, and reveal the complexity of human experience. Through reading, I learned that perspective is crucial to interpretation, as a single text can contain multiple meanings depending on our standpoint. Which means there is rarely one “true” interpretation, but rather a spectrum of insights shaped by individual backgrounds and worldviews.

• What makes you passionate about your subject?

  I am consistently fascinated by how differently my students interpret the same literature. Our discussions allow us to exchange viewpoints, uncover assumptions, and better understand eachother’s reasoning. These conversations reaffirm why I am passionate about English literature: it is an endless dialogue, not only with texts, but with people.

• What do you like about tutoring? What makes you a "Superprof"?

  I value tutoring because I understand firsthand what it feels like to struggle academically. As a child, I often needed extra help, whether because the syllabus did not suit my learning style or because certain concepts simply did not come easily to me. The tutors who supported me during those years made a profound difference. Their patience and encouragement not only helped me overcome academic challenges but also shaped the way I view learning today. Thus, I am committed to becoming the kind of tutor I once relied on. Someone who listens, adapts, and guides students through difficult moments with empathy and expertise. I know what students are going through, I believe in their potential, and I work diligently to help them discover confidence in their own abilities, which makes me a “Superprof”.

• Do you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you? Please explain.

  One of my most influential role models was my high school chemistry teacher. Chemistry was one of my weakest subjects, and I often felt discouraged by my test results. Despite this, he never gave up on me because he believed that as long as a student was willing to keep trying, it was his responsibility to support them fully. He provided supplementary lessons, additional notes, and countless explanations with patience. Thanks to his dedication, I was able to pass a subject I once thought was impossible for me. More importantly, he showed me what true teaching looks like, how it is the educator’s role to illuminate the path, not to belittle or dismiss students. His example shaped the kind of educator I aspire to be. Patient, understanding, and committed to each student’s growth.

• What are your keys to success?

  My keys to success are patience and trust. When I was young, I was a rebellious student who wanted nothing to do with studying, and I would resist every lesson. There was even a time when I lay on the floor throwing a tantrum until the tutor finally left. That was how deeply I disliked academic work. However, among all the tutors I had while growing up, one stood out. He remained patient with me, no matter how difficult I was. Instead of forcing me to comply, he acknowledged how frustrating it felt to be pushed into tutoring after a long school day. Which made me feel understood, I began to trust that he was invested in my success, not just my grades. Over time, he became like the older brother I never had, and his influence changed the way I approached learning. I have experience with students who are labelled as rebellious or “hard to teach.” Yet I have consistently found that patience and trust break down barriers. When students feel understood and believed in, they open up, try harder, and begin to see their own potential.