We recently connected with Angela Taylor-Hargrove and have shared our conversation below.
Angela, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with a hypothetical question – if it were up to you, what would you change about the school or education system to better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career?
Man, when I first thought about this question, I am not going to lie. My brain almost felt like a ping pong, thinking of the many things I would want to change about the education system.
I am not being negative, I am just being honest.
One word that kept popping up in my mind over and over again is, “test.”
If I could change one thing right now, it would be the education system’s philosophy that students should be taught to a test. Now, don’t get me wrong, tests are important and needed for everyday life. We need test oftentimes for job interviews, college, and they are also generally a great way for a person to assess their knowledge on something. I am not opposed to test, let me make that clear. I am opposed to students being taught, just to take a test. This kills the joy, creativeness, and fun out of learning. When we wonder why many kids hate school, why teachers may be leaving the classroom, why drop out rates are at an all time high, and why many kids graduate with no motivation to do anything else in life, a big portion of that is that they have spent over a decade of their life in school learning all year to get prepared to take a test.
I am sure that would not motivate anyone, and I am not being mean, just being honest. I ask my students who enroll in LCB Tutoring all the time how they feel about school, and 99% of them HATE school because they say it’s boring and there too many tests. They love tutoring and honestly never want to log off because it’s the only time they get to have fun while learning. Kids are not the only ones who hate all the tests, many parents do too! (But, that’s another convo for another day…lol)
I am not saying the education system needs to eliminate test. Keep the test, it is a great way to assess knowledge, I even use test in my LCB Tutoring program. I am saying do not teach to a test. An option I have found that works it to just simply create test taking strategies, go over keywords, and be sure they understand the concept. Those are the 3 big elements, along with mindset, to help students succeed on a test. Every lesson in school should not be “test prep.” So, if I could change something, that would be one thing.
In relation to the question of how to prepare students for a fulfilling life and career, I want to just start by saying that there is no “cookie cutter” way to doing this. Every child is different, and it’s important to not put them all into a box. I think understanding this concept is a great start to preparing them for a fulfilling life and career.
Some tools I use in LCB Tutoring that really helps students feel more fulfilled in their everyday life and career is helping them understand that everyone is born with gifts. Every single person on this earth was born with gifts. It’s just a matter of unwrapping those gifts and using them to make the world a better place. Do you know where the most talented people in the world are? As harsh as they may sound, it’s the graveyard. I am not saying this to be mean, I am saying this to bring awareness that we must start walking in purpose and using our gifts, and not just “floating” through life. Ways we can help our students understand this concept is by helping them recognize their strengths, interests, and discovering their passions.
I will share 2 examples of this. So, I have a student in LCB Tutoring who loves to make bracelets. We have started to discuss in sessions how good she is at it, and we have even went as far as brainstormed ways to create a career with this. And she wants to create a bracelet business! (By the way parents, your kids can get an LLC and start a business too, even if they are under 18!)
I have another student who I noticed liked to use her telescope and go outside and look at the stars. One day during our session, I mentioned Astronomy to her. That one conversation helped her discover that she wants to be an Astronomer when she grows up because she has a passion for space and the galaxy. We begin to look up requirements in college to do this, and she discovered it was a lot of Math and Science. She hated Math at one point, but developed a better relationship with it when she found out that it was related to her passion. Fast forward to less than a year later, she makes 100% most of the time on her Math tests!
These are just two concrete examples of students being able to live a more fulfilling life and career. I like to explain this very simple concept using this analogy. Help them first develop good mindset habits and self-esteem, then they discovering their strengths, which leads to discovering their passions which leads to their future careers being in alignment. I use a simple formula:
Mindset + Self-Esteem + Discovering their Strengths + Discovering their passions = Future Careers in Alignment! :)
Disclaimer: Parents, even if you don’t agree with your child’s passion and you want them to do something else, please do not do that. Let them be their own person. God created your child with their own unique gifts and purpose. If you decide to force them to do what you want them to do with their life, that will only create a mess and resistance down the line.
Angela, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Angela, and I have been able to break through suffering from depression and trauma, feeling hopeless, and the fear and uncertainty of leaving the classroom and starting a new journey into entrepreneurship. I have also been able to break barriers of having postpartum depression and being told by blood relatives that I was not a good mother when my daughter was young, and now I am a homeschooling mommy and I love it! I have also been a once single mom with a “baby daddy” who was absent in my child’s life, to now being happily married with a husband who blows my mind and loves our daughter and I, unconditionally. I am so grateful to share my journey with you because I know this may help you overcome roadblocks and challenges in your life, and be able to use your talents, which will allow you to live a life through your unique purpose. Because of what I have been through, I know that I am now a stronger Christian, disciplined, and ambitious. I pray that this article, will change your life in some way, and I can’t wait to hear form you!
I will start by sharing how I got into my 3 businesses being LCB Tutoring, becoming an author of the book To Teach or Not to Teach, and Angie Talks Life.
How did I get into LCB Tutoring?
Well, it kind of started in the summer of 2018, I had a parent who was so impressed by how I was teaching her son, that she asked me to tutor him in the summer. I said yes of course, and it was a great summer. I really wanted to keep going with LCB Tutoring during the school year, but I was so overwhelmed and busy with being in the classroom, that I just did not make time for it. Well, that changed when I quit my teaching job in March of 2021 due to toxic leadership and unrealistic demands that were being placed on teachers, as you will learn more about later in this article. I knew I wanted LCB Tutoring to be a place where busy parents have a peace of mind, and a place where learning can be simple and fun.
How did I become an author of the book, To Teach or Not to Teach?
This story is so random, but it all started on Instagram one day. An author coach that I was following asked if any teachers would like to speak up on their perspective on being in the classroom. I wanted to share my story, but I thought it was just going to be one of those zoom meeting panels where we just all take turns speaking. My mind was blown away that it was really an invitation to be a part of a book collaboration project with other wonderful educators who share their perspective on the controversial topic we are seeing everywhere: Should teachers stay or leave the classroom? In this story, myself and many other educators share their stories on if they are in the classroom or not, and their reasoning behind it. Definitely order you a copy which can be found at: www.lcbtutoring.com!
How did I get into being a life insurance counselor and selling life insurance, through Angie Talks Life?
This one is so tripped out, because this is the LAST THING I would have ever expected to do with my life! It all started last year in May of 2022. My husband and I were BROKE! We were going through a SEVERE FINANCIAL CRISIS! I am talking bank accounts in the negative and we were late on rent back to back! I kept trying to apply for jobs on Indeed, and nothing seemed to work out. My husband was doing the best he could to provide to keep us a float, as he worked for a trucking company. Finally, I got down on my knees and prayed. I was crying. I asked God to please help us get out of this bad situation we were in financially and help me get into something that will bring generational wealth for our family. God came through within 3 days I got an email from an Insurance company, that I do not even remember applying to! The one thing that stuck out was generational wealth, because that is what I prayed for! I never realized you can build wealth through Life Insurance policies, my mind was blown away (and still, is sometimes lol). I thought life insurance was just for your beneficiaries to have money when you die, so your family won’t have to make a Go Fund Me account. I was also wondering why no one ever told me that! I want to help other people learn that they can have their own ATM, Loan Office, and passive streams of income through Life Insurance policies and I do this through Angie Talks Life!
More about my products and services:
LCB Tutoring helps busy parents have a peace of mind by restoring their 3rd-8th grade child’s confidence in Reading Comprehension and Writing.
LCB Tutoring’s mission is to help our young leaders build confidence and soar academically in Reading and Writing by using the “Whole Child Approach” to learning. The L.C.B. experience will allow young leaders to maintain achievement learned while simultaneously empowering them for their bright futures!
More information about LCB Tutoring can be found at: www.lcbtutoring.com, Facebook: “LCB Tutoring by Angela” Instagram: @lcbtutoring
Email: [email protected]
Text/Call: (210) 305-2904
The book I wrote is called, “To Teach or Not to Teach.”
This is a collaboration book of educators sharing stories and tips on the controversial topic of leaving or staying in the classroom, which we all know is a hot topic everywhere right now! In this book, you will learn tips and strategies on how you can overcome obstacles and thrive no matter what final decision you make regarding staying in the classroom or leaving the classroom. The purpose of this book is to help you relate with honest stories from educators who were and are currently still in the trenches so you can choose the right path for you. To order your copy, visit: www.lcbtutoring.com
I help people learn how to build wealth and have another stream of income through Life Insurance Policies, and I also sell life insurance policies through a hassle-free process oftentimes resulting in instant decisions in under 20 minutes and no medical exams! I do this through my company, Angie Talks Life. The goal of Angie Talks Life is for people to learn something very life changing that I did not know, and that is, that life insurance policies have living benefits where you can use money if you get a flat tire, want to go on vacation, fix a roof on your house, or whatever you want!! Who does not need another stream of income in this economy? Have y’all seen the price of eggs? (lol, no but seriously!) Also, when someone passes away, it’s already hard enough, I want to save people from the burden of also trying to fund the funeral and hassle up, Go Fund Me accounts on Facebook.
To learn more and check us out visit: www.angietalkslife.com
You can find more information about Angie Talks Life on Instagram: @angelatalkslife
Or email, [email protected]
Three things that sets me a part from others may sound simple, but it’s true. I do care and I am passionate about helping people, I am not just doing any of these things for the money. Yes, money is important, and I want and need money, but notice that none of my mission statements mention “I want to do this just to get a lot of money from people.” That’s not the purpose. If I can help you, great! If I am unable to help you, or I know I may not be the right fit for you, I am not going to just take your money. I will tell you and help you outsource to someone who can help. This leads to my last two things which is I operate out of integrity and build relationships with all my clients! The last thing is everything I am doing was put on my heart from God and Jesus, so I am careful to make sure I am representing them well!
I am most proud of that fact that I was able to get out of my own head, overcome suicidal thoughts and depression. I am also proud that I married my wonderful husband that has been with me through the rain and storms, Vernon Hargrove. I love you baby, and I would not be the woman I am today without you! I also am proud to be the mother of my amazing daughter, Harmoni, who is 5 years old. We have been through a lot together, and I was so young when I had her, but I am excited we get to grow together. I am also proud that I have developed confidence through God and Jesus Christ, to share my true story and leave nothing out. Thank you Lanette Kincaid-Writing Coach LK for recommending me to be in this magazine! I am proud to have known you! Follow her on Instagram you all, she is amazing: @writingcoachlk And last but not least, I am also proud that I included my Uncle, Luther Charles Bradley in my business name for “LCB” Tutoring. I am so thankful that you believed in me being a teacher, even when the rest of my blood relatives did not, R.I.P. I hope to make you proud while you rest in your grave!
One thing that I want my potential clients and followers to know about me and my brand is that I care and I truly want to help you, as mentioned before. It’s not all about getting your money and making a profit, but helping! I also do not pressure people into making any decisions, I provide tools and let people make their own decisions. I offer free consultation calls as well for people to get to know me and see if I am a good fit, or just learn. I love people, so I want to build a relationship with you regardless and help you solve any problems you may be facing if I can!
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A lot! Where do I even begin? Lol! One thing that really comes to mind is thinking that I could just ignore my mindset, mental illness, and limiting beliefs that I had and was holding on to at the start of my business. I thought I could just grind and work hard and those feelings would just go away on their own. In other words, I thought starting my business and pursuing my dreams meant that my depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and negative thoughts I once had would just go away on their own, naturally. I quickly learned that I could not ignore my mindset. I learned that mindset is actually key and the first thing I should be working on if I want to be successful in not only my business, but in my everyday life as well.
Choosing to ignore my mindset and prayer life left me in a toxic rut at first of:
-worrying about what other people thought of me
-Suicidal thoughts kicked in
-My mental health, trauma, and insecurities were at an all time high
-Feeling not good enough
-Questioning if I can really do this
-Actually “caring” and internalizing the fact that many of my blood related family members did not believe in me
I had to learn that yes, you need to wake up earlier and spend time feeding your mind positive things, going to therapy to address trauma and mental health related issues I had from childhood and the way my family treated me in the darkest moments of my life, and prayer. By choosing to prioritize my mindset, I was able to release many limiting beliefs and negative thoughts that were holding me back. This gave me a sense of freedom and purpose, and I was able to truly focus on my business.
I just want to give a quick shout out to the people that played a role in helping me to develop healthier mindset habits:
-God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit
-My wonderful husband, Vernon Hargrove, I love you so much. I would not be the woman I am today, if I was not married to that man.
-Beyonce
-My daughter Harmoni for always hyping me up
-My old self, that I was once ashamed of…the person who had postpartum and suicidal thoughts! The girl who at one point, did not believe in herself!
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Pivoting should be my middle name at this point, lol! My life has been so full of rollercoasters, but looking back, I am thankful that it all happened. I needed all the struggles and pivoting that I experienced, to be where I am today.
One time that I remember vividly making a life changing, but also scary, pivot was on March 1st, 2021. This was the day that I quit my full time teaching position in the classroom. Literally, I packed my items, put in my two week notice, and was gone on March 1st. Yes, I say it boldly as if it was easy, but I promise it was the most uncomfortable day of my entire life, and I honestly feared what other people would say or think of me.
I have always wanted to be a teacher since I was in Pre-K, yes Pre-K. I was the kid who grew up teaching imaginary people and animals! All the neighbors in my neighborhood in Desoto, Texas knew me as the “little girl on the skates, playing basketball, and teaching!” I just knew when I passed my teacher certification exam and graduated in December of 2017, after giving birth to my daughter Harmoni, that I would retire teaching in the classroom. I had prepared my life to be a lifelong teacher, and if you would have told me 5 years ago that I would not be in the classroom, I would have probably laughed in your face and thought you were being negative.
Well, that changed the school year of August 2020. My principal at Dallas ISD was horrible! The district, as a whole was pretty awful in my opinion. They made us teach to a super boring powerpoint and we could not be creative or make it fun for our students. Not to mention, the kids could not have recess, I had to teach to a test, the principal was very controlling and disrespectful in every way you could imagine. Thank god for my amazing assistant principal, Irving Glen from Dallas ISD. Shout out to him, my teammates, and wonderful students who helped me get through it. The reason I had to quit was because I was so stressed out that I was starting to have panic attacks at night for months due to stress, high blood pressure, and my mental health was causing me to feel suicidal. Yes, it was that bad. I knew I had to make a change. I tried to hang in there and stay for the students and their parents, but I had to leave. The good news was they understood, and I was still able to keep in touch with them after I left.
I prayed to God and Jesus as much as possible. By doing this, I was able to stop ignoring what the Holy Spirit was telling me all along. which was to quit. I was very uncomfortable because I did not know what life was going to look like, but I knew I had to make the decision and trust God in the process. That is when LCB Tutoring started to come about fully, and I begin to slowly, but surely, develop business ideas and a plan. If you want to learn more about my journey of leaving the classroom and other teacher’s perspectives of staying or leaving the classroom, check out my book, To teach or Not to Teach. It can be found on my LCB Tutoring website! www.lcbtutoring.com
I am so thankful for the panic attacks, disrespectful principal, and mental trauma that being in the classroom caused me. Without it, I probably would not have had the guts to leave the classroom and create a learning experience where students get to have fun, my tutors feel valued and respected, and I now have enough life experience to help other people who are going through mental trauma. Big shout out to God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and my amazing husband for supporting me along the way, especially through my “growing pains”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lcbtutoring.com www.angietalkslife.com (Coming soon…)
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lcbtutoring/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072655840033
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVB8ZBhzaK73773O21TcywA
Image Credits
Angela Taylor-Hargrove