From Struggling to Acing Calculus — Learn with the Tutor Who Turns Confusion into Confidence (Guaranteed)

Find out more about Volak

• 1) When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I actually failed my very first calculus exam. Most people assume math tutors have always been “math people” — not me. That failure forced me to figure out how to actually learn math, not just memorize it. Over time, I rebuilt my foundation, passed two actuarial exams — some of the toughest math exams in the world — and started my career as an actuarial analyst at the largest actuarial consulting firm. Probably one of the only people who’s both failed their first calculus test and gone on to do that. Tutoring became my way of helping other students avoid the pain I went through — and showing them that struggling at first doesn’t mean you can’t succeed in the long run.

• 2) Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I teach calculus and the algebra that supports it. What I enjoy most is turning what looks impossible into something simple and clear — especially limits, derivatives, and integrals. These concepts scare a lot of students, but once explained the right way, they’re actually intuitive. What I enjoy less is seeing students beat themselves up for not “getting it” right away. Most of the time, the problem isn’t them — it’s that nobody ever explained it in a way that made sense.

• 3) Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  Yes. I had a teacher who didn’t just give me answers, but pushed me to think through the process myself. At the time it felt uncomfortable, but looking back, that’s exactly what built my problem-solving ability. It shaped my approach to tutoring: I don’t just want to help students get through tonight’s homework — I want them to have the tools to handle tomorrow’s test and next year’s class on their own.

• 4) What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  Patience, clarity, and results. Patience, because every student learns differently. Clarity, because most students are capable — they’ve just had confusing explanations. And results, because at the end of the day, grades and confidence have to rise. Parents need to see progress, and students need to feel the progress.

• 5) Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  When I tell students I failed my first calculus exam, their eyes widen: “Wait, YOU failed too?” That moment changes everything. Suddenly, they stop thinking “I’m just not a math person” and start realizing that failure is just part of the process. It’s powerful to see them go from discouraged to motivated — because they see proof that you can bounce back stronger.

• 6) What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  My biggest challenge was unlearning the idea that math is about memorizing formulas. That approach made everything harder than it needed to be. Once I started focusing on why the math works instead of just what the formula says, everything clicked. That’s the shift I now create for my students — moving them from memorization to real understanding.

• 7) Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  My passion is helping people unlock their potential. Whether it’s in math, fitness, or business, I love seeing someone go from “I can’t do this” to “I can’t believe I just did that.” Tutoring math is my way of doing that daily — I get to take students who feel stuck, remove the roadblocks, and help them win.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions :-P) ?

  What makes me different is that I’ve lived the full journey. I know what it feels like to fail, and I know what it takes to succeed at the highest level — passing actuarial exams and working at the largest actuarial consulting firm in the world. I bring that same system back to my students. Parents see grades improve. Students feel more confident. And most importantly, they stop believing “I’m not a math person” and start seeing themselves as capable. That mix of empathy and proven expertise is what makes me a Superprof.