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Find out more about Rai

• Tell us more about your subject. How did you develop an interest in this field?

  I teach a diverse range of subjects, but my core focus is on standardized tests like the SAT, GMAT, and IELTS, along with critical reasoning, college admissions guidance, and advanced English language skills. My interest in these fields grew from my own academic journey, where I faced the challenges of rigorous exams and realized that success wasn't just about memorization or pure intellect-it was about strategic thinking, understanding the test structure, and refining communication skills. As a law school graduate who scored 1600/1600 on the SAT and a 99th percentile on the GMAT, I've always been fascinated by how tailored guidance and a focused approach can unlock potential. Over time, I realized that I didn't just enjoy excelling academically-I also found immense satisfaction in helping others navigate these hurdles and reach their goals. That's what drives my passion for teaching today: helping students not just perform well, but perform at their absolute best.

• What or who is the motivation behind you choosing to teach & why?

  My motivation comes from the belief that education is a transformative force-it changes lives. Throughout my academic career, I was fortunate to have mentors who challenged me to think beyond the surface and encouraged me to develop a disciplined, yet creative approach to learning. They shaped my worldview and inspired me to share that with others. The true turning point came when I began mentoring peers and juniors in mooting, debate, and college applications. Seeing how tailored advice and guidance could help students achieve not just academic success but also personal growth was an epiphany. I realized that I wanted to be the person who guided others toward their dreams, just as I had been guided. Whether it's improving English, cracking competitive exams, or writing compelling college essays, I aim to equip students with not just knowledge, but the confidence and skills to succeed on their own.

• How does your work help society?

  My work contributes to society by preparing students to excel academically, opening doors to greater opportunities in higher education and beyond. Through standardized tests, college applications, and critical reasoning, I help students build skills that are essential not only for academic success but for life. Learning how to reason critically, communicate clearly, and manage time effectively are tools that serve them in every aspect of their lives. Additionally, the personalized support I provide in college admissions-whether it's crafting standout essays or tailoring a CV-helps level the playing field for students from all backgrounds. My work helps build not just academic excellence, but also self-assurance, resilience, and a deeper sense of purpose, ultimately contributing to a more educated and empowered society.

• If you had to think of a role model for your work, who do you think of & why?

  If I had to choose a role model, it would be someone who embodies both intellect and compassion-Nelson Mandela. His relentless commitment to education as a means of empowering individuals and transforming society speaks to me deeply. I admire his ability to inspire through words, actions, and vision, and I believe that teaching is not just about transferring knowledge, but about empowering others to think critically, act ethically, and make meaningful contributions to the world. Like Mandela, I see education as a tool for liberation, enabling individuals to realize their potential, challenge limitations, and lead purposeful lives. He taught me that the role of a mentor goes beyond instruction-it's about fostering independence, confidence, and a sense of responsibility.

• Tell us about your hobbies outside teaching.

  Outside of teaching, I'm passionate about mooting, debate, and sports-particularly tennis. Mooting and debate sharpen my critical thinking and communication skills, and I find that they keep me constantly engaged with contemporary issues and legal arguments, which I can then bring into my teaching to provide real-world examples for my students. Tennis, on the other hand, gives me a perfect outlet for stress relief while keeping me disciplined and focused. The strategic thinking and resilience required in sports mirror the qualities I emphasize in my teaching-staying focused, adapting under pressure, and pushing through challenges. I also love reading, especially philosophy and literature, which provides me with new perspectives on the world and the power of storytelling-an essential skill for both debating and crafting strong college essays.

• Do you have an anecdote to tell us about your student or professional life?

  I once worked with a student preparing for the SAT who initially struggled with time management and the pressure of standardized testing. Every practice test left her feeling frustrated and discouraged, and her scores weren't reflecting her potential. But through consistent effort, we started focusing not just on content, but on building a strategy for the test-how to break it down, how to manage stress, how to handle tricky questions without panicking. Over time, her confidence grew. On the day of the test, she was calm, focused, and ready. When she received her score-1520, a significant improvement from her initial practice tests-she was ecstatic. But what I found most rewarding wasn't the score-it was the shift in her mindset. She went from feeling defeated to feeling empowered, knowing that she could conquer any academic challenge. That's what I strive for with every student: to help them build confidence, resilience, and the belief that they can achieve greatness.