As I began to further my education at Colorado State University and take higher level math classes I really began to realize the importance of having a strong foundation. Many of my colleagues who were in the same class as me understood the concepts that were being taught but couldn't solve the problems because they didn't know how to do basic math. For some of them it was gaps in their algebra or misconceptions in geometry. For me, I found that I did better when I knew how to apply various problem solving methods and was able to critically think about concepts in a more general and abstract way. These tools however cannot be gained overnight but only over time with a lot of practice. I've also learned in college that it is better to go to office hours and ask a few questions rather than spending a few hours struggling through a problem. This is why I believe that individualized tutoring is so important. One is only going to learn something if they are able to organize it and make sense of it in their mind. Not everyone learns the same way and each individuals learning style is unique. I think it is beautiful how different each individual is and I want to meet the needs of the individual. My goal will be to give students the tools they need to succeed in whatever they put their mind and heart into later in life.