What is your teaching philosophy?

When I was in my senior year of high school, I had to take physics. I was a bit skeptical about the class at first; I was worried that physics would be difficult, and I wouldn't understand the material (especially because I had the class first period). However, as soon as my teacher introduced himself and began to discuss the class, my feelings changed. I immediately became engrossed in what he had to say and was fascinated by the material. I would go home after school and read passages in the textbook or solve problems; I just couldn't get enough. I quickly began to develop a friendship with my teacher as well. I would stay after school and help him tutor my peers who didn't quite understand the material, and we realized that he and I had a lot in common. We had a shared interested in hiking, snowboarding, rock climbing, and the environment, so we started both a rock climbing club, as well as a conservation and outdoors club. We would have club meetings Thursday at the local rock gym, and on the weekends, we'd arrange events such as hikes, kayaking trips, or simply just getting a group of students together to clean up trash. By the end of the school year, my teacher, an avid cyclist, convinced me to buy my first bike and start riding. Four years later, after graduating college, I rode my bicycle across the country on a self supported, 4300 mile long ride, which was by far the greatest experience and accomplishment of my life. I owe a huge portion of who I am to my high school physics teacher. Had it not been for him, I don't think I would have developed a passion for physics, let alone many of my hobbies and interests. I believe a teacher can have a lasting effect on a student, in both the course material as well as who they become as a person, and I strive to leave this effect on my students. School can be difficult, but a teacher who is willing to be patient, to show enthusiasm in the classroom, and to try to understand their students the best that they can make all the difference in the world. I believe that is how I am as a tutor.