Meet Ben Golburgh

We recently connected with Ben Golburgh and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ben, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Certainly! Here’s a rewritten version that directly answers the question about finding your purpose:

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From an early age, I felt a profound calling to pursue a career in teaching, and this unwavering passion has shaped my entire life’s journey. My purpose began to take shape when I started assisting individuals with Down Syndrome and dedicating my time to meaningful organizations like the Special Olympics and the Buddy Club at the Jewish Community Center. This early involvement deepened my desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

Further immersing myself in the field, I became a soccer coach with AYSO, which enriched my experience working with children and solidified my commitment to education. Completing my education at the esteemed College of Education at Florida International University was a pivotal step, leading me to a fulfilling path as a classroom teacher. Over nearly 25 years, I taught in both Miami, Florida, and Los Angeles, California, gaining invaluable experience.

Although I left the conventional classroom setting in 2012, my dedication to education never waned. In 2014, a fortunate turn of events introduced me to the realm of homeschooling, opening new avenues for me to explore. Currently, I work with a diverse range of students, including those who are homeschooled and those attending public or private schools full-time. My role involves providing remedial support, offering enrichment opportunities, and guiding students in developing critical thinking skills.

My extensive experience allows me to offer personalized support and guidance to students and their families, with a steadfast commitment to helping each individual reach their fullest potential. This journey of helping others, beginning in my youth and evolving through various roles, has solidified my purpose in education.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

From an early age, I felt a profound calling to pursue a career in teaching, and this unwavering passion has shaped my entire life’s journey. My purpose began to take shape when I started assisting individuals with Down Syndrome and dedicating my time to meaningful organizations like the Special Olympics and the Buddy Club at the Jewish Community Center. This early involvement deepened my desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Further immersing myself in the field, I became a soccer coach with AYSO, which enriched my experience working with children and solidified my commitment to education.

Completing my education at the esteemed College of Education at Florida International University was a pivotal step, leading me to a fulfilling path as a classroom teacher. Over nearly 25 years, I taught in both Miami, Florida, and Los Angeles, California, gaining invaluable experience. Although I left the conventional classroom setting in 2012, my dedication to education never waned. In 2014, a fortunate turn of events introduced me to the realm of homeschooling, opening new avenues for me to explore.

This journey led to the creation of my website, SmartStudyBuddy.com, where I currently work with a diverse range of students, including those who are homeschooled and those attending public or private schools full-time. Through Smart Study Buddy, I provide remedial support, enrichment opportunities, and guidance in developing critical thinking skills.

What excites me most about my work is the ability to offer personalized support and witness the transformation in my students as they reach their fullest potential. The unique aspect of my approach is the blend of extensive experience, dedication, and a genuine passion for education, which allows me to tailor my methods to meet each student’s needs effectively.

In terms of new developments, I am continually expanding the resources available to StudyBuddy to better support students and their families. This includes launching new programs that focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and personalized learning plans. My goal is to ensure every student can thrive academically and personally, no matter their learning environment.

Through StudyBuddy, I remain committed to making a lasting impact on the educational journeys of my students, helping them achieve success and confidence in their abilities.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were empathy, adaptability, and a lifelong commitment to learning.

Empathy was crucial as it allowed me to connect deeply with my students and understand their unique needs and challenges. This quality enabled me to create a supportive and nurturing learning environment. For those early in their journey, developing empathy involves active listening, practicing patience, and genuinely caring about the well-being of others. Volunteering and working with diverse groups can also help build this skill.

Adaptability played a significant role in navigating the ever-changing landscape of education. Whether it was transitioning from traditional classroom teaching to homeschooling or adjusting my methods to cater to individual students, being flexible and open to change was vital. To develop adaptability, embrace new experiences, remain open-minded, and be willing to step out of your comfort zone. Continuous self-reflection and feedback from others can also aid in becoming more adaptable.

A lifelong commitment to learning has been a cornerstone of my professional growth. Staying current with educational trends, seeking new knowledge, and continuously improving my skills allowed me to provide the best possible support to my students. For those starting out, cultivate a habit of regular learning, whether through formal education, professional development courses, or self-directed study. Stay curious, ask questions, and never stop seeking opportunities to grow.

My advice to those early in their journey is to focus on these qualities and skills. Empathy will help you build strong, meaningful connections; adaptability will enable you to thrive in various situations; and a commitment to learning will ensure you remain knowledgeable and effective in your field. Surround yourself with mentors, seek diverse experiences, and always be open to feedback and improvement.

How would you describe your ideal client?

My ideal client is a family or student who places a high priority on education and is committed to achieving their fullest potential. The characteristics that make someone an ideal client for StudyBuddy include:

1. Commitment to Learning: Families and students who are dedicated to continuous improvement and value the importance of education. They understand that education is a lifelong journey and are willing to invest the necessary time and effort.
2. Open-Mindedness: Clients who are open to new methods and approaches in learning. They appreciate personalized education plans and are willing to embrace innovative strategies tailored to their unique needs.
3. Active Participation: Both students and their families are actively involved in the learning process. This includes consistent communication, engagement in sessions, and a proactive attitude toward overcoming challenges.
4. Strong Support System: Families who provide a supportive environment at home, reinforcing the importance of education and encouraging their children to succeed.
5. Goal-Oriented: Students and families who have clear academic and personal development goals. They are motivated to achieve these goals and are committed to working collaboratively to reach them.

At StudyBuddy, I am dedicated to offering personalized support and guidance to students and their families, ensuring they reach their fullest potential. By focusing on these characteristics, I can effectively partner with clients who are aligned with my mission and vision for education.

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