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Meet LiFeng Chen of GradeUp Tutors

Today we’d like to introduce you to LiFeng Chen.

LiFeng Chen

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started my own tutoring company with a clear goal: to help families afford good education. I wanted to focus on problem-solving and make a real difference in their lives. My aim wasn’t just to tutor a few kids but to support entire families. I wanted my company to be like a superhero for them, guiding them through tough times and securing a bright future for their children.

I knew some families might struggle to give their kids the best learning environment. So, I wanted to lend a hand. Whether it’s providing computers or helping with financial aid and scholarships, I was committed to breaking down any barriers to success.

My drive came from believing in the potential of students and also from my own experiences. I remember a tough time during college when I felt completely lost. I made a big mistake and faced the possibility of getting kicked out. I looked everywhere for help but found myself alone. My parents supported me, but they didn’t know how to navigate the system. My friends wanted to help, but they were as clueless as I was.

Feeling hopeless, I realized there weren’t enough resources for people like me facing academic challenges. The internet didn’t offer much help either. It was a tough time, and I felt like my whole life was on the line. But I didn’t give up. I faced the challenge head-on, determined to find my own way out. That experience pushed me towards entrepreneurship. I wanted to create a support system for others going through tough times academically. Nobody should feel as lost as I did.

That’s why I started my company. I wanted to be there for people like me, offering not just tutoring but also hope. I wanted to make sure nobody felt alone in their struggles. By offering support, I hoped to prevent others from going through the same hardships. I wanted to create a world where everyone has a chance to succeed, no matter what challenges they face.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey hasn’t been easy because I’m pioneering this path. There’s no blueprint in this industry to follow, no one to learn from. All the other companies operate on a different mission compared to mine, so I’ve had to figure things out on my own, just like when I faced challenges in college.

Lack of funds has been a major hurdle for my company. I couldn’t showcase its potential or fulfill my intention to assist families comprehensively in securing a bright educational future for their children. Sometimes, families walk away, doubting our sincerity. They’re accustomed to big companies with flashy ads, which often only scratch the surface of real help for families.

They find it hard to believe that a simple tutoring company like mine would go above and beyond to ensure their children receive the best education possible, without worrying about anything else. They think it sounds too good to be true.

As you know, we’re big fans of GradeUp Tutors. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My company specializes in tutoring services and goes beyond providing solutions to every problem a family might face. We have highly qualified tutors offering top-notch services for students from kindergarten to college, covering a wide range of subjects from basic school curriculum to specialized exams like LSAT, MCAT, TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GED, and more. Whatever a student needs, we ensure they’re matched with the perfect tutor.

Our commitment to customer care extends beyond tutoring sessions. With the client’s approval, we proactively reach out to ensure satisfaction and address any concerns. We welcome feedback on tutors or services and offer personalized financial assistance plans when needed.

In our monthly packages, we provide complimentary counseling services, offering personalized support to create a comfortable learning environment tailored to individual needs. Our assistance includes help with government financial aid applications, resources for low-income families, guidance with housing and school transfer applications, as well as specialized exam preparation and mental well-being support.

We also provide material assistance such as access to past exams, textbooks, and partnerships for discounted home appliance repairs and educational resources for DIY device repairs. Exclusive discounts at partnered clothing and school supplies brands further enhance the client experience.

We assist students in finding internships, and jobs, and navigating the process for international students seeking higher education in the United States. Additionally, our lending services allow clients to borrow electronic devices like computers, tablets, and phones at a nominal fee. This comprehensive support ensures our clients receive not only top-tier tutoring but also invaluable assistance to thrive academically and personally.

We take pride in our exceptional tutoring services, committed to transparency and client satisfaction. Our service stands out by eliminating additional fees such as late fees and no-show fees. Importantly, tutoring sessions only begin upon the client’s arrival, ensuring they receive the full duration of the scheduled session. If a client needs to reschedule a session, we prioritize flexibility and understanding without imposing charges.

What sets us apart and makes me most proud is our reputation as superheroes in the tutoring industry. We bring the entire school and more to the family’s doorstep, offering installment payment options and a 50% discount for the first month of our monthly packages. Before discussing prices, we offer a free trial session where clients can experience a 30-minute one-on-one or one-hour small group session with the subject of their choice to preview our tutors’ skills and determine if we’re the right fit for them.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Reflecting on the COVID-19 crisis, I’ve gleaned invaluable insights that resonate deeply with me and my company’s mission. The importance of adaptability and resilience echoes the ethos of our organization, where we constantly strive to evolve and overcome challenges in providing comprehensive educational support to families. The sense of community and solidarity observed during the pandemic reinforces our belief in the power of collaboration and support networks in achieving our goals.

Moreover, the crisis has reaffirmed the significance of prioritizing mental health and well-being, values that we integrate into our personalized approach to tutoring and counseling services. As we navigate the digital landscape, the accelerated digital transformation underscores the importance of leveraging technology to enhance accessibility and effectiveness in delivering our services.

The global interconnectedness highlighted by the pandemic further emphasizes the universality of our mission to empower students worldwide. In essence, the lessons learned from the COVID-19 crisis resonate deeply with our company’s core values and guide our continued efforts to provide unparalleled educational support to families in need.

Pricing:

  • $55.99/per hour
  • $215.99/4 one-hour sessions monthly
  • $407.99/8 one-hour sessions monthly
  • $575.50/8 one and half hour sessions monthly or 12 one hour sessions monthly
  • New members will receive a 50% discount on their total for the first month!
  • Free 30min 1-on-1 demo class or free 1hour small group demo class

Contact Info:

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