18 Jun ENTREPRENEURIAL PROFILE – LA TOYA BURGESS

ENTREPRENEURIAL PROFILE – LA TOYA BURGESS

“YBTT has helped me tremendously in becoming a young successful entrepreneur. The company’s training and mentorship programmes are excellent” so said La Toya Burgess,  who is also heartened by YBTT’s “After-Care” support for entrepreneurs. According to Burgess, “your entrepreneurial success is dependent upon the support and additional resources you receive both at the start of your entrepreneurial dream and after you’ve started your business. This is critically important.” The owner of Burgess Mathematics Classes which was established since 2006, Burgess has been a mathematical whiz from childhood. “I just love the logical aspect of Mathematics.” She attained a Grade I in her CXC examinations, and also holds a BA in Education specializing in Mathematics for Secondary Schools.

Mathematics can be a challenging subject for many, and so Burgess was determined to assist both students and adults in better understanding the subject. Burgess’ love for the subject, as well as her willingness to share that much needed knowledge is reflected through the many mechanisms she uses to impart information. “Mathematics is a practical subject and you cannot read it for success. I utilize manipulative exercises and incorporate technology into my teaching methods. I also encourage students to research You Tube and seek additional information that would assist them in understanding the basic concepts” said Burgess.  Approximately nine (9) years ago, she began visiting people’s homes to conduct classes, a task which she has continued even up to today, in addition to managing her business, which has a current enrollment of 15 students.

Within the next five (5) years, Burgess hopes to expand her teaching into additional subject areas, thereby employing more teachers to support her efforts. “My educational facility would cater for preschoolers up to secondary school students, and would provide the broad range of important subjects including Mathematics and English Language” said Burgess.

Burgess’ advice to young entrepreneurs “always complete what you’ve started as it is common for most young persons to leave tasks incomplete for many reasons. You must ensure that you accomplish your goals. Remember that YBTT is there to provide the holistic support needed by young entrepreneurs.”

 

By: Sandrine Rattan

Project Co-ordinator – Stakeholder & Media Relations (YBTT)

 

Published in the Trinidad and Tobago Newsday on Thursday, June 18th, 2015