Conversations with Cali Schweikhart

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cali Schweikhart. 

Hi Cali, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
When it comes to my work, I try to strike a balance between my two passions: fitness and education. I am a competitive obstacle course racer and a private tutor, and I love how these two pursuits complement each other. I got started with obstacle course racing (OCR) in 2015, which is actually the same year I started tutoring. Both began as new things to try for fun and developed into much more serious pursuits when I realized how much I loved them and found them fulfilling! After 2015, I began to dedicate more and more of my time to each. I tailored my training towards OCR and acquired more tutoring clients. I think when I realized that I could (and really wanted to) be successful in both and pursue them more seriously, I became very invested in following these passions. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t know if there is ever a totally smooth road! In athletics, challenges usually include injuries and slumps, both of which I have experienced. These things are never easy and test your dedication and love for the sport. But they can also teach you so much and help you grow stronger. 

With regards to tutoring, for a while, I was unsure if I could make it my main source of income. Sometimes it’s hard to believe in yourself as an entrepreneur… you doubt whether you can do something and make it “on your own.” I just kept tutoring because I loved it and tried to stay patient in the process of acquiring clients and building my business. By focusing on the quality of the product I was offering, I was able to stay true to myself and my brand and continue to gain traction in the tutoring space. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I pursue competitive obstacle course racing and other hybrid fitness competitions. It’s a major passion of mine and I love the sheer happiness and peace it brings me to be out on the trails and pushing my physical limits. 

I also run my own private tutoring business. I have been a private tutor since 2015 and am proud of how it has turned into such a major part of my life and how I make a living. Most of my clients are in middle school or early high school, and I specialize in mathematics for those grade levels. However, I also help with general organization and study skills, and a range of other subjects. I have always loved teaching and I think what helps me be an effective tutor is my ability to relate to and understand the students I work with. I try to see things from their perspective and be more of a helpful friend versus an authority figure. This usually gets them to open up and engage in the session more because they feel more comfortable and willing to learn with someone they view as supportive and fun to work with. I love relating to students and getting to know them as people first and foremost, as it strengthens the student-teacher relationship and makes for much more effective and enjoyable learning. 

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
One shift I have already seen happening in the tutoring industry is the gravitation towards remote/online learning. When the pandemic started, I shifted to fully remote sessions and it has stayed this way even though things have opened back up and restrictions have lifted. I personally love remote learning because it has allowed me to keep most of my clients from my hometown in NY and continue to help them grow and learn even though I now live in Colorado. It also greatly increases the size of the potential client pool! When done right, online/remote learning can be just as effective as in-person learning. It just takes some practice and consideration of every student’s individual needs. 

Pricing:

• 60-minute lesson (individual): $75
• 60-minute lesson (2 students): $45 each
• 60-minute lesson (3 students): $30 each
• 60-minute lesson (4+ students): $25 each

Contact Info:

• Website: theturbotutor.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cschweik/