Meet Kessey Cham | Organic Chemistry Tutor and Mentor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kessey Cham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kessey, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started my business because I recognized the struggle with Organic Chemistry and saw a way to provide a service to others to help build their confidence and get them the grades they needed for their premedical program. However, it wasn’t through my confidence but the recommendation of my mentor how I started my business venture. I remember failing my first exam, and she said, ” how did you fail when I saw you teach your friends the concepts? They did better than you!” At that moment, I focused on learning the topic in the most intrinsic ways; once I felt somewhat confident, I decided to help others or kept my service costs low to get people to trust me and my techniques to make the subject fun and exciting! My mentor realized that I had the patience to help people, but I had a teaching gift! That gift has made me the happiest business owner, and I know more is to come for my brand and me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a Chemist, Laboratory Coordinator, and Supervisor at a University and an entrepreneur who has just completed her Master’s in Chemistry with my Public Health certification. I struggled through my undergraduate program and was on academic probation at one point with a 1.87, graduated with a 2.42, and throughout was told I would fail. I wanted to complete my Master’s shortly after to redeem myself since the world focused on making my GPA define me. I wanted to complete the Master’s program immediately after and remembered someone in my department who stated, “Your GPA and writing skills won’t get you far. Don’t waste your time taking the GRE because you probably won’t do well.” That stunted my growth for eight years, and I was too afraid to apply myself, but something about the challenges of learning still made me want to do it. My friend and dear sister told me to go for it! I did, but still, people on a committee for the university who personally knew me wanted to deny me, but a colleague fought for me, and I was accepted.

I want those who read this to understand adversity will come; people will be jealous, bitter, and complicate your dreams, but if you want it, go for it no matter the difficulty or even your age! It wasn’t easy to have a full-time job, tutor, go to school, and have a social life while being there for the family. I sacrificed a lot, but it was worth it. I continually asked God to reveal the obstacles that are upon the horizon and give me the strength to overcome them. I had learned to have patience, accept criticism, and came into my boldness as an individual. I learned to command respect and let no one shake my character.

Better Academics Right Now LLC is a company that would like to focus on STEM courses. I have hired students to provide the academic support needed to help others succeed in their college careers. Students are the best teachers because they can relate and guide future students away from the mistakes they made themselves. My brand is growing, and soon an extension will be released for Organic Chemistry students.

I want the world to know no journey in life will ever be easy. As you elevate, the air will get thin, and not everyone can survive. I would tell an entrepreneur and student the view midway is beautiful, but imagine what it is at the top! There is no smooth path when you’re expanding your knowledge and territory. The struggles are worth the reward. I’m close to the top now, and that treacherous journey filled with pain and tears made me stronger.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I’ve been in Atlanta for 20 years and still haven’t seen or gone many places. However, these are some of my favorite places: The Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia, The High Art Museum, The Georgia Aquarium, Ponce City Market, Zoo Atlanta, CNN Center, Perspire, Chateau Elan, Sweet Auburn Historic District, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Krog Street Market, The King Center, Atlanta Beltline, The Battery, and Piedmont Park, Centennial Park, Stone Mountain.

Some of my favorite places to eat are Slutty Vegan, Twisted Soul Cookhouse and Pours, Secreto, Breakfast at Barneys, Fin, and Feathers, Mary Mac’s Tea Room, Pascals, La Parilla Mexican Restaurant, Yard House, Antico Pizza. Be sure to visit the outlet malls while you are here. There is so much to do!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I am thankful for a supportive family and work mom who always told me to continue to hustle towards my goals. They have seen me on the verge of giving up, the late nights and early morning sacrifices to serve others while in school and maintaining a full-time job.

I am thankful for my two mentors Dr. Mutanyatta-Comar and Dr. Vasquez, and close friends who first told me not to fear what others think and supported me for the past 11 years I have done this. They have pushed me to become the best version of myself. They all told me I do too much running around, but they know it’s my passion. My heart for helping students is service to my community and brings me joy. Everyone around me helps me pace myself, but they also push me to think bigger, work wiser, and learn my worth.

Last but not least, my students! They are out here succeeding and have pushed me for years to elevate. I am proud to see you becoming the doctors, pharmacists, and dentists I knew you could be! They have told me not to let fear keep me down. Thank you for speaking to my soul, being patient while I learned your specific learning style, and pushing me to be the best version of myself!

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kessey-cham-17259092

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/b.a.rightnow/services/?service_id=2342935195754280

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHEZ-aCoZ3mMkrXsZk-R_og

Other: http://voyageatl.com/interview/meet-kessey-cham-of-better-academics-right-now-aka-b-a-r-n/

Image Credits
Chelsea Newton RedShots Photography email: redshotsphotography@gmail.com Andrea Nicey Handcraftdesigners email: Handcraftdesigners@gmail.com