Remember that you and your tutor are both on the same team. So you need never feel afraid about admitting that you’re finding something a challenge, or you’re falling behind, or anything like that. It’s understandable and admirable to think “I’ll try to sort this problem out on my own”. But if you can’t sort it out on your own quite quickly, it’s better to contact me and ask for help. I don’t mind. It’s literally my job, and I love my job. Most students tend to leave it much longer to ask for help than they should. They let problems build up, and with it their own stress, anxiety, and unhappiness. I’d prefer them to contact me sooner. I usually have the answers to the questions they are struggling with. I know about solutions and strategies they would never think of. I can help.

Think about me as a leader on a hike. All my students have joined this hike because they’re excited about being part of it, getting to the end, and seeing all the interesting things along the way. And I’m excited about taking them on the hike, making sure they all get to the end, see the interesting things, and have a good experience. If you get out of breath, or twist your ankle, or your bootlace snaps, I need to know so I can help you out. The last thing I want is to leave you behind and lose you. I’m not about judging people or punishing them or anything like that. That’s not what we’re here for. So there’s no need to hide anything from me that is affecting your ability to keep up with the hike/keep up with the module.