Lepakshi Poonamallee

Biography

Growing up, I was surrounded by family members who studied economics, so that subject always felt familiar to me. Math, on the other hand, did not come naturally. Even so, I continued to challenge myself by taking the most rigorous math courses available throughout high school, including AP Calculus and AP Statistics. There were plenty of moments when I struggled, but I gradually realized that success wasn’t about being “naturally good” at math. It was about building confidence, approaching problems from a new angle, and believing that I could learn something that once felt out of reach. That journey eventually led me to earn bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Applied & Computational Mathematics from the University of Southern California, followed by an MSc in Economics from the London School of Economics.

These experiences shaped the way I approach tutoring today. I believe a good tutor does more than explain concepts. They help students develop the confidence to tackle subjects they once thought they couldn’t master. Whether I’m working with students in math, economics, or another subject, my goal is to create a supportive environment where questions are encouraged, mistakes are part of the learning process, and challenging material becomes manageable or even exciting. For me, the most rewarding part of tutoring is watching a student gain confidence and realize they’re capable of far more than they initially believed.

Outside of tutoring, I enjoy discovering new coffee shops, gardening, and watching Sherlock Holmes adaptations (my favorite is BBC’s Sherlock, starring Benedict Cumberbatch).