THERE are few things as precious as teaching — and in particular the language arts — to Althea Laing, a woman born into and bred by a family of educators.

Her establishment of the English Language Academy in Mandeville was, therefore, a natural next step for her, following years of service to the formal education system, which she still serves. And in true Laing form, she acted on faith to make it happen.

“Honestly, I paid my rent and security deposit and trusted God to do the rest,” the 55-year-old former supermodel told Career & Education.

She added that she knew she would be unstoppable given her motivation.

“I was encouraged by many persons who believed that others should access my skills and services as they believe that my love for students and the language has motivated them to excel — coupled with the personal development component offered,” said Laing, who opened the doors to the academy in September 2010, after a year of tutoring from home.

It has all come together well.

“All the chairs, tables and whiteboard were gifts from parents who had benefited when I operated at home with just about 10 students. Thanks to Mr and Mrs Douglas of Total Supermarket in Mandeville, Mrs Carmen Harriott and Mrs Fraser of Impact Trading in Mandeville,” said a grateful Laing, whose establishment of The English Language Academy follows in the tradition of her father Albert Reynolds, who opened the doors to Black River Primary many years ago.

Her mother Carmen, too, was an educator, and principal of Black River Primary.

Laing — who has earned recognition for her success in teaching the language arts over the years, including at The Belair School and May Day High were she taught — also has a grandfather, Cyril Thompson, who was principal of Broughton Primary in Westmoreland; a grand uncle, Buxton Thompson, who was one of the first people to open a private school in Jamaica; and an aunt, Cynthia Gordon, who was an in-service education tutor. Another of her aunts, Jean Mullings, taught at Mona Prep and served as its headmistress on several occasions. She retired as vice-principal.

“Education for me is genetic and although I tried to run away from education, education captured me,” a relaxed and laughing Laing told Career & Education.

She currently offers tutoring services in communication tasks for the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) and in English language and literature in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examinations. Laing also tutors in communication studies and literatures in English for the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations, and sources math and physics tutors — if there exists a need among her core of students.

The cost of her service ranges anywhere from $500 to $1,500.

Quizzed as to why she had opted to zone in on the language arts, she had this to say: “I am not going to factor in anything else. English language is my forte. A lot of people get involved in a lot of things and it gets watered down.”

Meanwhile, the mother of two said while there is no question of the challenges involved with running a business — even one about which one is passionate — she is undaunted.

“The first year was rough, but I am now in the second year. I am doing it for the long haul; I am not giving up because I know there is a need,” said Laing, who holds a first degree, with honours in language arts from Knox Community College and a certificate, with distinction, in teaching practice from Excelsior Community College.

She also draws inspiration from students, including Horace Lawrence, who, under her tutelage, earned a distinction in English language in second form and another in literature at third form — complete with a straight A profile.

Lawrence sings her praise.

“It’s been a good experience and I am still continuing to work with her, moreso for literatures in English and communication studies,” the Decarteret College student told Career & Education, adding that Laing had done a fantastic job of helping him.

“I would give her all the credit because I didn’t realise my potential at that moment. Motivation came, too, from family and friends. My sister did classes here (at the academy) as well as and my good friend Troy,” the 16-year-old added.

According to Laing, too often children with the ability to excel are not challenged enough and she aims to correct this at the academy, which has so far offered services to some 50 students.

“The English Language Academy will endeavour to encourage creativity and correct any apparent weaknesses which exist in the students’ acceptance and understanding of the language arts. All students are capable of achieving grade one in the subjects offered. Every child can and must learn,” she said, referencing her mission statement.

That is fuelled by her own philosophy: ‘Perseverance is the key to success’.

“There are personal challenges, but I know that my God has promised that no weapon formed against me shall prosper so I forge my life on that belief. He is a God who fulfils his promises,” Laing noted.

She added that she was intent on making a success of the business, with plans to extend her services to Kingston within another few months — once she identifies a suitable location and gains a cohort of students.

In the interim, Laing plans to diversify her service offerings, certainly to students in Manchester.

“I plan to expand into GSAT enrichment, where students on the shift system may attend the academy in the mornings and be supervised before going to school. Hopefully, this should take off in September,” said Laing, who is currently a one-woman operation.

“My business is about my goodwill. When I can train someone who can teach the language arts as I can, then this will lift the burden from my shoulder,” she added.

Laing’s tips for prospective entrepreneurs

* Know that with God all things are possible.

* Don’t be afraid to follow your dreams.

* Recognise that there is a silver lining behind every dark cloud.

* Be prepared to step out of your comfort zone.

* Stay true to yourself and be committed to your clients.