Today we’d like to introduce you to Shalani McDaniel.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started my tutoring business in 2021, during the Covid-19 pandemic. I was finishing up my Master’s program, on the path to becoming a middle school teacher, but with all the pandemic restrictions, things were not going according to plan. I took a break from school and often found myself helping a few of my younger family members and children of close friends that were struggling in Mathematics. (Side note: Mathematics was my favorite subject in school). I would schedule sessions with them and quickly grew to love how the impact of a one-on-one tutoring session could produce major results. I started thinking that focusing on the students who actually needed my help the most would be more fulfilling. I began to develop different teaching methods tailored to the learning styles of each individual student and quickly learned that tutoring was satisfying something deep down in me, which felt like I found my purpose. I began promoting myself as “Ms. Shay Tutors Me” on social media, which led to more and more students on my roster.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wouldn’t say it’s been a smooth road, but no matter what obstacles I faced, I trusted God to make a way if it was a part of His plan for me. It was challenging in the beginning because I would have students in different cities, which made it harder to schedule sessions with long commutes from Corona, Ontario, Compton and Bellflower. I wanted to help as many struggling students has I could but there just wasn’t enough time after school to schedule one-on-one sessions that lasted an hour. So I began questioning whether I would make more of an impact as a teacher working at a school or tutoring the children who needed me the most. I then had to make a decision and stick to it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Ms. Shay Tutors Me?
Ms. Shay Tutors Me provides assistance in English and Mathematics for children grades kindergarten through high school. We are located in the city of Downey. The goal is to make sure our youth are prepared academically for success. We use unique styles of teaching that make learning fun and build the confidence necessary for independent learning, problem-solving and critical thinking. What sets us apart from others are the bonds we build with our students, creating a comfortable environment where they feel safe enough to ask questions, opening the door for more opportunities to learn. I am very passionate about my contribution to the next generation, especially helping students in the underserved communities where help is not offered. One thing I do to contribute is volunteer my tutoring services at East 105th Street Christian Church, on the corner of Avalon and 105th St. in Los Angeles on Wednesdays from 5:30pm to 7pm. If you live nearby, please take advantage of this free resource. You can find me on Instagram @msshaytutorsme. I am currently accepting new students; please email [email protected] to inquire.
How do you think about luck?
I don’t believe in good or bad luck. I know that I am blessed and things happen for a reason. I trust God to open doors to rooms that I’m supposed to be present. I love what I do and am proud of my success thus far, however, I also know that there is so much more to come. I can’t wait!
Pricing:
- – Private Session $40/hr (Downey)
- – In-Home Session $60/h
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msshaytutorsme/
