We asked Krystsina, our inspiring tutor who graduated from LIS in 2024 with top IB scores and is now studying Chemical Science at Trinity College Dublin, to share her story with our community! 🌟

Q: What profession are you working towards?
A: I am working towards a career in the biopharmaceutical industry because I have always been intrigued by science, particularly its innovative and ever-evolving nature. My motivation stems particularly from the idea of contributing to advancements that can improve lives and wanting to be part of an industry where I am also constantly learning and growing. My interest in chemistry played a major role in shaping this goal. I was amused by how chemistry bridges scientific theory with real-world applications, especially in developing new medicines and treatments. Such factors made me realize that this field is where I see myself thriving.

Q: What is your biggest achievement?
A: I would have to say my biggest achievement is pushing myself forward and coming out of my shell. Personal growth has never come naturally to me—it was always difficult to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. One of the biggest steps I took was moving to a different country for my studies, leaving behind my home and everyone I knew. It was terrifying at first, but I understood it would be incredibly beneficial for my future. Taking that leap showed me that I am capable of adapting, growing, and embracing change, even when it feels uncomfortable. Looking back, I see this as a defining moment in my life—proof that I can face challenges head-on and come out stronger.

Q: What motivates you to keep learning and growing?
A: For me, the motivation to keep learning and growing comes from a deeply rooted personal principle—I simply cannot stay in a stagnant environment. Growth, in many aspects of life, is something I actively seek, whether it’s through education, new experiences, or even small changes like switching up my hair color. The idea of constantly evolving, improving, and expanding my understanding of the world is what pushes me forward.

Q: What subject felt the hardest for you? How did you master it?
A: English Literature was the subject I struggled with the most. While I wouldn’t say I mastered it, what helped me improve was seeking guidance from my teacher and being open to feedback. I made an effort to ask questions, take constructive criticism seriously, and apply it to my work. By practicing more and refining my writing I slowly became more confident in my skills.

Q: What’s one thing you’re looking forward to as a GradTutor tutor?
A: I’m looking forward to helping students become more confident in their subjects and guiding them as they gradually improve over time. It is fulfilling to see their progress unfold, especially when you can see how your guidance has made a difference.

Q: What inspired you to join GradTutor as a tutor?
A: During high school, I often felt like I lacked support from people who had gone through a similar experience with the IB program—people who truly understood the magnitude of the workload and the stress that came with it. At times, it felt overwhelming, and I wished I had someone who could offer both academic guidance and reassurance. This is what motivated me to become a tutor. I wanted to be someone who could not just offer practical, academic advice but also encouragement. My goal is to help students navigate their academic journey with more confidence, knowing they’re not alone in the process.

Q: How do you stay motivated in overwhelming situations?
A: I relied upon a goal-oriented mindset to push through challenges. I would always remind myself why I was putting in the effort—whether it was to achieve a specific academic goal, pursue a career path, or develop skills that would aid me in the future. Having a clear end goal helped me stay focused, even when the workload seemed impossible. Naturally, motivation is not always constant, one other thing I did that helped me stay motivated was I developed habits like using to-do lists and rewarding myself after the completion of a task.

Q: What felt particularly difficult for you in high-school?
A: The thing that was particularly difficult for me during high school and is a challenge I still face was managing multiple responsibilities at once. Trying to balance my academics, social life, and work felt overwhelming at times, and I often found myself stretched too thin. There were moments when I felt like no matter how much I planned, there just weren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done.
This constant juggling act left me feeling burnt out and exhausted. I felt like no matter how hard I tried I was always behind, which made it difficult to actually enjoy learning and realize the progress I was making. This experience however taught me a valuable lesson. Instead of trying to do everything perfectly all the time, I learned to manage my workload more realistically and give myself grace when things didn’t go exactly as planned.