MY STORY
Additional Information
Though Lighting Up The Stars was officially created in early 2026, its roots go back to 2021—when everything began to take shape.
In 2021, I was just starting to discover who I really was. To most people, I was just a typical student who happened to be good at math. But to me, that wasn’t enough. I didn’t just want to succeed—I wanted to make a difference. I felt a strong responsibility to make math accessible to others, just like it had been made accessible to me.
I was fortunate. My parents always believed education was essential, and they gave me every opportunity to grow. With their support—and their own background in math as accountants—I was able to push myself further. Over time, I skipped two grade levels in math, competed in advanced competitions like AMC, and even won CalcuSolve competitions above my grade level.
But while math came naturally to me, I noticed something that stayed with me: many of my peers were struggling. Some were falling behind, others were losing confidence, and many simply believed they weren’t “good at math.” They often came to me for help, and I would explain concepts in ways they understood.
Still, one thought kept coming back to me:
I can’t help everyone… can I?
For a long time, I believed I couldn’t.
Until I realized—maybe I could.
That realization changed everything.
I began tutoring students whenever I could. I started a free math tutoring program at my local library, worked with a club that teaches competitive math at a middle school, and helped hundreds of students—friends, classmates, and others in my community. Some sessions were quick and informal, while others became more structured and ongoing. Over time, I even taught students consistently throughout the summer.
But what mattered most wasn’t the number of students—it was the impact.
I saw students go from confusion to clarity. From frustration to confidence.
And I knew this shouldn’t be limited to just the people around me.
That’s why I created Lighting Up The Stars—not just as a website, but as an opportunity.
An opportunity for students who don’t have access to help.
An opportunity for those who feel left behind.
An opportunity to make learning fair.
Because the truth is, not everyone is given the same chances. Even my own parents had to work their way up from very little. The difference often comes down to opportunity—and whether someone chooses to create it.
I chose to create it.
My goal is to take this mission beyond my local community—to expand it nationally, and eventually globally—so that every student has access to the support they deserve.
I don’t just want to teach math.
I want to build confidence.
I want to create real understanding.
I want to give students skills that will help them in school, in their careers, and in life.
Every student has their own path.
Sometimes, they just need someone to help them find it.
And that’s what this is all about.
Lighting up students—one star at a time.
