MMI TUTORING (Mock Multiple Mini Interview) - University of Auckland premed pathway - Online & In Person 

Find out more about Margaret SU

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

  I developed an interest in tutoring when, as part of the Duke of Edinburgh award, I voluntarily tutored an hour a week of English for a young neurodivergent boy with dyslexia. Not only did I get very positive feedback from the boy and his parents, but I also greatly enjoyed doing this. Seeing my first students' understanding improve and their confidence grow was incredibly rewarding, as I had never experienced being on the teaching side of an academic exchange.

• 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 teach mainly English as well as some science subjects such as biology and chemistry. I enjoy discussing the real world applications of English, specifically linguistics. I am an avid enthusiast of sociolinguistics child language acquisition (educational psychology too) and how language plays a part in shaping our world, our culture and thoughts, and vice versa. Literature too is very interesting to ponder and analyse. Viewing it more as an art, I believe that Cambridge Literature really allows students to expand their creativity, understanding, and analysis - skills that become more and more important since the expansion of AI. On the other hand, though I do not strongly dislike any subjects, I do tend to find physics and mathematics a little bit dry.

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

  One of my biggest role models is Dr. Alok Kanojia, a Harvard psychiatrist as well as a YouTube creator. From failing student to student monk to Harvard psychiatrist, his journey reminds me of mine as I too have been at both ends of the academic spectrum. Thus, I understand the importance of maturity and discipline, as well as how to garner and maintain a love for learning, especially for less motivated students.

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

  I believe a good tutor needs patience, adaptability, and strong communication skills. It is one thing to be smart and achieve good grades, but a completely different set of skills to be able to teach effectively and help others achieve. I think it's important to tailor teaching styles and explanations to each student's learning style and level, and make tutoring an enjoyable and mentally stimulating experience for them.

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

  When I studied IGCSE and AS English Literature, I would put my hand up to share my ideas and thoughts at almost every opportunity. However, this wasn't because of strong academic rigor or any super-human intelligence. Rather, I was genuinely passionate and interested in the subject. My identity was "an English student who loved the subject and wanted to excel". As I now study medicine, a science rich degree, I yearn for analysis and discussion on English literature and language. Trust me when I say, I look forward to my lessons!

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

  One challenge that I faced was teaching English Literature students. Because the texts We're constantly changing from year to year. It was sometimes difficult to keep up. However, seeing as reading is one of my passions, I happily read the new texts in my free time and am able to develop a good understanding of the new content! Seeing as main themes, ideas or messages are consistent throughout different texts, (for example, A Streetcar Named Desire & Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, both written by Tenneessee WIlliams, have similar themes that reflect the experiences and life of the author), I am able to develop a deeper understanding of them, and dive deeper through the text into the background.

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

  As a multi-passionate individual, I thrive on cultivating diverse skills and exploring a broad range of disciplines. I keep myself intellectually stimulated by continuously challenging myself in contrasting areas. My medical studies stand in stark contrast to my passion for teaching English, while my hobbies-painting, baking, weightlifting, and swimming-offer yet another dimension to my mind. This dynamic balance allows me to avoid burnout and maintain my love for learning across different fields.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions) ?

  What sets me apart as a superprof rather than your average tutor? Well, I have the ability to tailor personalised lessons to students of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels, spanning multiple countries from Rome and China to Australia and New Zealand. My versatility is a defining trait of a superprof, as I can seamlessly navigate online and in-person one-on-one lessons. Whether that's in the student's home, my home 'classroom', or public libraries, I ensure that every lesson is crafted to meet unique learning needs and goals.