From Law to Learning: My Journey to Becoming a Tutor

Why I Teach

Education has always been a fundamental part of my life, but I never expected to end up as a tutor. My path has been anything but straightforward—I started in law, transitioned into teaching, and then deepened my understanding of human flourishing with a Master’s in Positive Psychology. Now, as a tutor, I bring together all these disciplines to support and nurture learners, helping them thrive not just academically, but as individuals.

From Lawyer to Teacher: A Shift in Perspective

I began my career as a lawyer, drawn to the intellectual challenge and the discipline of legal thinking. Law requires precision, structured reasoning, and the ability to construct a compelling argument—skills that have since become invaluable in my teaching.

However, despite the prestige and challenge of law, something felt missing. The work often felt transactional rather than transformational. I wanted to make a tangible difference in people’s lives in a way that was more immediate and meaningful. The part of my legal work that I enjoyed the most was training the trainees. This led me to retrain as a teacher, stepping into the world of education with a new sense of purpose.

Becoming a Qualified Teacher

Training to be a teacher was a revelation. Unlike law, where success was measured by winning arguments or mastering complex legal codes, teaching was about connection—understanding each learner as an individual, seeing their struggles and strengths, and helping them develop confidence in their own abilities.

I quickly realized that academic success was not just about intelligence or effort but also about mindset. Many students struggled with self-doubt, anxiety, or a fear of failure. I became fascinated by the psychology of learning—why some students flourished while others faltered—and this curiosity led me to my next step: an MSc in Positive Psychology.

The Influence of Positive Psychology

Positive psychology transformed my understanding of education. It provided research-backed insights into how people learn best—not just through rote memorization or test preparation, but by fostering motivation, resilience, and self-belief.

I began to see my role as not just a tutor but a guide, helping students develop a growth mindset, where challenges became opportunities for learning rather than evidence of failure. I incorporated techniques like strengths-based learning, self-compassion, and goal-setting, ensuring that my students didn’t just learn their subjects, but also learned how to learn.

My Approach to Tutoring

Now, as a tutor, I blend all these experiences—legal reasoning, educational pedagogy, and psychological well-being—into a unique approach. Every student is different, and my role is to recognize their individual needs and tailor my teaching accordingly.

Some students need structured guidance, learning how to break down complex concepts step by step. Others need encouragement, someone to remind them that they can succeed. Many need a safe space where they can make mistakes without fear of judgment.

One of the greatest joys of tutoring is seeing students grow—not just in knowledge but in confidence. The moments when a struggling student suddenly ‘gets it,’ or when someone who thought they weren’t good at a subject starts to believe in their abilities, are what make this work so rewarding.

Lessons Learned and Advice for Others

My journey from law to teaching to psychology has taught me that learning is not just about acquiring knowledge but about empowerment. The best education nurtures curiosity, resilience, and a love of learning that lasts beyond school.

For students, my advice is this: intelligence is not fixed, and struggling does not mean you are failing—it means you are learning.
For parents, I would say that support and encouragement matter more than pressure or perfection.
For anyone considering tutoring, I’d emphasize that it’s not just about teaching a subject—it’s about understanding the learner.

The Joy of Lifelong Learning

Tutoring has shown me that learning never stops. Every student teaches me something new—about how people think, about resilience, about the sheer variety of ways we all process information and make sense of the world.

Now I train tutors; if you are interested in sharing your skills with those who are seeking support and guidance in their learning journeys, do book a phone call to see how I can help.

I wouldn’t change my path for anything. Each step—from law to teaching to psychology—has brought me closer to understanding what education really is: not just passing exams, but helping people discover their own potential.

And that, for me, is the most fulfilling work of all.