From Failing to Flourishing — Annina’s Chemistry Comeback
She thought she was hopeless at Chemistry. She almost gave up.
But one lesson changed everything.
I want to share how Annina went from failing her IB Chemistry SL class to passing every single exam—and finally understanding a subject she once feared.
Meet Annina: The Student Who Thought Chemistry Was Impossible
Annina was in Year 13, her final year of the International Baccalaureate program.
She had been struggling through IB Chemistry SL for over a year—and things were getting worse. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t keep up. She was failing, overwhelmed, and convinced that Chemistry just wasn’t for her.
The worst part? She didn’t think a tutor could help. She was scared of being judged. And she doubted whether anyone could explain Chemistry in a way that actually made sense to her.
One Lesson, One Shift: “The First Time I Actually Understood Chemistry”
Out of desperation, Annina gave online tutoring a try, and everything changed.
In her words:
“The first time I actually understood chemistry well was in my first lesson with her.”
I focused on clarity. No shame. No pressure. Just patient, empathetic teaching.
I encouraged her to ask questions, even the ones she felt silly for not knowing.
We revisited tough topics. We repeated ideas until they clicked.
And most importantly, I celebrated every small win along the way.
Small Wins Turn into Big Results
That first breakthrough gave Annina the motivation to keep going. She told her parents how much she loved the lesson.
She started trusting her ability to learn again. Lesson after lesson, we kept building her knowledge—and her confidence.
She wasn’t just studying anymore. She was finally learning.
From Failing to Passing—Every Single Exam
When Annina started tutoring, she was scared she wouldn’t pass a single Chemistry test. Now? She passed every single one. With scores she never imagined possible.
In her own words:
“Without her, I think I would have failed every single exam, but with her help, I passed every single one and got scores I thought I would never get in chemistry.”
Final Thoughts: What Annina’s Story Can Teach Us All
Annina didn’t just improve her grades—she rebuilt her confidence. She proved that it’s never too late to ask for help. And that with the right support, even the most frustrating subjects can finally start to make sense.
Her journey shows that fear of judgment shouldn’t hold any student back. Because when learning feels safe and supportive, real progress begins.
