Today we’d like to introduce you to Bria Ogundele.
Hi Bria, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
After graduating college, I began teaching elementary school in the public school system. I absolutely loved building genuine relationships with my students and families and watching my students grow as the school year progressed. However, each school year my heart was broken over and over again as my students entered my classroom below grade level in reading. I knew that something had to be done about this; that literacy needed to be the focal point of my classroom instruction. But, in all honesty, I didn’t know how to make it happen. I didn’t feel equipped nor did I have enough hands to help fill my students’ reading gaps.
In June 2021, First Things First Tutoring was born; a service that provides virtual, private reading tutoring and enrichment for Kindergarten through fifth-grade children. I genuinely see “gaps” as “growth opportunities”. I am confident that with engaging, systematic instruction on the child’s current reading level and with commitment from the parents/guardians, a child has the opportunity to grow far beyond what anyone may have ever imagined!
I am grateful to the Lord for this gift of educating and for the opportunity to use it to impact the next generation.
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?
It has not been a smooth road, nor did I expect it to be. I have always been self-motivated and have thrived in environments where I have had the opportunity to set goals and work to achieve them, all while using my creativity. However, edupreneurship has stretched me far beyond my comfort zone. I have had to wear and balance all of the “hats” in my business and am still working to do so effectively and efficiently. But, I am grateful for the progress that has been made this past year and am excited for the growth that is to come.
As you know, we’re big fans of First Things First Tutoring. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Literacy is the key to self-sufficiency.
Unfortunately, it is not always treated as such. Oftentimes, an investment in sports training or music lessons is prioritized over the investment in a tool that will change the trajectory of a child’s life forever.
This is why First Things First Tutoring was born. I am on a mission to partner with parents who:
1. Have a desire for their young children to have a strong reading foundation
2. Are sick and tired of watching their children struggle with reading and are committed to the process of closing the gaps
FTF provides engaging, systematic, online reading instruction for children in grades K-5. (They have so much fun while learning and often don’t want the session to end.) But, the learning is only possible because of the genuine relationships that I work hard to establish with each child. Whether it’s noticing a new pair of glasses, asking about the results of a spelling test, or sending a “Happy Birthday” text, connecting with each FTFKid is extremely important to me.
In addition to building relationships and having fun, FTFKids GROW. This growth is a direct result of:
1. Targeted instruction – No pressure of state standards, just meeting individual reading needs with research-based material
2. A relaxed environment – No pressure to perform in front of a classroom full of peers. We make mistakes so that we can learn from them.
3. A confidence boost – With consistent focus and practice, FTFKids begin to realize that they can read. We crush the negative talk and replace them with life-giving words of encouragement.
Literacy is the key to self-sufficiency. I won’t stop advocating for our children.
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?
Business aside, the COVID-19 pandemic has helped me to focus on what matters most in my life; my relationship with Jesus Christ, with my husband, and with close family and friends. Yes there are other things, including the success of FTF Tutoring, that are important to me. But the opportunity to spend quality time with the people I love is a gift that should not be taken for granted.
Contact Info:
- Website: ftftutoring.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrsogundele_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrsogundele
Image Credits
Carlos Santos- Photographer
