An Inspired Chat with Ivy Patterson of Online

We recently had the chance to connect with Ivy Patterson and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Ivy , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Recently, I have had a few moments that have made me feel proud. I recently received the Compassion and Commitment Award given to me by a non-profit organization by the name of the McKinney-Green Student Aid Foundation. This foundation has been a blessing to my business, Divine Essentials Virtual Tutoring Service, LLC. Through this organization, we have awarded tutoring scholarships to several high school seniors all over the state of Alabama. We have also constructed an ACT boot camp for high school seniors and juniors. At the ACT boot camp, these high school students were exposed to ACT practice tests, tips and tricks for the test, and other resources that would help them be successful on the test. As a result of the boot camp, one high school junior felt confident enough to take the ACT and made a 24 on the portion of the math part of the test. We also had two high school seniors receive academic scholarships to college.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ivy Patterson, and I have been in the field of education for about 13 years. I took my first job in a rather large school system. From there, I worked in a Title I school, and then moved into the role that I am in today where I serve as an English teacher, Student Government Sponsor, and served as Cheer Coach for several years, and now into this role as an entrepreneur.

In addition, I have over 12 years of teaching experience and I am a highly qualified/ certified English teacher. I have a Bachelor’s Degree from Alabama A&M University, as well as, certification to teach English. While at Alabama A&M University, I served as a cheerleader and an ambassador for the English Language Arts Department of the school. I received my Master’s degree from Jacksonville State University. This degree is also majoring in Secondary Education with a concentration in English Language Arts. I have also received my Educational Specialist degree in Teacher Leadership from Jacksonville State University. I have a love for learning and it is my mission to help uncover this passion in all my students. In my free time, I enjoy reading, crafting, shopping, and spending time with my loving family.

Divine Essentials Virtual Tutoring Service, LLC is special because we believe that educating our youth is at the foundation of building our community. We exist to help all students achieve and have their dreams come to fruition. We take a unique and innovative approach to teaching that helps students connect with the subject matter they need to master. Through personalized and focused teaching processes, our students develop the tools they need for ongoing success. Our students see a 90% grade improvement in the areas of Reading, Math, and Science. Divine Essentials caters to students beginning at the pre-k level- Graduate level. We also offer adult education opportunities. We are an online-based tutoring company.

Divine Essentials Virtual Tutoring Service, LLC was born out of a need for students to get extra help with schoolwork, due to the effects that were caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. Out of all of my years in education, I had not seen a decline in student achievement like that caused by the pandemic. There were honor roll students failing in all subjects due to virtual and hybrid learning. Students just could not grasp the material on their own, and many parents did not know how to help; therefore, Divine Essentials Virtual Tutoring Service was born.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
Both of my parents are definitely the people that taught me the most about work. My mother is a retired educator who served as a teacher, school principal, and curriculum coordinator for a school system. My father served on the school board, and served as a pastor and Senior Services Coordinator at the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and the Blind. He also served on the city council, where he served for more than 30 years. I can say that my parents had a huge impact on where I am in my life today, and I love and am eternally grateful to them both. They instilled my work ethic in me at a very young age.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Honestly, when I started Divine Essentials, it was a struggle at first, and I almost gave up. I still have my challenges and hills to climb. This was an idea that just came to me and a couple of my friends and we were able to create something really special. Some of the struggles came with building any business. You have to follow business protocols, set up a website, get active on social media, and in the community. All of this helps to build clientele.

I learned that you can work really hard at something and still have struggles. You just have to keep going, and pray that things work out for the greater good. Divine Essentials is my ministry. I feel a calling to help students to learn the importance of having a good education and be successful at their studies. I love to see my clients grow more confident, and become successful in life. I pray that Divine Essentials keeps growing.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire my parents for their character. They are really good people, and they both taught me to be a good person as well.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I give everything my best on a daily basis. Whether it be at home, at work, in school, or with my business. I am always putting my best foot forward. Honestly, when and if I do receive accolades, I am usually surprised. I do not do what I do in order to be praised. I simply enjoy doing good work, and helping others.

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