Meet Tutor Britt.
Britt is one of our most active tutors, and we asked her about her experiences, challenges, and aspirations as a tutor at BLIJLES and a nursing student.
How did you end up at BLIJLES, and what motivated you to start tutoring?
I got involved in a project at my old high school when I was still in 5 HAVO. Two of my friends were already involved, and I decided to just give it a try. At the same time, I had just dropped down from 5 VWO to 5 HAVO and was struggling with concentration issues. School wasn’t really my thing, even though I’m actually very curious. When I was younger, I used to take all my toys apart because I wanted to know how everything worked. As a tutor at BLIJLES, I see myself in my students, and that motivates me to help them tackle their problems and challenges.
What has your experience been like so far as a tutor at BLIJLES?
It’sbeen really great. I’ve tutored many students at different levels, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see them make progress. I try not only to help them with their homework, but also to give them tips and tricks on how to best learn, summarize, and practice. Sometimes I feel more like a “coach” than a tutor.
In addition to being a tutor at BLIJLES, you’ve worked in the hospitality industry for a long time and are currently studying nursing. Can you tell us a bit more about your aspirations and future plans?
Sure! In addition to tutoring,I’m studying nursing at the university of applied sciences. I’ve always found biology—and specifically the human body—fascinating. I’m currently doing an internship at a nursing home for elderly people with dementia, but I’ve realized that it’s not quite the right fit for me. I need action—like working as a nurse in the emergency room. And yet, who knows? I’d also really love to maybe train to become a flight attendant someday, just like my mom did. Ultimately, I just really enjoy and find it rewarding to work with people and make a positive impact.
What have you learned as a tutor at BLIJLES that might have a positive impact on your aspirations and future plans?
Better communication, putting yourself in others’ shoes. That’s really important to me. And since I’m now balancing my work as a tutor at BLIJLES with my studies—and of course I also want to have some free time left over to do fun things—I’ve also learned to manage my time more efficiently. My advice for students who are also struggling with school, or who might not enjoy it as much as they used to, is not to be afraid to ask for help—it’s totally okay! And a little extra push, like a tutor, might be exactly what you need.
Britt appreciates the positive changes at BLIJLES, and we appreciate Britt. Her passion for people makes her a fantastic colleague!