We had the good fortune of connecting with Kimberly Abad and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kimberly, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success is my faith in God. I know, beyond a doubt that God placed inside of me the gift to help others. This has been demonstrated through my book “Dear Black Girl” as well as my tutoring company “Tutoring Matters.” With these two happening simultaneously, they have been successful and I am certain it’s because of my obedience and willingness to do the work and see it through.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Tutoring Matters is locally based in Macon, Georgia, and we offer tutoring and test prep services, specializing in the areas of reading and writing. As a certified educator with over 15 years of experience, I saw a need in our community for targeted reading and writing instruction to supplement the general curriculum. As a teacher, I was able to get a first-hand look into how many students have fallen between the cracks and are not reading on grade level by the time they reach high school. With a fast-paced learning environment and heavy emphasis placed on testing achievement, it’s possible for students to miss out on foundational reading and writing skills.
My efforts to bridge the gap started very small, with me tutoring students at school. It then grew to me being able to serve small groups of students at the local library. Now, I am proud to say that Tutoring Matters, LLC has its own space, where I can better teach and guide students at the level in which they need to be reached.
Tutoring Matters, LLC is a great option for students right now because of the way that delivery and instruction has changed drastically this year. While educators are making their best efforts to meet the needs of all students, there are still some who are struggling to adapt to virtual learning and others who are not being challenged enough. With that being said, Tutoring Matters, LLC is not only for students who are behind but for gifted students who need to be pushed more. With a Masters of Education, experience teaching abroad, and AP certification, I’m sure that I can meet the needs of students at various levels of achievement.
This investment in a child’s future is so necessary. The opportunity for a young person to gain confidence in their ability to communicate effectively and comprehend the world around them is priceless. Now, even more than ever before, knowledge matters. Educating the adults of tomorrow matters. Tutoring matters.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would plan an exciting week of fun!
We would begin our tour at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park, Mulberry Street Market and Wesleyan Market.
We will then go over to the Hay House, Cannaonball House, Tubman Museum, Museum of Arts & Sciences and the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame.
After that, I would head over to the Rookery or Oliver’s downtown to eat.
And, we can’t forget about Amerson River Park and Lake Tobesofkee.
Next, I would take them to Coleman Hill Park and Down to the Douglass Theatre.
And we would end with a shopping spree at Shoppes at River Crossing and then to the famous Smiley’s Flee Market.
Of course, we wouldn’t do all of this in one day, but over the course of a week.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The person who deserves a LOT of credit is my husband, Rashad. Rashad, in large part, is the reason why “Dear Black Girl” was written and why Tutoring Matters exists. When covid 19 abruptly shut down the entire world, I was given the gift of time. During this time, Rashad encouraged me to focus and write “Dear Black Girl.” He knew that I had always wanted to write a book, but never could find the time (between being a wife, mother of 2 and educator). So, being quarantined presented the best opportunity for me to focus and write.
Having very active girls (4 and 2 years old), makes it difficult to do anything constructive when they are home. Again, when the world shut down, my tutoring schedule began to fill up fast. Parents quickly realized they were not teachers and that they needed assistance with helping their children be successful. I began to tutor at the food court in the local mall and the library. When those places shut down, I started tutoring in the local park. My husband, without any hesitation or trepidation encouraged me to continue tutoring and helped me increase my clientele. With his help, I was able to open my own tutoring center earlier this year. Because of him, his willingness to sacrifice and his love for me, I was able to do both (write the book and start the business) effortlessly at the same time. So, shoutout to my absolutely amazing husband Rashad Abad!
Website: www.kimberlyabad.com
Instagram: @abadgirl29
Linkedin: Kimberly L. Abad
Twitter: @KimberlyLAbad
Facebook: Kimberly Lowe Abad
Image Credits
Candice Scott Willie Miller Zack Williams