SEND Friendly Qualified English and Drama Teacher with QTS and PGCE offering lessons in the Dramatic Arts, based in London

Find out more about Ridhi

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

  My fields/ specialities are English and Drama. As a young child, I was always very creative and extremely talkative, so naturally, I would express myself through writing and performing. I did many extra-curricular activities and shows related to these subjects in high school and the older I grew, the more I realised it's what made me truly happy and so I decided to pursue both in my studies and career. I've also always had a knack with children and caring in general, so since I was 15, I'd volunteer at different schools over the summer and soon realised how much I loved teaching as well. In University, I started private tutoring and really enjoyed the 1:1 aspect and watching my students grow and develop in their subjects and passions and it really was so rewarding every time, so I decided to continue and have been private tutoring ever since!

• Which artists or works affect you the most?

  Maya Angelou has been one of my favorite poets since I was a young girl and budding writer; I've always looked up to her as a woman of colour. Her words, poetic craft and
  structural choices paired with her voice, rhythm and flow is simply mesmerising and motivating. Along with Carol Ann Duffy's feminist poetry and Shashi Tharoor's brutally honest "Inglorious Empire: What The British Did To India", these are some of the top writers/ works that have affected me the most and inspired me as both a reader and writer. In terms of cinema and acting, I've always admired Al Pacino for his acting style, characterisation and role in classic films. Other artists whom I also admire include: Robert De Niro for his myriad of timeless roles, Sylvester Stallone for never giving up on his scriptwriting and acting dream, Marlon Bando for his class method acting, Julia Roberts for pursuing her acting dream, Angelina Jolie for her humanitarianism and Jennifer Lawrence for just being herself.

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

  Yes, quite a few! One of my high school Drama Teachers, Miss Tampa, really encouraged my love for the dramatic arts and taught me how to really be and feel free when on stage. I saw the way she would completely let herself go when she took on a role, be it even for a few seconds to give us examples or ideas, but watching her transform from teacher into thespian, was really moving and I wished for nothing more than to have her confidence and craft. Then, we have Alison Baker, my housemistress when I came to study the IB in a boarding school in the UK. She saw something in me that I couldn't; and even though she never formally taught me, she taught me to believe in myself and pursue my passion. She really inspired me to express myself in an unapologetic way and also helped me realise my passion for helping and teaching others! Finally, in my last year of University, my Drama Professor, Martin Harvey, motivated me to share and perform my own pieces and if it wasn't for him and his coaching, I never would have performed my slam poetry or ever thought of publishing it and my other works!

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

  I think the three main qualities a good tutor requires are the three P's: Passion, patience and planning. Firstly and most importantly, a good tutor should have a passion for the subject/ area they teach - not just like it or be knowledgeable about it, but really love it and understand it, in a way that brings happiness to them sharing it with and teaching it to others. Secondly, comes patience. In the field of education, this quality is pertinent; everyone learns at different paces and through different methods, so taking the time to explain and re-explain things or even just the time to wait for your student to truly understand something, is key to consolidating their learning. Thirdly, comes planning. This involves thoroughly organising and tailoring a lesson to the student's specific needs and creating good enough material that will challenge your student and push them outside of their comfort zone, and simultaneously gives them the time and space to grow and develop without any pressure. This also involves showing up on time and being prepared for unprecedented circumstances.

• How would you describe your passion; how does it make you feel?

  I would describe my passion as fulfilling, fascinating and forever growing. It makes me feel like I have a purpose, something to make for myself as well as share with others.

• What creative achievements are you particularly proud of?

  The creative achievement that I am the most proud of would have to be my first and published poetry collection Don't' Be Long. Don't Be Long is an unashamedly unapologetic and provocative poetry collection that explores the conflicts and complexities of people who identify with more than one country or community, particularly focusing on my experiences as a 'British-Indian-Malawian'. What drove me to write this collection about diaspora, decolonisation and discrimination, were my countless experiences of racism in the UK, combined with my realisation of the relative lack in presence of diasporic voices in poetics. As an advocate for social justice and equality, I hope to spread cultural awareness through my passion for the Spoken Word art form and contemporary experimental poetry.

• Have you ever been surprised by a student; by their ability or quick progression?

  I have! One of my younger LAMDA students started off as quite quiet and reserved, he would barely talk to me and was not very active in many of the drama activities and warm-ups I prepared. His dad said he had always been a shy kid, uninterested in any kind of performance and has been generally unsuccessful in getting him to be more confident and extroverted. However, after a few weeks of practice and persistence, he began to open up and warm up to me. For him, this was a quick progression and transition. It was a very heart-warming moment for me, knowing that he felt comfortable with and trusted me to finally let go a little.

• Being a Superprof is an art! What is your secret?

  I don't really have a secret to be honest, or rather it's not something that needs to be hidden! I think what makes me good at being a Superprof is my continuous implementation of my three C's: my charisma, compassion and consciousness. (You can probably tell by now that I'm an English nerd because of my constant use of alliteration!) I trust that my infectious energy levels, my motivational and mentoring personality, and my unique ability to connect with others is what helps me have a strong and long-lasting impact on those I teach!