One of the greatest joys of tutoring is watching students grow—not just in academics, but in confidence, motivation, and hope for their future. At Sharon Burns Tutoring, I get to see firsthand how much of a difference tailored support can make. Lately, I’ve been working with two students who are on very different journeys, and both remind me why I love this work so much.

A Songwriter with Big Dreams

One of my students came to the United States from Mexico and has been learning English for about nine months. His dream is to become a successful artist—writing and singing songs that reach people’s hearts. From the very beginning, I could tell how passionate he is about music, and that passion drives him to learn.

We keep our lessons creative and engaging. I mix in videos, grammar worksheets, and lots of practice with the basics of English. But the best part is that he gets to use what he’s learning right away in his songwriting. Grammar rules aren’t just something to memorize—they’re tools he can use to make his music even more powerful.

Every week, I see him picking up more grammar, understanding more English, and feeling more confident. It’s amazing to watch his dedication and know that each step brings him closer to the dream he’s chasing.

A 9th Grader Finding Hope

Another student I’ve been working with is a 9th grader who has struggled with spelling and writing. When we first met, he wasn’t sure he could succeed in school, let alone think about college or a future career. Writing felt overwhelming—he had trouble spelling words naturally and often got stuck when trying to continue a thought.

But after about ten sessions together, the transformation has been incredible. We’ve been practicing spelling strategies like triangle spelling (building a word one letter at a time in a triangle shape) and look-cover-write-look, which helps train the brain to remember patterns. We’ve also been working on handwriting to make writing slower, clearer, and more intentional.

The change isn’t just in his skills—it’s in his attitude. He’s starting to see himself as capable. He’s continuing his thoughts in writing, building ideas, and taking pride in his progress. Best of all, he’s beginning to believe that he really can go to college and get a good job one day. Seeing that spark of hope return has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.

Every Student is Unique

Both of these students remind me that tutoring isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every learner brings their own dreams, struggles, and talents. My job is to meet them where they are, encourage them, and give them the tools they need to grow.

Whether it’s helping a songwriter shape his lyrics or guiding a high schooler to see his own potential, I’m grateful to be a part of their stories. At Sharon Burns Tutoring, learning isn’t just about grammar or spelling—it’s about building confidence, opening doors, and helping students see what’s possible.